36 Staple Accessories Every Capsule Wardrobe Needs
It's generally considered in fashion circles that accessories make the outfit. When the temperatures plummet, scarves, hats and maybe a Chanel water bottle are our staples of choice, but our summer accessories are when our creative prowess comes into play. From sunglasses and statement belts to sun hats and stacked jewels, nothing peps up an outfit quite like a silk scarf wrapped elegantly around the handle of a Birkin bag in the sun.
For 14 months, we stowed away our totes, packed up our chunky necklaces and reserved our sunnies for our daily walk but now we are liberated by functionality and a need for practicality as we venture out. Although a make-up stained face mask has been our main accessory (not of choice) of late, our re-entry wardrobe is colourful, loud and accessory-heavy, whether they're essential or not.
Treating ourselves has never been so prevalent and accessories are the perfect way to invest in a brand without breaking the bank. By-pass the waitlist for a Hermes Kelly bag and opt for Bearn Compact Wallet in the brand's iconic orange hue instead or cinch in your favourite summer dress with Chanel's Embellished Logo Belt to add a little luxury to your look. Silk scarves are hotly tipped as the accessory of the season after being spotted on the catwalks of Valentino and Jacquemus and hold a multitude of style opportunities. Our Hermes Selle D'apparat Marocaine Scarf could add a chic equestrian feel to a leather handbag or make bad hair days a thing of the past a la Grace Kelly – simply add a pair of Orchid Skin Cat Eye Sunglasses and you have a timeless Hollywood starlet look on your hands.
With handbags firmly back in rotation, our arm candy is due for a serious upgrade in the name of freedom. Luxury brands such as Gucci are leading the way with bold colourways and high-shine materials to ensure maximum attention-grabbing status while Bottega Veneta and Chloe are championing clover green for quilted totes and structured baguettes this season. Bring some drama to your everyday outfits with Christian Dior's hot pink J'adior Chain Flap Bag or, for extra brownie points, combine two trends in one with Balenciaga's Opera Clutch complete with multi-coloured scarf wrapped around the top handle.
Although some (OK, most) of us may need a little practice pulling an outfit together that doesn't involve jersey and an elasticated waistband, the good news is that when it comes to accessories, anything goes. Not ready to let go of your loungewear yet? Add a pair of Celine Oversized Sunglasses and a vintage Gucci GG Shoulder Bag and suddenly your outfit goes from Netflix uniform to chic casualwear thanks to a few well-placed additions.
To help get you started, we've raided our accessory collection to inspire you to take your outfit to the next level.
