Outfit ‘gellers’, closet completers, or wardrobe ‘uniters’: however you prefer to address them, stylish accessories are the cornerstone of an accomplished wardrobe.
Fashionably educated women understand that breathtaking looks are perfectly fine and all, but stepping out sans apt accessories to complement an outfit is, well, pretty much like stepping out naked, really!
OK, so this may sound extreme, but it holds true that accessories are often responsible for drawing the eyes of fashion conscious onlookers to a particular person’s style. (That conversation-starting clutch; the gasp-inducing, fashion editor-huddling statement necklace, anyone?) Fashion Week street style photography is testament to this, as are the mounting numbers of pages dedicated solely to accessories that are popping up in our favourite glossies.
So, what does the perfect accessory-drobe consist of? On-trend, limelight stealing knickknacks (cue: Anna Dello Russo’s accessory-dripping appearances during Fashion Month), or a tightly edited collection of classic go-to pieces you heavily rely on when an outfit needs a little edge?
Bring yourself back from accessory free-fall with our quick guide to 5 stylish accessories every woman well versed in the world of fashion should own.
1. The All-purpose Sunnies
No discerning style maven is without her sunnies, be it rain or shine! No longer the preserve of sunny days, sunglasses are toys for grown ups, and so the more fun had with these, the better! Opt for a classic, all-rounder shape in a fun hue for sunnies that add instant glam to an off-duty look.
House of Harlow Robyn round-frame acetate sunglasses, £110 £55, available at The Outnet
This classic style tote is the perfect outfit hopper. Flitting between chic and functional; the roomy interior, detachable shoulder strap and minimal hardware detailing means you’ll carry your life’s contents on your arm (or shoulder) without compromising a single ounce of style.
Tory Burch Robinson Double Zip Tote, £374.10, available at Shopbop
3. The Luxe Silk Scarf
Take your cue from the Duchess of Cambridge, and replace fussy necklaces with a simple silk scarf. Upping the style ante, we love this snake print silk scarf for its understated print but high impact look. The grey hue will seamlessly fit with the contents of your wardrobe.
Stella McCartney Snake-print Silk Scarf, £415, available at Selfridges
Belts are nifty accessories, and worn with a little edge (waisted, with the ‘demi tuck’ or a statement buckle) can do wonders for your outfit. And they don’t come niftier than this 3-way reversible baby, complete with a smile-inducing price tag.
Black Leopard Pony Leather Reversible Belt, £22, available at Next
4. The Fabulous Fedora
A fashion week favourite, usually for hiding ‘undone’ hair or concealing a multitude of pre-fash week party sins; the fedora is the classic hat-cessory no fashion lover should be without. We love the ‘classic with a twist’ look of the brown felted wool against the bright blue grosgrain ribbon. A total must have!
Paul Smith Wool Fedora, £85, available at ASOS
Although accessorising is a matter of personal style and how much of the wow-factor you want to inject into your every day look by means of an ‘It’ clutch or a super-bling cuff; ultimately, it’s about creating a pool of pickups that’ll help polish off your end look.
Even better, accessories are often a cost-effective way (depending on what kind of a shopper you are) of dipping into seasonal trends, rather than exchanging a close-to-the-heart wardrobe for trend-centric new season style that frightens, rather than feeds, the Prada donna within!
