Your Ultimate Guide to Accessorising on Holiday
Have you ever noticed how your interest in a warm-weather holiday starts to climb just as the temperature starts to plunge into tights-mandatory territory? Rather than fight this inverse relationship, I’m inclined to take advantage with a trip to a stylish (and preferably sunny!) destination. So when Jimmy Choo invited me to India along with some of the world’s top fashion bloggers to experience the accessory brand’s gem-inspired Cruise 17 collection, I jumped at the chance. India happens to be one of the gem capitals of the world, making it the ideal locale to test out the bejeweled sunglasses, shoes, and bags.
Scroll down for your master class in vacation accessorizing, from the sunglasses shape that flatters everyone to the best type of shoes for a getaway.
The way I get dressed is I start with one piece and build off of that. You have to pick the main attraction, and accessories can play a big role.
On Courtney Trop of Always Judging: Alberta Ferretti dress; Jimmy Choo Gotha/s Black Gold and Glitter Round Framed Sunglasses (£279).
For vacation, I’ll wear a flowy dress during the daytime, and I'll keep the look casual with flats and sunglasses.
On Aimee Song of Song of Style: Temperley London dress; Jimmy Choo Lockett Minaudiere Acrylic Clutch Bag (£1095) in Silver Glitter, Tori Flats With Jewelled Clip (£595) available in Champagne Glitter Fabric, and Lash Sunglasses.
I tend to dress kind of minimal, so sunglasses or a handbag help make the outfit.
On Leila Yavari: David Koma top and skirt; Jimmy Choo Lockett Petite Spazzolato Leather Shoulder Bag in Nude (£895) and Romy 85 Leather Pointy Toe Pumps in Black Patent (£395).
On a holiday, I usually take 10 pairs of sunglasses. They can really complete the outfit, so I always bring a sunglasses wardrobe.
On Carmen Hamilton of Chronicles of Her: Isabelle Quinn dress; Jimmy Choo Andie Shaded Mirror Gold Acetate Round Framed Sunglasses With Gold Silver Crystal Fabric Detailing and Havana Brown Arms (£295).
For vacation, it's all about sandals, sneakers, and espadrilles. During this trip, I wore the Delfine flats nonstop. They give you the extra height, and they’re really comfortable and can adjust to any environment.
On Gala Gonzalez of Amlul: Fendi dress; Jimmy Choo Miami Low Top Sneakers With Crystals (£795) in Black Suede and Raffy Glitter and Metal Round Framed Sunglasses (£275).
These sunglasses have a convertible embellishment at the temple. The great thing about them is you can have a statement look with a little bling, but also a beautiful, simple pair too.
On Leila Yavari: David Koma top; Jimmy Choo Jade Sunglasses.
I’m always trying to keep it comfy when I’m on vacation. I don’t want to try too hard, so I pack lots of flats and sandals. I go for closed-toe shoes for a chic look.
On Helena Bordon: Cris Barros dress; Jimmy Choo Lucy Pointy Toe Flats in Steel Mirror (£450).
I think slightly oversize sunglasses always look good on people.
On Aimee Song of Song of Style: Temperley London dress; Jimmy Choo Lash Sunglasses.
I love a jumpsuit. It’s super easy. You don’t have to think much. I don’t like to think about much on my vacations. Then you can put all your energy on the shoes.
On Evangelie Smyrniotaki of Style Heroine: YMC Katharine E Hamnett at YMC Jumpsuit; Jimmy Choo Kriss 100 Satin Knotted Sandals in Apple and Lilac Camoflower (£695).
I always love a midi heel and block heels as well because I find they give you a little bit of height, but they're still really easy to walk in and very comfortable.
On Carmen Hamilton of Chronicles of Her: Isabelle Quinn dress; Jimmy Choo Venice Booties.
Sunglasses that are angled up or have a little upward swoop lift up the face. It makes you look rested.
On Evangelie Smyrniotaki of Style Heroine: Valentino shirt and skirt; Jimmy Choo Lash Sunglasses.
To go from day to night easily, I would do a dress. Then just swap out the bag and shoes. You can make a big difference just with accessories.
On Courtney Trop of Always Judging: Alberta Ferretti dress; Jimmy Choo Grace Metallic Nappa and Grosgrain Ribbon Ballerina Flats in Poppy Metallic (£425).
I think a round sunglasses shape is flattering because it’s a bit softer around your face. It’s more feminine.
On Gala Gonzalez of Amlul: Fendi dress; Jimmy Choo Raffy Glitter and Metal Round Framed Sunglasses (£275).
You can build an entire outfit based entirely around the sunglasses. It’s a key accessory, so you can dress your look just for the sunglasses.
On Helena Bordon: Cris Barros dress; Jimmy Choo Ellos Metal Framed Sunglasses With Micro Studs Detailing in White and Gold (£310).
Where are you planning your next destination? Let us know in the comments below, and then shop new arrivals from Jimmy Choo.
Photographer: Candice Lake
Makeup: Jane Richardson for Nars
Hair: John Harte and Josh Mascolo for Tigi
Kat Collings has over 15 years of experience in the editorial fashion space, largely in digital publishing. She currently leads the vision for editorial content at WhoWhatWear.com as the site's editor in chief, having risen through the editorial ranks after joining the company in 2012. Collings is a Digiday Future Leader Awards nominee, was named Buzzfeed's best fashion Instagram accounts of the year, and is a member of the CFDA Awards Fashion Guild. Prior to Who What Wear, Collings worked on styling projects for brands such as Vogue, Teen Vogue, Lucky, and Oliver Peoples. She graduated from UCLA with a BA in communications and calls Los Angeles home.