The Age of Elegance: 7 Sophisticated Accessory Trends That Are Set to Define Autumn 2024

As we veer towards the transitional season and part with the idea of shrunken hems gracing bare legs and open-toe footwear, fashion turns its attention to the foolproof nature of accessories. As a fashion editor, I always refer to the power of accessories. Often boasting a considered price point and intentionality, accessories have the power to elevate even the most refined ensembles.

Danielle Jinadu

(Image credit: @daniellejinadu)

Accessories have been growing stronger, with emphasis on unapologetically bold styles, elegant colourways and nostalgic jewellery trends of the nineties. The most notable have included bold earrings (a style we've witnessed morph since 2023 in seashell shapes and textured hammered gold) to summer 2024's introduction of overstated florals. The same rings true for brown suede bags. Chocolate suede graced the accessory forecast last summer but it's truly taken off and invited some of the most luxurious-looking styles from entry-level designers akin to cherished designer names. Least forgetting the rope necklaces, swinging high and low, comprising glass, stone and metal pendants.

So, from snake print to stone jewellery and mesh footwear, keep reading for seven elegant accessory trends to guarantee a fashionable look.

1. Chocolate Brown Bags

_marisamartins_

(Image credit: @_marisamartins_)

Style Notes: The chances are, you've cottoned on to the plethora of brown suede bags dominating retailers (specifically the chocolatey variety). It's a trend-forward piece I've been ogling for a year and I've finally welcomed one into my midst. From styling with a classic denim and white shirt uniform to a summer outfit, it counts as a transitional accesory.

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2. Cord Necklaces

Monikh

(Image credit: @monikh)

Style Notes: It's not the first encounter we've had with the pendant on a rope chain, in fact it's a style reminiscent of the noughties and a playful era of fashion. This year, however, the style boasts a "grown-up" appeal with a touch of bohemian charm, due to the bold polished metals and energetic stones adorned on the rope chain.

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3. Snake Print Shoes

Danielle Jinadu

(Image credit: @daniellejinadu)

Style Notes: Snake print is slithering onto retail sites daily, and I've piqued the interest of minimalists. Featured in a neutral colour with a hint of texture, it's a smart way to add intrigue to monochromatic ensembles. We're mainly seeing this print trend pop up through footwear, but you can also tap into the trend with handbags, too.

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4. Pearl Accent Earrings:

Emma Hoareau

(Image credit: @emmahoareau)

Style Notes: I'm no stranger to pearls, I'd go as far as to say they're part of my uniform. Pearls have had a contemporary switch up—from bashed pearls to perfectly rounded spheres, there are styles to suit all.

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5. Mesh Shoes

Taffy Msipa

(Image credit: @taffymsipa)

Style Notes: Perforated flats have dominated trends for an entire season and they're growing stronger. As we approach the transitional season and begin to consider (somewhat) closed-toe options, mesh shoes offer a suitable (and stylish) medium.

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6. Resin Jewellery

Smyth Sisters

(Image credit: @smythsisters)

Style Notes: Akin to the marbles you'd play with in childhood, resin jewellery has an inherent nostalgic feel with a slight nod to refinement, due to the candied colour pallet.

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7. Bold Blooms

Jessica Skye

(Image credit: _ jessicaskye)

Style Notes: Earrings are becoming progressively bigger and bolder and there are no complaints from me. Last season welcomed a host of shapes and this season, there's a clear focus on burgeoning blooms.

Shop Floral Jewellery:

Freelance Fashion Editor

Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities. She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications, Who What Wear UK and Stylist. Avalon also provides copywriting services, creative consultancy, and visual media for independent businesses, including travel guides, interviews, press releases and blog posts. Her work has been featured on Lush, Contiki, Youswim and Ohne. She spends her days writing to her heart’s content for business and pleasure, shooting on film and dreaming of residing a stone’s throw away from the ocean with her love and a pup (clad in a sweeping frock, of course). She’s currently penning ideas for a book of personal essays and free verse poetry on love, life and the stages in between.