10 Accessories Every Woman Needs For A Chic, Versatile Wardrobe

When it comes to stretching a minimized wardrobe across all four seasons accessories are key. From scarves to sunglasses and every thing in between, I rely on accessories to change up even the most basic pieces so today I'm sharing the 10 that I always have on hand. 

Statement Necklace

To kick off this list, let's start with jewelry and one of my personal favorites - the statement necklace. Like many of the other items in this list, the statement necklace is a favorite of mine because it can instantly transform even the most basic piece. For example, you can take a simple black dress and completely transform the look of it just by adding or removing a statement necklace.

In my personal collection I have a few statement necklaces that I wear constantly, but if you're looking for a good place to start I recommend finding one in your metal of choice (gold or silver) that is either a classic chain link style, or a longer style with gems or bold beads.

Also, if you're looking for only one statement necklace to add to your wardrobe I recommend keeping in neutral and avoiding too many color so that it can be work with everything under the sun without clashing.   

Statement Bracelet

Much like the statement necklace, I love a statement bracelet for adding interest to otherwise simple pieces. Case in point is the look I'm wearing in the corresponding video for this post. In this look I'm wearing my go-to navy, long-sleeve tee but I added some visual interest to the simple lines with a statement necklace and statement bracelets. Of course, you could go for one or the other if that's more in line with your personal tastes, but the effect will still be the same. 

Also, like the statement necklace I recommend finding a bracelet with either crystals, chain link or a simple pattern like tortoise shell to ensure that it goes with everything. That said though, if you're wardrobe consists of mostly neutrals I think a bold pop on your wrist is a wonderful addition! Plus, colorful enamel bracelets are everywhere these days so you shouldn't have a hard time finding one that suits your price point. 

Statement Earrings

Even though I tend to favor a statement necklace and bracelet, the statement earrings are still a staple for me. One of my favorite ways to wear these show stoppers is with simple separates in the spring and summer when the temperatures are too high for bold neckwear. For that reason, I rend to gravitate toward colorful statement earrings and think that a pop of color on your ear is an unexpected and chic way to utilize this accessory. 

Everyday Earrings

While statement jewelry is a fun, easy way to add interest to any look, I think every woman needs a pair of every day earrings that she can throw on without any thought. For this, I recommend either diamond or pearl studs (they don't need to be real either, just make sure they are on the smaller size - too large and they will look costumey) because they go with everything and can be dressed up or down without skipping a beat. 

Fabulous Fedora

I LOVE hats and I wear them year-round. If I had to choose only one hat though, it would have to be the fedora. This staple is not only classic, but also instantly chic and makes anything it's paired with feel luxe and purposeful. For example, I love to wear mine with a simple white shirt, basic jeans and either boots, booties or loafers for a timeless look.

Depending on your budget, you can find fedoras anywhere these days. When choosing one that will go with everything I recommend finding one in either a rich green, camel, grey or black. Also, if you're looking to invest in one wool is a wonderful option. 

Simple Shawl

The next accessory I always have on hand is the simple shawl. This under utilized piece is perfect for layering and looks just as chis over a sundress as it does over a sweater. When choosing a shawl that will go with everything, I recommend finding one in a color that compliments the most accessories in your wardrobe.

For example, I have a lot of turquoise in my accessories so one of the first shawls I ever got was a beautiful on in a similar shade that I love to pair with simple separates to tie everything together. If you have more of a neutral palette though (i.e. mostly rich browns and greens) I think you can't go wrong with a beautiful beige, camel or grey shawl. 

Silk Scarf

No list of must-have accessories would be complete with a silk scarf. I've go on and on about my love for this accessory countless times and I couldn't be happier that they seem to be gaining more popularity than ever. When looking for your first silk scarf I recommend finding one in a rich pattern that features many of the colors you already have in your wardrobe. That way, you can easily add your silk scarf to any look you wear and it will add the perfect amount of sophistication and visual interest without being over powering. 

Versatile Purse

If you saw my handbag collection, you know that I have a few handbags that I rotate day-to-day. That said, if I had to choose only one that would go with the most items in my closet it would have to be a simple, top handle purse. The reason being that the top handle can easily be dressed up or down and feels just as appropriate for the office as it does for brunch.

If you're in the market for one of these I recommend finding a well-made one in a neutral leather that compliments the most items in your closet so that you can easily pair it with all of your shoes, belts and other accessories without worry. For me, that color tends to be brown but you could easily go with rich camel, black or even another complimentary color like cream, burgundy or deep green. 

Classic Sunglasses 

No chic wardrobe would be complete without a pair of classic sunglasses. When choosing a pair that you can wear year-round I recommend finding a classic shape in a neutral color (black, brown or tortoise) that feels equally at home with a turtleneck or sundress.  

Basic Belt

Last but not least is a basic belt. I personally love belts and think that they're sadly underutilized these days - it has become so difficult to find skirts with belt loops! I love belts because they instantly polish off any piece while defining your waist a la Audrey Hepburn - also here, here, here and here.

When choosing a versatile belt I recommend one in either black, brown or tan (whatever will compliment your existing pieces). Next, try and find one that's medium width so that you can wear it with pants, shorts, skirts and dresses and try to keep the hardware simple by avoiding studs and the like and you will have a finishing piece for any look you're wearing.  

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That's everything! Those are the 10 accessories I always have on hand for an endless array of looks. Below, I've linked my corresponding YouTube video where I share some of my favorites from my own closet if you're interested and as always I'd love to hear from you! Let me know in the comments down below what accessories you rely on and I hope you have a lovely weekend. 

Until next time,

Audrey