Ebony Francis knows her stuff. Previously creative director at Free People, she has built a career on knowing what looks good and what doesn't. Her experience and exquisite taste have earned her thousands of followers—and fans—on Instagram, and she even started a weekly podcast talking all things fashion with fellow content creator Emma Thatcher. Alongside this, Ebony is a stylist and host, sharing her tips and tricks on how to create an elegant yet wearable capsule wardrobe. In her first column, she tells us about four go-to autumn accessories that will elevate any cold-weather look, from bags to necklaces. Scroll on to read why these accessory trends top any others this season and shop her picks, from high-street finds and rentals to investment pieces.
As a creative director, stylist and host, I believe what we wear is a powerful form of self-expression. My day-to-day style leans towards a relaxed sensibility, favouring tailored pieces and timeless separates, but for evening occasions, I love to embrace a bit of glam. Think floor-length maxi dresses, statement chandelier earrings and a spritz of my favourite fragrance.
In this column, I'll tell you how carefully chosen accessories can add drama and sophistication, and where to shop the best pieces. I'll delve into my love of mixing textures and embellishments and show you how to elevate simple outfits; like how I added a statement accessory to a silk two-piece to create a look that was named one of "the coolest street style looks" at this month's London Fashion Week by Pinterest. Or, how I restyled the cowl neck of a Ghost polka-dot dress into an off-the-shoulder neckline to allow sparkly clip-on earrings to shine.
With my styling notes and shopping links, each month I’ll share insights into navigating new-season trends and exploring mindful fashion purchases, which I hope inspires you to embrace your unique style and feel empowered in your choices. Here’s to a September filled with transformation, creativity, elegance and style!
4 ELEGANT ACCESSORY TRENDS TO ELEVATE YOUR AUTUMN OUTFITS
1. Heirloom Earrings
Style Notes: This September, I had the pleasure of attending two stunning events: the Tove spring/summer 2025 show and an intimate dinner with beauty brand Noble Panacea at The Tate Modern. In preparation, I found myself diving into my wardrobe to select pieces that make me feel confident, elegant and at ease, and to elevate both looks, I rented some statement accessories, transforming simple outfits into something impactful.
Heirloom-style earrings can add all of the drama and elevate the simplest of outfits into something special, giving focus to an interesting neckline or bare collarbone. Restyling the cowl neck of my Ghost polka-dot dress into an off-the-shoulder neckline made these rented Shrimps clip-on teardrop earrings pop.
Shop Heirloom-Style Earrings:
Price shown is rental starting price.
The exact pair I rented.
These look way above their price.
These have a curved design that hugs the lower ear.
Mango does affordable statement earrings so well.
The mix of crystal cuts and sizes give these a point of interest.
Gorgeously delicate.
Now these are chandelier earrings.
I love the addition of the faux pearl to the string of diamantés.
Don't have pierced ears? Don't worry!
I can see these with a sleek hairstyle and a Bardot neckline.
2. Slouchy Suede Totes
Style Notes: In autumn, my style often leans towards a darker tonal palette, so I add texture and dimension by injecting suede into my outfits. I love all the chocolate-brown, ginger and tan variations in coats, oversized blazers and structured top-handle bags, but this espresso tote from Toteme (below) is exactly what I've been looking for—an effortless, relaxed bag in a rich tone that drapes next to the body. The juxtaposition of suede adds warmth against a silk set or longline trench coat, and I love pairing this slouchy bag shape with a tailored suit and loafers as the perfect transitional outfit.
A suede tote is a great way to update your wardrobe with an intentional piece that will last season after season, and there are so many options available across brands and price points right now. Worn with washed-out denim and a simple tee in spring or with wool trousers and a cashmere knit as it gets cooler, a buttery suede bag in a biscuit-toned hue will last a lifetime and age well with wear.
Shop Suede Totes:
A modern classic.
The longer handles on this one make it even more relaxed.
Such a beautiful shade of khaki.
COS bags have a really premium feel.
If you're unfamiliar with Little Liffner, this Scandi brand makes minimalist bags with beautifully considered details.
The tan shade would work for summer, too.
This one features a wide shoulder strap for comfortable carrying.
This slouchy bucket shape is so chic.
Another favourite from Little Liffner.
3. Cord Keepsake Necklaces
Style Notes: This summer, we saw cord necklaces feature in many stylish outfits, offering a subtle whisper of jewellery without a gold or silver chain. Inspired by the '90s and adorned with shells, stones and pendants, this effortless necklace style feels fresh with its nods to nature, the seaside and summer memories. Earlier in the year, I wore a linen maxi from Asceno to a lunch event and paired it with some statement earrings and a mini cord necklace, with my braids worn off my face (pictured above). The necklace, with a mini daisy disc pendant, was the perfect addition without overcomplicating the final look. Meanwhile, in the below look, a vintage-inspired floral design elevated my silk set. Both the necklaces are by Daisy London.
Leaving behind the bohemian sensibility in the summer months and approaching the autumn season ahead, keepsake necklaces return with sculptural pendants, metal pebbles and glass beads hung on relaxed rope or leather cords, evolving further into castanets and leather lanyards. Spotted on stylish creators including Brittany Bathgate, Charlotte Emily Sanders, Alexis Forman and Monikh Dale; these ornamental cord necklaces elevate shirting, cashmere knits, kimono-style jackets and elegant silk dresses with a treasured conversation piece. If you’re into a spot of crafting, making a keepsake necklace is a beautiful project—a black shell or deep-red stone, once attached to cord, leather or suede, is transformed into a forever piece that is uniquely yours.
Shop Cord Necklaces:
Simple and so pretty, with an 18ct gold-plated pendant.
Such a unique piece.
I love this shiny abstract heart design.
This red-jasper pendant necklace is from Monikh's collab with jewellery brand Daphine.
Don't overlook Loewe's jewellery.
For lovers of gold.
This one is subtle enough to wear every day.
This sculptural, organic-shaped pendant is a different style for Tiffany.
An easy way to elevate a white T-shirt.
You can wear this long or as a choker, depending on how you tie the suedette strap.
If you fancy a pop of colour.
4. Structured Top-Handle Bags
Style Notes: Miniature iterations of structured bags were styled in many of the A/W 24 collections. Paired with sleek tailoring at Toteme or against silk two-pieces in the Khaite show, smaller top-handle bags feature in a lot of my autumn outfit inspiration. In the colder months when we start layering our knits under heavier coats, a mini bag is practical yet dainty and adds elegance to an outfit. I will be styling my mini white Acne bag with my suede trench from Toteme, as I love the mix of textures with the small pop of ivory leather against the jet-black suede.
Although small in size, this mini accessory can add structure and focus to an outfit. I recently loaned a navy Savette bag from Net-a-Porter to elevate my look for the TOVE show. Against a dramatic silk blouse and trousers, the top-handle bag added a modern sophistication with its hardware and stitch detailing. Whenever I carry a mini structured top-handle, I always feel elegant, sophisticated and relaxed, which for me, is the true perfect accessory and how I want to show up this season.
Shop Structured Top-Handle Bags:
Just look at that stitch detailing.
Khaite masters understated elegance.
Note how the leather detailing creates the shape of the brand's "T" emblem.
An unexpected shape to add interest to a simple outfit.
Where fashion meets art.
Shop this Acne crossbody at a pre-loved price.
Another beauty from Savette.
Alaïa has really upped its handbag game lately.
Compact, elegant and so versatile.
DeMellier bags are a great investment for something slightly more affordable.
