Jewellery and Accessories That’ll Make Your Wardrobe Feel Brand New
I know the feeling. You open your wardrobe, stare at the same rotation of clothes, and everything looks basic and stale. Your instinct is to go shopping for something new.
But here’s the thing, bestie: you probably don’t need new clothes at all. You need a few statement jewellery pieces and accessories to spice things up.
Jewellery and accessories are staples in my wardrobe because they can completely change how my outfit looks without needing a single new item of clothing.
An anklet alone can take your look to the next level and say something about your personality without you saying a word.
So here’s your guide to the pieces that’ll make your existing wardrobe feel new again.
Earrings
Earrings draw attention straight to your face, so pick ones that flatter your skin tone.
In my opinion, you cannot go wrong with medium-sized gold or silver hoop earrings. Embellished hoops work beautifully too. They give just enough sparkle to catch the eye without overpowering your outfit.
I’d also keep a pair of diamond stud earrings in the jewellery box. If diamonds are not in the budget right now, good-quality zirconia studs do the job just as well. Either way, you will always look classy, because studs are timeless and never go out of style.
Shop the look: [Small Dome Hoop Earrings, Hey Happiness, link] for everyday sparkle, or [Constellation Huggie Earrings, link] if you want something a little more delicate.
Necklaces
A necklace can brighten up even the simplest outfit.
Take a page from Maria Felix’s book and wear a silver and pearl necklace with a crisp white shirt, or go bold with a statement necklace in gold. You can also try layering necklaces of different lengths and see what combination works for you.
One rule to keep in mind: if you are layering multiple necklaces, skip the large or dangling earrings. Let the necklaces be the star so nothing competes for attention.
Shop the look: [Layering Necklace Set, Hey Happiness, link] takes the guesswork out of layering, or build your own stack with a [Delicate Pendant Necklace, link].
Colourful Scarves
Scarves are the cheat code of accessorising. One length of fabric, tied a different way, can turn the same jeans and blazer into five different outfits.
Here are a few fun ways to wear yours:
- The neck knot. Fold a square scarf into a triangle, wrap it around your neck and tie a simple knot at the front. Easy to style and very French girl.
- The headband. Fold a long scarf into a strip, tie it over your hairline and knot it at the back or side. Instant polish on a lazy hair day.
- The bag charm. Loop a smaller silk scarf through your handbag handle and tie it loosely. It’s a small detail that makes even a basic bag look intentional.
- The belt. Thread a long, thin scarf through your belt loops instead of a regular belt. Unexpected, and a great way to add colour to a monochrome outfit.
Go for silk or satin for that Old Money sheen, or cotton for an everyday, laid-back feel.
Shop the look: pair your scarf with a simple [Gold Pendant Necklace, Hey Happiness, link] so the two pieces work together instead of fighting for attention.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses protect your eyes from the sun, but let’s be honest, their real power is as an accessory that elevates your entire look.
Channel your inner Jackie Onassis in oversized sunglasses. You can go classic with aviators, playful with cat-eye frames, or keep things minimal with rimless styles.
If you want a safe bet, go for tortoiseshell frames. The colour flatters most skin tones and is understated enough to add flair without being fussy or hard to style.
Your face shape can help narrow things down too. If you have a round face, angular or square frames add definition. If your face is more square or angular, round or cat-eye frames soften things nicely. If you have an oval face, you have plenty of options, as most frame shapes tend to work well.
Pair oversized sunglasses with delicate gold jewellery so your accessories feel balanced rather than competing for attention.
Shop the look: a [Delicate Gold Necklace, Hey Happiness, link] is the perfect quiet companion to a bold pair of sunglasses.
Wristwatches
I know, I know. We have phones now, and nobody really looks at their watch to check the time anymore. But a beautiful wristwatch still adds real style to an outfit.
Watches come in gold, stainless steel, silver and leather, so there is a style for every wardrobe. They are also the ultimate no-brainer accessory. Just slip one on, and you are good to go.
When choosing one, think about what is already on your wrist. If you love stacking bracelets, a slim, delicate watch will sit nicely alongside them without looking cluttered. If you prefer a bare wrist otherwise, a chunkier watch can be the statement piece on its own.
A quick fit tip: your watch should sit comfortably just below the wrist bone, loose enough to slide a finger underneath, but not so loose that it spins around.
Shop the look: stack a [Chain Bracelet, Hey Happiness, link] with your watch for an effortless, layered wrist.
Handbag
Handbags
A good handbag can completely change how an outfit looks. You could be wearing the simplest jeans and T-shirt combination, but add a structured handbag and suddenly the whole look feels more polished.
There are plenty of styles to choose from, including clutches, shoulder bags, baguette bags and hobos. For everyday wear, I’d go for a medium-sized structured bag in a neutral shade because it will work with almost everything in your wardrobe.
If you’re heading somewhere dressier, switch to a smaller bag or clutch. And if you want to make more of a statement, this is where I’d have fun with colour, texture or an interesting shape..
Bracelets and Rings
Bracelets and bangles add class and femininity to an outfit and make you more noticeable. You can space them out, cluster them together, or choose a vintage-inspired piece for something with more character.
Rings work the same way. A stack of slim rings across a few fingers gives a modern, layered look, while a single bold cocktail ring makes more of a statement on its own. As with bracelets, silver, gold and platinum options come in endless designs, some set with precious stones.
Even a minimalist bracelet or a single simple ring can be enough to finish a polished outfit.
Shop the look: [Charm Bracelet, Hey Happiness, link] for everyday stacking, or a [Bold Ring, link] to finish the look.
So before you rush out to buy another new outfit, take a look at your jewellery box and accessory drawer first. You might already have everything you need to make your wardrobe feel brand new.
