13 Accessories That Defined 1950s Fashion

The 1950s were a time of bustling parties and fashion trends that were just as loud and vibrant. We love looking back on the noteworthy style staples that defined the past, and the ’50s were full of iconic accessories — many of which are still gracing our closets today.

If you’re looking for ways to add a vintage touch to your wardrobe, you’ll want to keep these timeless trends on your radar. These accessories defined 1950s fashion and are pieces you can style today for a chic, vintage look.

Gloves

Gloves were one of the most defining staples of 1950s fashion. Women wore them everywhere, making any outfit look effortlessly elegant and chic. In the daytime, women sported short gloves to go about their errands and would switch to a pair of long gloves for a late-night soiree.

You can easily rock a pair of fancy white gloves today for a trendy, classy outfit out on the town. Fishnet gloves are also just as tantalizing as they were 70 years ago.

Cat Eye Sunglasses

This ’50s trend is one we’re still loving today. Cat-eye sunglasses were a key accessory perfect for a sunny day. They’re still the ultimate must-have accessory to pair with your outfit when you want to jazz things up.

Style icon Marilyn Monroe famously wore the style of shades in the ’50s, making them the go-to frame for an elegant, vintage fit.

Silk Scarves

During the ’50s, an outfit wasn’t complete without a classic sleek silk scarf. The versatile accessory was so iconic that it’s one you’ve probably seen regularly. Just look at Taylor Swift’s music video for “Wildest Dreams” to admire the vintage style in action.

We can’t get enough of this ultimate throwback accessory piece. Wear it as a neck adornment, tie it like a bow atop your head, or use it to keep your ponytail in place to make the most of this timeless accessory.

Girdles

Girdles had their time in the ’50s, and we can’t say we’re sad to see them go. Almost all women wore girdles to recreate that classic hourglass look that defined 1950s fashion.

Girdles fit like tight belts around the waist and weren’t known for being the most comfortable. While celebrities like Kim Kardashian are still rocking a super cinched waist, we’re happy to stick to the modern stretchy shapewear.

Hats

Hats in the ’50s were more than a simple accessory to throw on with an athletic outfit like we’re used to today. Back then, they were an elevated staple most women wouldn’t leave the house without.

Pillbox hats with lace details and fancy berets were just a few of the many elegant hats women styled for a classic and luxurious look. Fancy hats are still stylish today for special events like the Kentucky Derby.

Pearl Necklaces

The ’50s were all about looking your best, and what better way to elevate an outfit than with a pearl necklace? Pearl necklaces are straight out of the flapper era, and while they might seem like a fancy accessory today, a classic pearl necklace was the ultimate everyday accessory for women in the ’50s

A single or double-stranded pearl necklace can do wonders for a vintage-inspired outfit.

Shawls

Women loved tying together their outfits and adding a touch of elegance by draping a shawl over their shoulders. Fur shawls were a popular accessory in the 1950s, and women draped them glamorously over strapless dresses.

Shawls are a popular Old Hollywood trend you may have seen on red carpets, though the modern alternative is typically faux fur.

Handbags

Handbags were just as trendy in the 1950s as they are today. They’re practically a necessity, giving us a stylish place to carry our daily essentials. Despite being much smaller than the bolder, bigger bags we’re used to, ’50s handbags were a classic fashion staple women wore to coordinate with the rest of their outfits.

Matching accessories to your outfits was common during the era, and it’s still popular today. It’s not uncommon for a closet to house several styles of bags to accommodate a number of different looks.

Swim Caps

We bet you didn’t see this one making the list. Swim caps were a surprising must-have accessory in the 1950s. Since women spent hours styling and curling their hair to get it just right, they went to major lengths to protect it from water and chlorine.

Swim caps were much more dazzling in the ’50s, with ruffles, ties, bows, jewels, and fun textures adorning most. Swim caps are still around today, just far less fancy and not at all focused on style.

Cocktail Rings

Cocktail parties were a major event in the 1950s, and you couldn’t show up to one without at least a few accessories. Cocktail rings feature vibrant, colorful diamonds and intricate details. You can still find cocktail rings in retailers, though they’re considered “costume jewelry.”

This oversized statement piece brought the glitz and glamor to any evening outfit.

Brooches

This vintage wardrobe staple is making an iconic comeback, and we’re here for it. The once-forgotten jewelry staple was all the rage in the 1950s and was a small accessory that made a big statement.

Women would match their brooches with other accessories to perfect their evening looks. Brooches have had a 21st-century renaissance that some attribute to the rise of “Zoom culture,” where frequent video calls have us wanting to accessorize the little that our coworkers see.

Belts

Belts defined 1950s fashion and were flattering accessories that completed every outfit. Most dresses at the time were sold with matching belts, which gave women that iconic hourglass figure.

While they’re not as much of a must-have item now, belts are still a fun accessory you can style to jazz up your outfit.

Kitten Heels

To add glamor to a lackluster outfit, women would put on a simple pair of kitten heels. You could never be too dressed up in the 50s, and kitten heels were just the shoe to elevate an outfit while keeping things comfortable (for the most part).

Pop on a pair of kitten heels to your office outfit for a casual, vintage style you’ll feel ultra-confident in.