The Power of Accessories

Accessories can often be an afterthought when you’re getting ready. Maybe not when you’re dressing for an occasion, but the everyday rush of life can have you forgetting the belt that will define your waist, the earrings that bring attention to your face and highlight your features or even the bracelets that’ll make you feel truly put together and ready to face the day.

But have you ever looked at an outfit you love or felt inspired by that's without a single accessory to complete the look? For the most part, many accessories have practical purposes, but overall, they can transform any outfit, basic or glamorous! They create a visual interest and focal point to your whole look.

Accessories have the power to showcase your personality because they're an extension of your personal style, allowing you to express your unique taste and individuality. For example, the Princess of Wales is nearly always seen in dainty, small earrings, whilst TV presenter Stacey Dooley is renowned for her love of conglomerated chunky gold jewellery. It’s your signature touch, your pièce de resistance.

Whether you prefer bold and statement pieces or subtle and minimalist accents, the right accessories can help you create a signature look that reflects your personality. By carefully selecting accessories that resonate with your style, you can effortlessly elevate your outfit and add depth to your look.

With the cost of clothing going up and sustainability influencing how we shop accessories offer a simple yet cost-effective way of re-wearing an old outfit in a new way. And while accessory trends come and go, simple staples will always be timeless.

In a recent Instagram poll, we asked our lovely followers to tell us about their go-to accessory and here are the three that came out on top!

Belts

The history of the belt goes back as far as the Bronze Age, when they were worn to secure garments but also for carrying belongings as pockets weren’t a widespread feature. Later, during the Renaissance and Baroque Eras, they became more decorative but remained more practical until the Mid-20th Century. From then on, designers started experimenting with various materials, colours, and patterns evolving the belt from something practical to a fashion staple.

In the fashion world, there is always a fine line between utilitarian and decorative, so it’s no surprise that the belt remains a classic accessory in the 21st Century by perfectly blending function and fashion.

Functionality aside, belts can be worn so many ways to level up your look: they can break up and add colour to a top and trouser look; to cinch in a suit; to define your waist whilst still wearing an oversized, chunky jumper or shirt; or even to wear over your coat. And, the most popular choice, with a dress. 

Jewellery

More than anything else, jewellery is the one accessory you’re most likely to choose. We’re talking earrings, bracelets, rings – and we could be here a while if we went into detail on each one because there is such a rich history for each.

We’ve all had that “oh my gosh, I have to have it” moment with these delicate shiny objects we decorate ourselves in. But jewellery means something different to every culture, class and society across the globe and can represent what you stand for and believe in. For that very reason, jewellery can transcend trends. They can be timeless and meaningful; they can tell a story or remind you of a moment in time. And, when worn everyday, become part of you. Like a wedding band, for example!

Jewellery can also bring a sense of fun to an outfit – especially soon after a Style Analysis because it’s a small way of changing a look. Once you learn if you suit gold or silver, you add those glimmers of metal to a soft floral dress or to toughen up a jumpsuit.

Influencers will often encourage you to wear these earrings or this necklace and that you should layer jewellery a certain way, but how you wear a key piece is very individual. For some, they only want to wear sentimental pieces; for others, it’s really about the trends. And the key to figuring out what suits you best is discovering your Clothing Personality.

Bags

When you think of bags, brands such as Chanel, Hermes or Fendi come instantly to mind because they’re sought-after designs and have stood the test of time to become iconic fashion pieces. You’ll often find in the handbag industry there are ”crazes" with fans going wild for a particular bag. But when it comes to choosing the right one for you, it’s not just about trends. It’s about function, texture, material, hardware, and colour – discovering the right ingredients that represent your personality and style.

We’re told by the fashion bibles we must have a tan or black bag in our wardrobe, but that might not feel right, and that pop of colour that is so easily achieved with a bag sits better – not just emotionally but with the overall look too.

Why are bags so important to an outfit? Women carry them everywhere they go, and because they’re easily interchangeable, depending on the occasion, they’re something you’re likely to choose with more thought and invest a little more in.

Like jewellery, bags are a form of self-expression – a Chanel 2.55 handbag speaks volumes in terms of money, class, and social status, especially as just like the Hermes Kelly bag, they gain value over time. But you might be more of a practicable bag person and opt for backpacks with a utilitarian aesthetic. Both styles say a lot about who you are and in today’s fashion industry, they can both be just as stylish and individual. It’s about how important that investment is to you, and it doesn’t have to come at the price of choosing aesthetics over functionality.

All accessories can be worn in a way to flatter you and make the most of your appearance and your clothes. They can totally elevate your look from mundane to interesting. Have fun experimenting and expressing yourself through accessories!

Remember: accessorising should be done with great style. Great style is about saying who you are, without having to speak.

Words: Lisa Quick

Expert Commentary: Margaret Harris

Image Credit: House of Colour Greenwood Village and House of Colour Karen Blanc