Tis the season to be, well, not quite jolly yet, but it’s nearing the time of year where we want to be snug yet still suitably stylish. My favourite way to inject a bit of glamour into a transitional season like autumn is to sprinkle some 1950s glitz onto an outfit. Of course, an easy way to do this is to use 5 vintage or recycled items but it’s just as viable to use cheap, modern items that can recreate the look. So, read on to discover my top 5 must-have items for a stylish, yet seasonal vintage look.

1. My first must-have item for a seasonal yet stunning 1950s look is of course, a vintage dress! Polka-dots are a real giveaway of post-wartime style, so keep your eyes peeled and go dotty for anything spotty! Even a polka-dot shirt and jeans would recreate a pin-up look with a modern twist. Shoulder pads, pleats and a belt make this dress a dead ringer for that kitsch 1950s housewife style. If you can’t get yourself down to a vintage shop, try looking in charity shops for these key themes. Otherwise, raid your Nan’s wardrobe, she most likely has genuine clothes from that era and would love to see you making use of them! Remember to keep the dress midi so it doesn’t look too summery.

2. Ankle sock are a super easy way to give any outfit a 1950s twist – mark my words when I say socks and sandals are definitely coming back! Open toe shoes aren’t compulsory for this look as cute little bobby socks go extremely well with both dolly shoes and brogues but I love the way socks can be used to transition summer shoes into autumn accessories. I chose to pair white ankle socks with my wooden wedges, ensuring I get more than one seasons’ use out of this pair of comfortable heels.

3. A piece of family jewellery is a fantastic way to give your vintage look a personal touch, as well as reusing a timeless statement piece. This Vivienne Westwood necklace is not strictly vintage and not strictly low budget, but it is a family piece of jewellery which was bought as an almost priceless item that will be used for years to come. Try raiding your mum or sisters vanity box (with their permission, of course!) for statement pieces – think pearls and diamantes!

4. Every vintage look deserves a distressed-look handbag and deep, warm colours are perfect for autumn. This maroon shade is perfect to reflect the autumn leaves and will instantly warm up my pastel coloured dress. I also chose this accessory for not only its practicality (can store some woolly tights in there if I get cold!) it it resembles a cute little vintage suitcase. If you can’t get your hands on one similar, remember that tan coloured straps and accents are ideal for an aged look – you might not want to look like you were born in the 1950s but you want your bag to!

5. My fifth and final item for an autumnal, vintage look is a faux fur coat (no kittens were harmed in the making of this article). This item comes direct from my Grandma’s wardrobe but replicas of all patterns and shades are available both on the high street and online for reasonable prices – Primark does a Dalmatian pattern for £30! If you can’t quite stretch to a new coat, try investing in a faux fur stole (like a super glam scarf), which will both keep October chills off your neck and transform your current jacket into a glam 1950s piece for a fraction of the price!

And here we have the finished product! A transitional seasonal outfit with added va va voom and a hint of recycled vintage. Remember, a cute 1950s look doesn’t have to be expensive, beg, borrow and well, don’t steal, but ask your Momma and your Nanna what items they can lend you to help you achieve a snug, retro and autumnal look.