These 7 Accessories Will Make Any Outfit Look 100% Cooler

If you think people are born cool, think again. I've spent a long time analyzing the wardrobes of those considered to be style trailblazers, and one thing I've learned is that they largely contain the same things. Oversize blazers, straight-leg jeans, tea dresses, and trench coats all feature heavily. However, the thing that really makes someone stand out from the crowd, sartorially speaking, is accessories. 

Accessories present you with the opportunity to add personality to your basics and, as such, help make your outfits look cooler. And although I'm an affordable shopper at heart, I see the value in investing in premium accessories that were built to last. They may require some up-front spend but, in the long-run, you'll be glad to have more durable pieces at your disposal. Because trust me—you'll be wearing them a lot.

From logo belts and printed silk scarves to the shoes that have been the height of sophistication for the last 70-some years, keep scrolling to see and shop the cool fashion accessories that'll last you a lifetime.

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SQUARE-TOE HEELS
(Image credit: @maria_bernad)

Style Notes: They might be all the rage right now but square-toe shoes go all the way back to the '40s, when they were usually found in slingback form. Invest in a pair now and rest assured you'll wear them for years to come.

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SILK SCARF
(Image credit: @annarvitiello)

Style Notes: We can't think of an outfit that can't be instantly elevated via a neck scarf. Make like Anna and treat yourself to a logo-emblazoned number for extra cool points.

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CAT-EYE SUNGLASSES
(Image credit: @alexisforeman)

Style Notes: Sunglasses trends come and go, but cat-eye silhouettes are a mainstay. With the ability to add polish to any ensemble—even jeans and an oversized knit—every style-obsessed woman should have at least one pair in her eyewear collection.

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STRING OF PEARLS
(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

Style Notes: Pearls are easily the biggest jewelry trend of the season, though there's no denying the timeless appeal of a string of pearls. Follow Nnenna's lead by wearing yours with a playful knit. 

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SINGLE-STRAP BAG
(Image credit: @livpurvis)

Style Notes: As far as handbags go, top-handle styles will always look cool, particularly worn with casual attire. We love how Olivia has clashed her seafoam-green bag with shades of rust and lilac.

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GOLD HOOP EARRINGS
(Image credit: @monikh)

Style Notes: One piece of jewelry you can guarantee will never go out of style is gold hoop earrings. While there are plenty of cheaper styles to choose from, we recommend spending a bit more on a pair that'll last you for years (and won't turn your lobes green).

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LOGO BUCKLE BELT
(Image credit: @tineandreaa)

Style Notes: A cheap belt—the type that you usually get free with a pair of trousers—can be spotted from a mile off. Instead, put your money towards the good stuff—one with a recognizable logo wouldn't hurt.

Now that you're down with the coolest accessories, why not check out how fashion girls are wearing their hair right now

This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.

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Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.