5 Basic Accessories to Wear With Every Type of Outfit

Just a hunch: The first thing that's likely to come to your mind when you hear the word "basics" is probably of the clothing sort. You know, jeans, T-shirts, blazers, black pants, etc. But accessories can be basics too, and they're some of the most frequently worn basics we all own. In fact, you probably use accessory basics more than anything else in your wardrobe. Just think about how many times you've worn your favorite black bag as opposed to your favorite blazer. 

The strongest accessory basics are those that can be worn with a variety of outfits—from something as casual as leggings and a hoodie to something as nice as a wedding guest outfit (when people start going to those again). To prove their versatility, for each accessory, we chose three very different looks from the same stylish woman wearing the item in question. Keep scrolling to see (and shop) the five accessories that are wardrobe workhorses for life.

Mules

Year after year, season after season, the shoe style we always come back to is mules. Whether with a heel or without, they just never look dated, and they always make whatever you're wearing look better.

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Bold Gold Jewelry

Wearing a T-shirt and jeans and want to look a little fancier? Gold jewelry. Dressed up and want to add a personal touch without looking overaccessorized? Again, gold jewelry. Chunky gold jewelry may have started as a revived trend a few years ago, but we think it's here to stay.

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Tortoiseshell Sunglasses

As our editor in chief shows so well, tortoiseshell sunglasses truly go with every type of outfit, and they're quite flattering at that. If you're the type that doesn't want to dig through your sunglasses in constant search of a pair that goes with your outfit, just buy a tortoiseshell pair and call it a day.

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Flap Shoulder Bag

You can probably thank Chanel and its classic quilted flap bag for the enduring popularity of this accessory basic. If you want a bag that can easily go from day to night, and you don't want to constantly be shuffling your belongings between handbags that are a little too specific, take our advice and invest in this most versatile of styles. 

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Classic Leather Belt

Aside from when a new logo belt is trending, you probably don't think about belts all that much (just a hunch). But oftentimes, it's the exact thing an outfit is missing. We're partial to simple leather belts that aren't too thin or too thick and that look a bit like a vintage treasure.

Shop classic leather belts:

Next up, seven no-fuss summer outfit formulas that only require three pieces.