10 Most Popular Fashion Accessories of All Time

12 Pieces That Make Up The Perfect Accessories Capsule

It’s astonishing what a thoughtfully curated capsule wardrobe can do for you. Whether it’s the perfect white T-shirt, everyday trousers or day-to-night blazer, once you’re equipped on the wardrobe staples front, getting dressed is no longer a chore but a well-rehearsed daily exercise.

While we don’t need further evidence of the importance of the capsule wardrobe, entering the gloomy days of the year means getting dressed requires more than just a tank top and denim shorts. Coats, jumpers, trousers and base layers are suddenly on the list of sartorial staples to consider.

But a core curation of timeless pieces doesn’t end with ready-to-wear. Mais non! Accessories, too, hold a place in the world of capsule dressing. It’s the elegant belt to take your look from corporate to Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, or the gold hoops to upgrade any office attire. The cashmere socks for days working at home and the scarves to brave gale force winds.

If you’re still looking for the perfect basics (let’s call them classics) to update your accessories arsenal, look no further than British Vogue’s edit of the most stylish essential wardrobe add-ons to buy now and love forever.

Belts

Wide or skinny, patent or embossed, a leather belt pulls together any outfit.

Socks

Whether it’s black or white (or cashmere for days off), socks are a non-negotiable.

Flats

Prefer a comfortable footbed? There’s a conveyor belt of flat-soled options.

Scarves

From silk to woollen, scarves are an elegant staple and nothing short of practical.

Tote bags

To the office or the corner shop, a do-it-all tote bag is a true sartorial hero.

Everyday jewellery

Nothing says “put-together” quite like a well-stocked jewellery box. Our undisputed heroes? Hoop earrings, chain necklaces and everyday diamonds.

Hair accessories

Scrunchies, hairbands and hairclips – you name it. Look no further for finishing touches.

Gloves

Keeping warm in winter’s blistering cold is key. Do so in style with a pair of quality hand-cosies.

Sunglasses

Eyewear trends come and go, but some iterations never go out of style (excuse the cliché). Cue wayfarers, aviators and Jackie O oversized iterations for inspiration.

Shoulder bags

A shoulder bag is a loyal companion for every day of the week, no matter the occasion. Stick to the muted end of the colour spectrum for an extensive shelf-life.

Heeled shoes

From stilettos to platforms and back to kitten heels, for those married to a heel, there’s a style to suit every taste.

Hats

Whether you love beanies or wide-brim styles, when it comes headwear, options are endless. These pieces will stand the test of time.

14 Accessory Trends That Are in for 2022, According to Our Editors

With the power to make (or, indeed, break) an outfit, accessories should always be considered a high priority when pulling together any ensemble. Whether you're looking to dress something down or perhaps elevate a staple you're becoming somewhat weary of, the addition of a well-chosen accessory can do just that—and with minimal effort required on your part, I might add. Our team know just how essential accessories can be when it comes to honing your aesthetic. We spend a lot of time analysing trends, and accessories are one area that we make sure never to overlook. But which accessory trends are in for 2022? I'm glad you asked.

Join us, Who What Wear UK's editors, as we sound off on the best and brightest accessory trends 2022 has in store, from baseball caps to chain necklaces all the way to the broad spectrum of shoes dominating the runways and Instagram alike. Scroll below to see them plus plenty of other add-on ideas that might pique your interest.

10 Most Popular Fashion Accessories of All Time

Why do some styles run cold while others remain hotter than ever? Many of the following fashion trends have been around for years, as popular today as they were in the ‘20s, ‘50s, and ‘70s. From Converse sneakers to that little black dress, the following top the list as ten of the most popular styles and accessories of all time.

10 – The Little Black Dress

What woman doesn’t own a little black dress, or wish that she did? Perfect for cocktail parties, the theater, and a night on the town. Combine the look with a statement necklace from Michael Hill Jewellers and a pair of high-heeled pumps; the LBD is hotter than ever!

09 – The Hermès Carré

Fashioned from mulberry-moth silk (250 cocoons to be exact), the Hermès Carré is as glamorous as it is trendy. Since 1937, French women, Queen Elizabeth II, and Grace Kelly have all sported the scarf in their own unique way.

08 – The Classic Diamond Ring

Few accessories make more of a statement than the classic diamond ring. Nothing says, “I love you” quite like a solitaire or traditional wedding set. What’s more, diamond settings have been a fashion hit for thousands of years, first worn by royalty and now millions say, “for evermore” with classic diamonds.

07 – The Diane von Furstenberg Wrap Dress

This 1970s throwback became popular when Diane von Furstenberg first created women’s fashions approximately forty years ago. The wrap dress became an instant hit that remains one of the top trends of all time.

06 – The Breton Stripe

The Breton stripped shirt has the look and feel of sailing across the bay. Originating from the French province of Brittany, each stipe represents one of Napoleon’s twenty-one battle victories. The design was later immortalized as one of Coco Chanel’s 1917 clothing designs.

05 – The Burberry Trench Coat

First created in 1856, Thomas Burberry (then twenty-one-years old) created the first weather-proof gabardine fabric. During WWI, he was asked to design an overcoat that would be appropriate for wartime wear. Hence the birth of the modern day trench coat!

04 – The Stiletto

Photo Credit: By Xingbo at Later version(s) were uploaded by F l a n k e r at [Public domain], from Wikimedia Commons

Designed by Blahnik in the 1930s, the stiletto made a comeback in the 1950s, then again in 1974, when Manolo Blahnik reintroduced the shoe with a ‘needle’ heel. The stiletto continues to make fashion waves, although they look more sensational than they feel!

03 – Tiffany Pearls

Tiffany pearls have served as a ‘rite of passage’ throughout the generations, ever since Tiffany made the pearls a popular jewelry accessory around the turn of the 20th century. Next to diamonds, they remain the number one trend for women and brides.

02 – The Chanel 2.55 Bag

The Chanel 2.55 Bag is as exciting today as it was almost sixty years ago when it was first introduced to women around the world. Interestingly, the puffed-style was inspired in Coco Chanel’s boyfriend’s stables, by the quilted jackets worn by horse breeders. The idea for the leather chains came from the anchoring ropes on yachts, and the first Channel bag was sold in February of 1955, thus 2.55!

01 – Converse Sneakers

Topping the list are Converse sneakers, originating in WW II when they were worn by army soldiers serving in the war. In 1966, the Beatles made the shoe a household term. Today Converse sneakers have walked their way around the world.

These ten most popular fashion accessories top our list as the best styles ever! By the way, of course this list is not official or something. So don’t get mad if we didn’t feature your favourite fashion accessories. Just use comments section and share yours with us.