The Art of Accessories: Scarves, Jewellery and Bags That Finish an Outfit

Accessories are the secret weapon of every well-dressed woman. A simple navy jumper and jeans can look ordinary — or, with a silk scarf, a pair of statement earrings and a good bag, they can look deliberate, elegant and entirely personal. Accessories add colour, texture and personality, and they allow a small wardrobe to create an endless variety of looks.

For women over fifty, accessories are especially valuable. They draw the eye where you want it, bring colour close to the face, and let you express your style without following fast-changing trends. This guide covers scarves, jewellery, bags, belts and glasses, with practical tips for building a collection you will truly use.

Why accessories matter

• They transform basics. The same dress can look casual, smart or dramatic depending on how you accessorise it.
• They express personality. Accessories are often what people remember about your style.
• They add colour near the face, which can brighten the complexion.
• They are versatile. A few well-chosen pieces work with many outfits.
• They can be less expensive than clothes, and many are timeless.
• They do not depend on size, so they continue to fit as your body changes.

Scarves

Scarves are perhaps the most versatile accessory. They add colour and softness, keep you warm, and can be worn in countless ways.

Types of scarf

• Large square silk scarves: elegant and versatile, ideal for knotting at the neck, wearing on the head or tying on a bag.
• Small square scarves (neckerchiefs): perfect for a jaunty knot at the neck.
• Long oblong scarves: easy to drape, loop and wrap.
• Wool and cashmere scarves: warm and luxurious in winter.
• Lightweight cotton and linen scarves: ideal for summer and travel.
• Wraps and shawls: practical for cool evenings and air-conditioned rooms.

Choosing scarves

• Pick colours from your palette (see our guide to finding your best colours). Scarves are worn close to the face, so the right colours can make a big difference.
• Choose prints that tie your wardrobe together: a scarf containing two or three of your neutrals and accent colours works with many outfits.
• Consider fabric weight: silk drapes beautifully and adds sheen; wool adds warmth and texture.

Easy ways to wear a scarf

1. The simple drape: hang a long scarf around your neck, with both ends falling down the front. Creates a lengthening vertical line.
2. The loop (Parisian knot): fold a long scarf in half, place it around your neck, and pull the loose ends through the loop.
3. The single wrap: wrap a long scarf once around your neck, leaving ends hanging at different lengths.
4. The neckerchief: fold a small square scarf into a triangle, roll it into a band, and tie it at the side or front of the neck.
5. The cowl: fold a large square into a triangle, place the point at the front, wrap the ends around the back and bring them to the front to tie loosely or tuck in.
6. The shoulder drape: drape a large scarf or wrap over your shoulders and secure it with a brooch.
7. The belt: thread a silk scarf through the belt loops of trousers or jeans and tie it at the side.
8. The bag accent: tie a small silk scarf around the handle of a handbag.
9. The headscarf or headband: fold a silk scarf into a band to wear as a headband, or tie it over the hair for a vintage look.

Practise in front of a mirror; after a few tries, these knots become second nature.

Jewellery

Jewellery adds sparkle, interest and personality.

Earrings

Earrings frame the face and draw attention upwards towards the eyes.

• Statement earrings — bold shapes, colours or sizes — can be the focal point of a simple outfit.
• Hoops in a medium size are classic and versatile.
• Studs and small drops are elegant and easy for every day.
• Consider comfort: very heavy earrings can stretch the earlobes. Lightweight materials, such as resin, wood, acrylic or hollow metals, offer impact without weight. Clip-on earrings are a good option if you do not have pierced ears or find pierced earrings uncomfortable.

Necklaces

• Long necklaces create a vertical line, lengthening the torso.
• Shorter necklaces draw attention to the face and collarbone.
• Layering several delicate necklaces of different lengths creates interest.
• Statement necklaces transform a plain top or dress.
• Match necklace shape to neckline: a V-shaped pendant suits a V-neck; a round collar necklace suits a crew neck.

Bracelets and rings

• Bangles and cuffs add impact with short or three-quarter sleeves.
• Rings draw attention to the hands; well-cared-for hands with a beautiful ring look elegant (see our guide to hands and nails).
• Watches can be both practical and stylish.

Brooches

Brooches are enjoying a revival. Pin one on a coat lapel, a jacket, a hat, a scarf or even a cardigan. Vintage brooches are often inexpensive and full of character.

Metals

Choose metals that flatter your skin tone and hair colour: silver and white gold often suit cool undertones and silver hair; gold often suits warm undertones. Mixing metals is perfectly acceptable and can look modern.

Real and costume jewellery

Fine jewellery is lovely but not essential. Good-quality costume jewellery can look wonderful, and vintage or second-hand pieces offer character at lower prices. If you have sensitive skin, look for hypoallergenic or nickel-free options.

Bags

A good bag elevates an outfit and is a practical everyday essential.

A small bag wardrobe

• An everyday bag: a structured or semi-structured bag in a neutral colour, large enough for your essentials but not so large that it becomes heavy.
• A crossbody bag: practical for travel, shopping and busy days, keeping hands free and valuables secure.
• An evening bag or clutch: for special occasions.
• A tote: for work, shopping or carrying a laptop.

Choosing a bag

• Consider weight: heavy bags can strain shoulders and backs. Choose lighter materials and carry only what you need.
• Check straps: wide, padded or adjustable straps are more comfortable.
• Look for organisation: internal pockets help you find keys, glasses and phones.
• Choose versatile colours: a neutral that works with your wardrobe, plus perhaps one bag in an accent colour.
• Invest in quality for the bag you use daily.

Belts

Belts define the waist, add a focal point and pull outfits together.

• Wide belts can define the waist over dresses and long cardigans.
• Narrow belts add subtle definition.
• Soft fabric or stretch belts are comfortable.
• Belts worn at the hip suit those who prefer not to emphasise the waist.

See our guide to dressing for your shape for more on waist definition.

Glasses

If you wear glasses, they are one of your most visible accessories.

• Choose frames that suit your face shape and colouring. Opticians can help.
• Consider colour: tortoiseshell, soft metallics, deep reds or blues can add personality.
• Frames that lift at the outer corners can give a subtle lift to the face.
• Keep a spare pair or a stylish pair of reading glasses for different outfits.
• Use a glasses chain for reading glasses you take on and off frequently.

Hats

Hats are practical and stylish:

• A wide-brimmed sun hat protects the face and neck from sun.
• A wool beret or cloche adds charm in winter.
• A fedora or trilby adds polish to casual outfits.

Building a collection

• Start with what you have. Many women have scarves and jewellery they have forgotten. Lay everything out and rediscover pieces.
• Edit. Keep pieces you love and wear; donate the rest.
• Store accessories visibly, so you remember to use them: scarves on hangers or in a shallow drawer, jewellery in trays or on hooks.
• Add slowly. Look for pieces that work with several outfits.
• Explore second-hand and vintage: charity shops, markets and vintage stores are treasure troves.
• Use accessories to update your look each season instead of buying new clothes.

Caring for accessories

Accessories last for decades when they are looked after:

• Silk scarves: hand wash gently in cool water with a mild detergent, or follow the care label; press with a cool iron while slightly damp.
• Wool and cashmere: wash rarely and gently, dry flat, and store clean with cedar or lavender to deter moths.
• Jewellery: store pieces separately to avoid scratches and tangles; keep silver in anti-tarnish pouches; put jewellery on after perfume and hairspray.
• Leather bags: clean and condition occasionally, stuff with paper to keep their shape, and store in a dust bag.

The "one statement" rule

A useful guideline is to choose one focal point per outfit: a statement necklace, bold earrings, a vivid scarf or a striking bag. Too many statement pieces at once compete for attention. But rules are made to be broken — if you love a maximalist look, wear it with confidence.

The bottom line

Accessories are the finishing touch that turns clothes into an outfit and an outfit into a personal style. Build a small collection of scarves, jewellery, bags, belts and glasses that suit your colouring and personality, store them where you can see them, and experiment freely. With the right accessories, even the simplest wardrobe can look fresh, polished and unmistakably yours.