From the humble white cotton shirt, to a slim fitting pair of trousers, the foundation of my wardrobe is built upon those classics which truly do stand the test of time. And when it comes to getting dressed every morning, I like to take a simple approach; muted colour palettes and streamlined silhouettes, which on their own, complete the perfect minimal look. But for those days when I really want to amp up my outfit a notch, there are five simple accessories I’ll reach for, that never fail to elevate a look.
1. A chic sun hat or felted fedora
One of the first things that I’ll reach for in the winter time – especially when I’m wearing an all black outfit – is a cute fedora or wide brimmed hat. It adds another layer to your outfit, and not to mention it covers a multitude of sins if you’re having a bad hair day… Personally I think that Lack of Color (also available here) are definitely the way to go (I love their wide brimmed hats for winter, and straw boaters for the summer time), alternatively I think that the wool felted fedoras from Maison Michel are absolutely beautiful, and a really stunning luxurious option if your budget is on the higher end of the scale.
2. Add some sparkle
The jewellery I reach for on the daily is generally more minimal than my outfit; my wedding rings and my current favourite watch (from Paul Hewitt) are all you’ll find me wearing most days. So, it doesn’t really take much to ramp things up to the next level but when I do, it’s all about a glitzy earring, a bold necklace, or a bracelet that really makes a mark. Mismatched earrings are definitely my go to (I love this pair from Mounser) as the asymmetry never fails to be an eye catcher, and I love browsing J Crew and Anthropologie for art deco inspired necklaces and bracelets that add a bit of glitz for every day.
3. A killer pair of shoes
Shoes are definitely my weakness, so it goes without saying that they’re one of the key pieces that I look to when I want to make a simple outfit look a little more interesting. Charlotte Olympia’s quirky flats are practically an essential when it comes to my closet – I don’t know where I’d be without my kitty flats – and I always am on the lookout for shoes that will not only make an impact, but also work well for everyday. When it comes to a statement heel, I swear by my Valentino Rockstuds, and my gold sequinned Givenchy pumps (love this option); which are both such fun takes on an otherwise classic shoe.
4. A bold handbag speaks volumes
Never underestimate the power of a statement bag; it has the ability to revolutionise your entire outfit, and if you opt for something with a pop of colour, it can also become the focal point of your look. For me, it’s often about complementing what I’m wearing, with my Proenza Schouler PS11 satchel in classic black, but recently, I’ve been reaching for my latest handbag acquisition, a mini pashli satchel from 3.1 by Phillip Lim (also available here), which adds a subtle contrast to a white shirt dress and softens any darker toned outfits. Killing it lately when it comes to statement bags – and bags in general – is Gucci; their maximalist take on the everyday bag is a statement on its own, which lends itself well to a minimal look.
5. Wrap something around your neck
One of my favourite accessories the past couple of seasons has been a printed neck tie, worn either as a choker or loosely tied in a knot at the nape of the neck. My favourites come from Madewell and J Crew (although I do love this one), and I just love how versatile they are and they really help to finish an otherwise monochromatic or muted outfit. I’ll occasionally also wear my bandana’s wrapped around my wrist as a bracelet, or tied to the side of my bag to add an element of whimsy, and to help break things up a little (especially if it’s a colourful bandana!). In the cooler months, I’ll swap out the neck tie for a huge cosy scarf, preferably in a colour other than black. Just like with the bandana, this can help to break things up a bit (my current go to is patchwork pink, from ASOS) and it’s a great way to add a touch of colour to an otherwise monochromatic outfit.
