Refresh your look with accessories

Nobody wants to spend a fortune each season updating their wardrobe and if you’ve been focusing on creating a capsule wardrobe of versatile, hard working pieces, then you should already have plenty of outfits to mix and match.

However with a new season comes a little bit of a desire to give your pieces a refresh and that’s when accessories really come into their own. We all know I love a good accessory and it takes your look from being simply worn to looking like you’ve made an effort with your styling.

Accessories can also be inexpensive ways to update your clothing and it’s always good to have some to hand. This season there are a few stand out accessories trends and here are a few of my favourite pieces and how to style them.

Firstly sunglasses are having a major moment and as well as protecting your eyes from the sun which of course is their primary function they also make any outfit look cool and stylish. I’m loving the more yellow tinted glass at the moment which works so well with an aviator and ‘70s inspired shape and is the cherry on top of double denim outfits. I’m also loving the more narrow, oblong styles that look super modern.

My favourite accessory for spring and one which I’ve been adding to my outfits for years is a silky neckerchief. There are so many ways to wear these scarfs but I love them worn wrapped around the neck, again giving a ‘70s feel and styling this with jumpsuits.

For workwear, I like to style the scarf in a slightly looser, longer knot and it instantly adds a little something extra to your work blazers. This also looks great worn over a simple striped t-shirt and I think everyone should have a red scarf in their arsenal to add a pop of colour to your outfit. They also can give a handbag a little update when worn knotted around the handle. Keep an eye out for vintage scarves in vintage shops and markets that have quirky little designs on them.

Another accessory which is often forgotten about but which is both functional and stylish is the classic belt. I must say more often than not I don’t wear a belt but I’m loving the black leather belts which large metallic studs that are around at the moment. Check out a version of this from designer Khaite for styling inspo. This particular one is super expensive but I picked up a great dupe in H&M the other day for a fraction of the cost.

I’ll be wearing with a denim shirt and jeans to break up the double denim but it will also work to toughen up a summer dress.

I’m also terrible for wearing one bag on repeat but to change it up I’ll be using my oversized, pillowy clutch which is super soft and squishy and features a chunky chain strap. This looks very chic worn under your arm especially when styled with the coat of the season, the trench. If you get sick of holding it at least you have the option of using the strap.

Lastly if there’s one item I think will greatly enhance your spring wardrobe it’s a pair of Mary Jane flats with ankle straps. I feel like I’m mentioning them constantly but they are without doubt my favourite shoe at the moment. Choose from red, a butter yellow or classic black which are all colours that will add seamlessly to your wardrobe and are the perfect pairing for barrel leg jeans or cropped trousers.