It’s time to size up your accessories

Accessories are often a last-minute thought as we’re dashing out the door, but the truth is they’re the key to unlocking your outfit’s true potential.

And, this season, statement accessories are a major trend in their own right. From standout jewels to oversized bags, get ready to embrace the six must-have buys that will instantly breathe new life into your existing wardrobe . . .

Flower power

Need an update for last summer’s frock? Try pinning on a feminine corsage. This throwback accessory may seem a little twee, but the Oscars and the Golden Globes were positively blooming with stars sporting statement sprays, among them Nicole Kidman and model Winnie Harlow. 

Corsages were also seen on the Spring/Summer ’23 catwalks of Prada, Loewe and Roksanda and have now started filtering into high street stores. You’ll spot lots of dresses and tops with flowers stitched on, but I’d recommend seeking out a detchable corsage you can add to any neckline or anywhere you want it. 

This Mango polka dot neck tie (£15.99) could easily be mistaken for a high end designer one.

Buckets of style

Left: Dress, £145, Leem at selfridges. com; hat, £280, fenwick.co.uk Right: Dress, £119, Live Unlimited at johnlewis.com; hat, as before

Please don’t be alarmed when I tell you that the hottest hat shape this summer is the bucket. I know you’re probably wedded to your trusty straw trilby, but it really is time to try something different. 

No, it won’t make you look like you’re off to Reading Festival if you choose it well. These handmade styles from Artesano (£280), for example, are a ladylike play on the design, offering the height of a bucket hat but a wider brim edge for a more flattering, grown up shape. H&M has some more affordable options, too, from £9.99.

Bring on the bling

Jumpsuit, £150, anthropologie com; earrings, £75, essentiel-antwerp. com; pink cuff, £220, eu.tissafontaneda. com; cuffs, £79 each, guess.eu

Dress, £79, hush-uk. com; necklace £385, susancaplan.co.uk; rings, £150 (each) monicavinader. com; earrings, £45 and bracelet, £30, anthropologie.com; yellow ring, £152, almarow.com

One positive trend to stay from ‘lockdown dressing’ is statement jewellery. This summer, if your daytime earrings aren’t skimming your shoulders they’re not long enough. 

Dainty rings and bracelets are an absolute no-no – hands and wrists should be adorned with vibrant cocktail rings and chunky cuffs even if you’re en route to the office. 

Monica Vinader has an array of colourful designs (from £150) while Tissa Fontaneda’s leather cuff (£220) is a standout piece you can wear with everything from a simple tank to a floaty kaftan.

Big bags of luxury 

Blazer, £151.20 karen millen.com; skirt £32.99, zara.com; shoes, £245, russell and bromley.co.uk; bag (in hand),£140, longchamp.com; bag (on shoulder), £180, essentiel -antwerp.com

Bag, £460, demellierlondon.com

The teeny-tiny micro bag has been a style stalwart of the past few seasons, but this year we’re back to ‘the bigger the better’. Think XL totes and oversized shoppers in every shape and form. 

Not only are they extremely useful, but they look effortlessly luxe too. Louis Vuitton blew up its iconic LV monogram on huge clutch bags that featured giant chain handles while Jil Sander kept it classic with oversized hobo bags in sleek leather. Searching for a more affordable option? 

Longchamp’s take on its classic Le Pliage tote combines fashion and function and comes in at £140. Whether you’re off on your travels or heading out to brunch, this bag will instantly jazz up your everday look.

Minimalist looks sharp 

Dress, £98, anthropologie. com; sunglasses, £180, maxmara. com; sunglasses (in hands), both £175, aspinalof london. com

Shiv Roy’s miminal tonal tailoring in hit TV series Succession inspired the term ‘quiet luxury’, while Gwyneth’s recent court wardrobe was a polished lesson in ‘Rich Mum Energy’. 

As the stealth wealth vibe continues to dominate the fashion world, there’s an easy way to master the look without spending a fortune on suiting. A pair of sleek black sunglasses. 

Forget tortoiseshell and pops of neon, this hero accessory will see you through summers for years to come. Sometimes, you just can’t beat a classic. 

My personal favourite are these square framed ones from Max Mara, £180. Team with a blazer and a chunky gold necklace for extra style points.

It’s a cinch

Dress, Elliatt at Hurr; belt, £44, karen millen. com

Tie-on leather belt, £85, rixo.co.uk

Ever looked in the mirror and felt something’s missing? A simple belt can instantly update or change the silhouette of a dress or a skirt and top combo. Designers such as Louis Vuitton and Gucci are leading the way this season with their oversized designs. 

From leather to raffia, anything goes, but look out for chunky metal buckles. Choose a classic style to complement a statement dress or style a plain frock with a bold or printed belt to create a completely of-the-moment look.