I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, accessories are magical things. There’s no point in debating the subject. I won’t be told otherwise. What else has the power to elevate a basic jeans-and-T-shirt outfit like a piece of jewellery or, indeed, boasts the ability to make a dress work for day or night like a well-chosen shoe? Accessories unlock more outfit potential in a way clothes simply cannot, and in my book, that makes them magic.
Assuming we’re in agreement, I thought it might be of interest to talk you through the biggest accessory trends 2023 has to offer, as seen on the spring runways. The new designer collections are always the first place I look for accessory inspo for the year ahead, and there’s a distinct balance in playfulness and timelessness.
Sitting alongside frou frou corsages, for instance, is the handbag trend I know every minimalist will want to and absolutely should be coveting. This season is going to be a tale of two aesthetics—from pared-back classics to OTT maximalists—and the accessories on show will absolutely reflect that. All you need to do is choose your player, and let the games begin… Scroll on to see the very best way to set this year off with a stylish start.
Style Notes: Although the fashion industry has been enjoying playing with micro bags for the past few seasons, for 2023, the saying “bigger is better” definitely applies. Totes of an almost impractical size featured heavily in the collections of arm-candy heavyweights Chloé, Bottega Veneta and Bally, so they’ve got official backing. As for us? A stylish bag that fits not only our whole make-up bag but laptop too? Consider us influenced.
COS has just launched the oversized tote that you’re about to see everywhere this summer.
A great high-street option.
How could we talk about XL totes without including the Instagram-crowd’s most sought after piece? We have a feeling this one will be on our Wishlist for quite a while…
Style Notes: Ballet shoes were absolutely one of 2022’s most in-demand shoe trends thanks in no small part to Miu Miu, whose satin ballerinas have been a hit with the Instagram style set. For 2023, the obsession continues with punchy colours, pretty metallics and practical but chic Parisian style at it’s very best.
Ballet flats don’t come more classic than this.
These are straight-up angelic.
It’s impossible to think of a Ballerina shoe without thinking of Chanel. We’re personally lusting after the cream & black colour combo, and pairing these with a crisp white shirt & some boyfriend jeans doesn’t sound too bad to us..
Style Notes: After years of yellow gold tones reigning the jewellery scene, with rose gold briefly stealing the show, now it’s time to embrace all things silver once more. Chunky silver necklaces, earrings and bangles adorned models during countless spring/summer runways, and I’m already seeing the ripple effects hit the market. FYI mixing of metals also highly encouraged.
We love how delicate this piece is. Wear it layered for a cool look or on it’s own to keep it sleek and modern.
These earrings were made to be worn with slicked-back hair.
A chic investment piece.
Style Notes: If you were in any doubt, hats are back for 2023! We saw cute crochet swimmers at Eudon Choi and fancy bonnets at Paul & Joe. However, the most wearable of them all was the bucket, which was evident at Etro, Carolina Herrera and Alberta Ferretti, to name a few.
Opt for neutral hues for maximum versatility, a chic way to update your spring wardrobe.
A Logo-mania renaissance perhaps? For this bucket hat, it’s an almost definite yes from us.
Keen to escape the inconsistent spring weather for some heat? Make sure to pack this.
Style Notes: If you want your outfits to look more current in two seconds flat, I have the solution: Stick a corsage on it! Worn by way of belts at ACNE Studios and neckties at Magda Butrym, this is 2023’s prettiest accessory trend by far.
We’re seeing these floral chokers everywhere, keep the outfit simple and just add one (preferably with a pop of colour or print, like this one) to make the outfit look super chic.
The perfect way to overhaul an old black dress.
Fix this brooch to a coat lapel or the waistband of a skirt.
Style Notes: Saving your best for best is an outdated notion; I’ve loved seeing how both designers and dressers have embraced fanciful fashion once more. The epitome of this has to be opera-length gloves, which cropped up in, honestly, way more designer collections than I was expecting. Most surprisingly at The Row, which teamed its simple column dresses with long leather gloves. For a more delicate, spring-ready take, try mesh or organza options, such as those seen at Erdem and Deveaux.
