Accessories. The tiny things that somehow make or break your outfit. I’ve spent hours staring at my dresser wondering if a necklace will make me look “put together” or “trying too hard.” Over the years, I’ve learned a few things: some accessories are worth the hype, others… not so much. Here are the seven timeless pieces I think everyone should have in their closet.
1. A Classic Watch
Not a smart watch—though those are fine too—but one of those simple, clean watches that actually makes you feel like an adult. I got mine as a gift years ago, and even when I’m wearing a wrinkled t-shirt and jeans, it somehow makes me look “responsible.” Bonus: it helps with that constant panic about being late.
2. A Leather Belt
A good leather belt is magical. It holds your pants up, yes, but it also ties an outfit together. I’ve learned the hard way that wearing a cheap belt that’s already cracking makes you look… let’s say, less polished. Stick to black or brown; they literally go with everything.
3. Sunglasses
Not the cheap ones from a gas station. Sunglasses can instantly upgrade your look and hide the fact that you slept 4 hours last night. I once wore sunglasses indoors to cover up my panda eyes… people didn’t judge (probably). Classic aviators or wayfarers never go out of style.
4. A Structured Bag
For women, a sleek handbag; for men, a leather messenger bag or briefcase. Something that looks like it has your life together. I got my first “adult” bag and honestly, carrying it made me feel like I could handle anything—even my inbox of 300 unread emails.
5. Minimalist Jewelry
Rings, necklaces, bracelets—nothing chunky or over the top. Small, clean pieces that can be worn daily. I learned this the hard way when I tried layering 10 bracelets at once. It looked like a craft project exploded on me. Minimalist is timeless.
6. Scarves
Scarves are underrated. They can be cozy, stylish, and in some cases, lifesaving when you forget your jacket. Neutral colors work best—black, grey, beige. I once grabbed a bright neon scarf and thought it was a “statement piece.” I looked like a traffic cone. Lesson learned.
7. Classic Footwear
Okay, technically shoes, but they’re accessories too. A clean pair of leather boots, loafers, or simple sneakers. They go with almost everything and make you look intentional rather than “threw something on.” I’ve ruined outfits by wearing old scuffed sneakers more times than I care to admit.
Here’s the thing: these aren’t “fashion trends.” They’re pieces that survive Instagram drama, TikTok challenges, and seasonal sales. They make any outfit look like you thought about it (even if you literally rolled out of bed).
You don’t need to go buy all of these tomorrow. Start with one or two, see how they feel. I promise, once you get a good watch or a solid bag, you’ll wonder how you ever survived without them.
