Winter is a time of luxurious layers, festive events, and cosy gatherings. However, this means we can often neglect accessories as we layer up. However, vintage jewellery offers the perfect way to elevate your cold-weather wardrobe. With its timeless appeal, vintage jewellery allows you to add character, elegance, and a unique touch to your winter looks. However, knowing how to incorporate them into your winter wardrobe can be a challenge.
As the days grow colder and the holiday season draws near, incorporating vintage pieces into your outfits can help you stand out with an effortlessly chic, classic style. Whether you’re dressing up for a festive occasion or simply want to add a touch of sparkle to your everyday winter attire, these trends will keep you looking elegant and stylish.
Bold brooches for a chunky scarf
Brooches are having a major resurgence this winter, with vintage designs from the early 20th century leading the charge. Once considered a staple in every wardrobe, brooches fell out of favour for a while, but they are now back in a big way. Vintage brooches offer the perfect accessory for layering over winter coats, scarves, and jumpers, adding a unique and personal touch to your outfit.
Art Deco and Victorian-era brooches are particularly popular, featuring geometric shapes, intricate detailing, and precious gemstones. Brooches with floral motifs, snowflakes, and even animal designs are excellent choices for the winter months, making them perfect for both casual and formal looks.
Styling tip: Pin a bold brooch on the lapel of your winter coat, or use one to cinch a scarf at your neck. You can also cluster multiple smaller brooches for a more contemporary, statement look.
Statement cocktail rings over gloves
Cocktail rings are an enduring trend in vintage jewellery, and they are especially popular during the winter season when festive gatherings and holiday parties abound. These oversized rings, often featuring colourful gemstones like emeralds, rubies, and sapphires, became a symbol of glamour in the 1940s and 1950s, and they remain a must-have accessory today.
For winter, choose cocktail rings with rich, jewel-toned stones that reflect the seasonal colours. Deep greens, blues, and reds complement winter wardrobes beautifully and add a touch of drama to any outfit. Whether you’re attending a formal holiday party or a casual get-together, a vintage cocktail ring is the perfect statement piece.
One of the big trends at the moment is wearing rings over gloves. Inspired by Bridgerton, opera gloves and cocktail rings worn over sleek winter gloves are a great way to elevate your look.
Styling tip: Let your cocktail ring take centre stage by keeping other accessories minimal.
Vintage lockets offer a sentimental style
Vintage lockets offer a unique combination of style and sentimentality, making them a perfect jewellery choice for winter. Often passed down through generations, lockets allow you to carry a personal photo or memento close to your heart, adding a meaningful touch to your winter look. Furthermore, they’re a big trend of 2024.
Victorian and Edwardian lockets, with their ornate detailing and craftsmanship, are particularly popular. Many of these pieces feature intricate engraving, filigree work, or gemstone accents, making them both beautiful and functional. Lockets are a great way to add a vintage flair to your winter wardrobe while also carrying a personal story with you.
Styling tip: Wear a vintage locket on a longer chain over a cosy turtleneck or layered with other necklaces for a modern, layered look.
Chunky bracelets over knitwear
Art Deco bracelets are a top trend this winter with their bold geometric shapes and sleek designs. This jewellery style flourished in the 1920s and 1930s and is known for its clean lines, vibrant gemstones, and contrasting colours, such as black onyx and white diamonds. Art Deco bracelets are perfect for adding a touch of vintage glamour to your winter wardrobe.
These bracelets work well for both day and night, offering a subtle sparkle during the day and a bold statement for evening events. With soft knitwear and a chunky cuff, an Art Deco bracelet offers a contrasting style.
Styling tip: Stack multiple Art Deco bracelets for a modern twist on this vintage trend. Alternatively, wear a single statement piece with a tailored blazer or winter coat for a more refined look.
Colourful and charming enamelled jewellery
Enamelled jewellery’s vibrant colours and detailed designs are another vintage trend gaining popularity this winter. When the nights are getting darker and the days getting greyer, bold pops of colour can help brighten your mood and outfit.
Enamel was widely used in jewellery throughout the Victorian, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco periods, often featuring floral or nature-inspired motifs. These colourful pieces are perfect for adding a touch of charm and whimsy to your winter outfits.
Vintage enamelled brooches, rings, and earrings are all great choices for adding a pop of colour to darker winter hues. Whether you choose a simple enamelled band or a more intricate piece with gemstone accents, enamelled jewellery is a fun and unique way to brighten up your winter wardrobe.
Styling tip: Pair enamelled jewellery with neutral or monochrome outfits to let the colours stand out. These pieces also work well as a subtle way to incorporate festive colours into your look without going overboard.
Elevate outfits with winter jewellery
Vintage jewellery is the perfect way to elevate your winter wardrobe, offering timeless elegance, unique designs, and the chance to wear something truly special. Whether you’re drawn to bold brooches, statement cocktail rings, or classic pearls, there’s a vintage piece to suit every winter occasion. As you prepare for the festive season, consider incorporating these vintage jewellery trends into your outfits to add a touch of glamour, history, and individuality to your look.
By choosing vintage, you’re not only embracing timeless style but also supporting sustainable fashion, making it a thoughtful choice for the winter season. So, as the temperatures drop and the party invites roll in, let vintage jewellery be your go-to accessory for effortless sophistication and seasonal sparkle.
