When it comes to accessories, I find it much harder to come up with essentials. I find accessories to be very personal, usually very personality and feelings focused. But they are very important and even if I can’t give you specifics on what to buy that will go great with your clothing essentials, I can give you an outline and you can shop for similar accessories in your style, or how ever you are feeling that moment. Here are some fantastic all-season accessory essentials that would be a fantastic additions to your fall and spring wardrobe essentials.
tons of color – tie any way – easy go to
I love an accessory that adds so much to an outfit while keeping you warm, but not hot. Plus it can double as a stain hider (if need be). When I was nursing, scarves were my favorite accessory – no need for a cover up when you have a pretty scarf! It’s a great way to add a quick hit of color and pattern to your outfit, so having a year round scarf collection is always a great idea.
When it comes to all year round scarves, the lighter the weight the better. Stick with a loose almost gauzy weave or a light as hair silk. The thicker knit and wooly styles will come back in fall, but let’s not talk about those now (I’m still not fully over winter).
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a classic set – color pop – chain gang
A great accessory to wear with a scarf or a simple necklace. A bracelet that is classic yet makes a statement is a good essential, or you could go for a dainty everyday version, or an arm party. Having one or two really classic styles will be a plus for days when you can’t decide on a necklace. Maybe slipping on a bracelet will be just the right addition.
( image )
everyday – statement – simple flash
Rings seem to never go out of style, but they come and go in popularity. I think a good ring set is a great essential, since you can wear one or all of them at once. Or a really well loved statement ring, one with a giant stone or just something to make a huge impact.
Note on Jewelery: Earrings are no where to be found, not that I don’t think they are an essential (they definitely are!). It’s just that I think it takes a while for them to be safe accessory to wear around young kiddos…ouch!
A great all the time arm accessory is a watch. It’s actually a little crazy how rare it is that people wear watches now, which makes them even more fun to wear!
(( image via frida and freya and La Dolce Vita)
statement – everyday – minimal
A layered or pendant necklace is great go to on days when you just don’t know what will work, lightweight and with enough interest to make an everyday statement – like the minimal necklace. Light weight or dainty jewelry (like this everyday necklace) is really popular now, but it’s such a classic look it’s not going to go out of style for a very long time – if ever. I think having a few statement necklaces is always a good idea, maybe a couple for each season. Personally I would shoot for the costume jewelry section for these, because it’s something you might not wear all the time.
(image via clarajudgypants and lovely-pepa)
( image via girl with curves )
A classic style of sunglasses is a great idea, since eye wear styles changes so often. You can have a well made classic and then filter in trendy sunnies of the cheaper variety (from street vendors and such) to change things up.
(image via Kalei)
baseball – floppy – felt – fedora
Hats are not an essential for everyone, but a hat is a great option for all times of the year. Personally I feel a spring hat is a must; it really helps me to wean off wearing a winter hat everyday (and not having to do my hair). A summer hat to shade the face, a fall hat to keep warm, and a winter hat — well that one is a given. A classic wide brimmed hat, fedora, floppy hat or cloche would be a really great option, as well as a classic baseball cap.
( Stylish tomboy Eat Sleep Wear – Topped off trend Refinery 29 – Easy BreezyThe Daybook – Make it casual premiere fashion blog )
( image via Cup Of Jo )
shopper or tote – cross body – clutch – duffle – backpack
Shopper or tote: see also, a stylish classic bag that holds everything even the kitchen sink. If you have a diaper bag, you might just pass by this accessory totally or use a bag like this as a diaper bag. A classic structured doctor or duffle bag is a “chic go with everything” look, which also has the perfect amount of storage that will make it a great everyday classic. My personal favorite bag staple, and it’s not everyone’s cup of tea – is the backpack. It’s a great bag to keep tucked away for those days when you need a pack mule or two free hands. Small bags like the cross body bag are a great time to add some color or pattern to your closet of essentials; it’s a really great accessory to add a bit of personality to. And it’s a great idea to have at least one clutch in your closet for date nights or just those days when you don’t want to carry a huge bag.
Note on bags: Owning every style of bag is not an essential, but choosing the style or styles that would work best for you year after year would be your best bet. I’m a shoulder bag, backpack and a clutch type of girl – but am looking to add a good shopper or tote as a some time replacement to my backpack.
( images via loulou magazine and Nicolette Mason )
( images via style lovely and etrielle )
thin statement – basic – neutral
Belts are a super easy way to add interest to an outfit. I have a few skinny belts; it’s really easy to get these for cheap and I try to stick with classic colors and patterns that will easily go with a lot. Medium width belts are a great all around classic. If you don’t already have a black or brown belt, be sure grab one of those – otherwise maybe try a belt in a subtle color for a small but quiet pop.
(Images via StyleLovely and Kenziefaith)
What are your current GO TO accessory essentials? Do you buy accessories based on trends, personal style or to add a pop to your outfit?
*the items on this list are more neutral, to show case the item.
blogger / nectarine / 2600 posts
Where is that black bag number 15 from? Love the shape.
blogger / nectarine / 2010 posts
I love bags and scarves. I haven’t been able to wear necklaces in a couple years, but love them too. My watch, earrings and a bag are pretty much my essentials. I’m feeling the need for a new bag
admin / watermelon / 14210 posts
@Mrs. Chocolate: the black duffle bag from zara is unfortunately no longer available in that color. the blue one pictured in the guide at the top of the post is also from zara: http://www.zara.com/us/en/woman/handbags/mini-city-bag-c358019p1669067.html
blogger / clementine / 998 posts
Baseball cap and a long white dress? Fashion is so weird!
blogger / pomegranate / 3201 posts
@Mrs. Chipmunk: haha totally!
@Mrs. Chocolate: I was going to ask the same thing!!
blogger / eggplant / 11551 posts
I’m sooo fashion challenged, so I LOVE reading your posts!! It always inspires me. I should really pull the trigger on buying some of this stuff because I don’t accessorize at all. Except I do have a watch!
blogger / persimmon / 1220 posts
Love these fashion posts!
honeydew / 7589 posts
LOVE all of this except those horrible trucker hats. I just can’t. Everytime I see “Taza” wearing one I just think “why?!?!”
Other than that though, great piece!
pear / 1696 posts
Bravo for featuring a few plus size ladies in this post. Its sadly rare to see that in fashion round ups.
blogger / persimmon / 1398 posts
In love with so many things here… I have no “go to”s… I need something! Hmmm…
blogger / nectarine / 2687 posts
i love accessories! and i think i’m covered with all of your essentials…i keep forgetting about scarves, though! i have a few and i think they look lovely on others, but i have a hard time committing to one to wear for the whole day as an accessory — i think it ends up irritating my neck, which is silly because i’m almost always wearing a necklace!
blogger / pomegranate / 3491 posts
I am TERRIBLE with accessories – this is SO helpful to have all these pictures!
guest
I’m all about scarves, earrings and watches! I wear all three pretty much every day. I love accessories and would rather spend money on them than clothes
coffee bean / 36 posts
What a great round up! Now that I am a mom, I tend to definitely throw on some cute accessories right before I go out the door. It makes you look so much more polished. I have found that my diaper bag, a Lonchamp, is a great accessory piece but is neutral s it goes with everything. Although, i have heard really good things about the Madewell Transport Tote. I have that JCrew Snood in the other print and love it! Even though I love neutrals, most of my accessories are definitely statement pieces and full of color and pattern. That way, I can throw them on with any old white tee-shirt and jeans and have fun!
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