Do You Own These Essential Accessories?

We’re continuing this week with our Back to the Basics series.   This month, we’ve talked through the 

• essential tops that every woman should have in their closet; 
• essential bottoms that every woman should have in their closet; and
• essential jackets that every woman should have in their closet. 

Today, we’re going to deep-dive into the essential accessories you should have in your wardrobe. I’m gonna break it down into big categories:

• Jewelry:
  • pearl (or diamond) studs; 
  • gold hoops
  • pearl necklace; 
  • diamond tennis (or gold) bracelet; and
  • classic watch. 
• Bags:  
  • backpack;
  • bowler bag; 
  • bucket bag;  
  • clutch; and 
  • crossbody. 

Accessories are the most personalized of anything you can have in your wardrobe, and they let us individualize our daily outfits in fun and often idiosyncratic ways. But that means accessories can generate a lot of controversies:  label and price wars on social channels, anyone? So my goal today is simple: provide you with what I think are the essential accessories you should have in your wardrobe and let you decide on the individual brands or labels that work for you. (Of course, if you have questions, I can steer you in a direction in the comment section below.)

Jewelry 

I’ve been around the block once or twice. Here are a couple of high-level tips I’ve picked up along the way:  

• Every woman should build a faux jewelry collection. It takes away a lot of worries, especially when traveling home or abroad. Ever lost a bag at the airport?  
• It’s worth thinking about jewelry as an investment that can hold and appreciate value over time.   Silver, gold, platinum, and (some) gemstones are tried and true hedges against inflation. Just sayin’.  
• Have a daughter or a newly arrived granddaughter? Leave a piece of yourself with them by passing down your most prized necklace or bracelet.  

Looking to buy jewelry? Start at Nordstrom or Neiman Marcus for a good overview of the landscape. Identify price points and brands that work for you and work your way backwards to individual designers, labels, and brands.    

Pearl or diamond studs

Pearl studs are the perfect earrings to wear, whether you are sixteen or sixty. What I love most about pearl studs is that they can go to school, work, or an evening out and still look fabulous. Not everyone is as ga-ga over pearls as I am. But we all know diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Honestly, who doesn’t love diamonds? Especially diamond studs that are simple and chic. If you love an understated yet elegant look, the sparkle from a pair of diamond studs is a perfect choice.

• Pro tip:  Pearls (and diamonds) are gemstones that can be dressed up or down with ease. In my humble opinion, pearl studs are the go with anything go, everywhere earrings.

Pearl necklace

This timeless classic necklace is the perfect gift for a cherished family member. Every time I pull out my string of pearls, I think of my parents who gifted me my first pearl necklace. Pearls go perfectly with a little black dress as their white iridescent luster bounces off the black for a simple, elegant look. Don’t be afraid to add faux pearls to your collection, a.k.a Jackie Kennedy.

• Pro tip: Long strands of faux pearls look fantastic layered a la Coco Chanel.

Diamond tennis or gold bracelet

We have Chris Evert to thank for the name of this iconic bracelet. Can you believe she lost her diamond bracelet during a match at the US Open? Play was halted until Chrissy found her precious gems. Afterward, we all rushed out to buy a replica, and the must-have tennis bracelet was born. The simple design is what makes it a classic, with its symmetrical line of diamonds sitting neatly in a row. There are many different sizes when it comes to a tennis bracelet, so there’s definitely one that’s in your budget. I like to keep one real diamond bracelet and one faux in my lineup.

• Pro tip: I always travel with costume jewelry for a hassle-free trip. There’s never a worry if I lose a bracelet or earrings, or in the rare case, it’s stolen. 

Classic watch

There are many beautiful timepieces that could be added to your jewelry box. But the granddaddy of them all is the classic tank watch from Cartier. It’s always been on my must-have list. Mr. Style was a watch aficionado and could rattle off random facts about any and every watch known to mankind. As a matter of fact, all of my classic timepieces (and many of my handbags) were gifted from him. In his eyes, a watch was the ultimate everyday accessory.

Round dials are universally flattering, but I love squares and rectangles too. I know, I know many of us keep time these days with our phones, but a classic watch is a finishing touch that completes your outfit. These days technology has been integrated into timepieces.

• Pro tip:  An Apple watch with interchangeable straps can complement any ensemble.

Bags 

Love, love, love handbags, as do you. I know this because I probably get the single most questions and/or requests to write posts on handbags. Before getting into the nitty-gritty, a few thoughts on handbags: 

• Handbags as investment pieces? Depends on what you mean by “investment”. While some designer handbags hold and appreciate in value, many don’t. But what I mean about “investment” in this context is simple:  unlike your denim, a well-made handbag will last a lifetime. Pro-rated over 2o years, a $400 handbag starts to look a little less expensive.  
• Handbags are the easiest way to add color to an outfit. Many of us shy away from bright colors in our OOTDs.   But handbags allow us subtle flare that can be hidden under the table at lunch.  
• There’s a time and place for every handbag, but not every bag works in every time and place. Think about your day before your outfit when choosing a handbag.

Backpack

Backpacks are ideal for a day out and about or long-term travel. Usually secured with two straps that go over your shoulders, you can just slip one strap over and call it a day.

• Pro tip:  Backpacks are an easy way to add a color pop to your outfit. 

Bowler

Bowler bags have a rounded design and are sometimes referred to as Dr. Bag. They have two straps and are slipped on between the forearm and elbow. They were inspired by the shape of bags used to carry bowling balls. Usually a daytime bag, they are not as versatile as the backpack but are well-pocketed and convenient.  

• Pro-tip:   Pair with riding boots and jeans for an instant classic look.  

Bucket bag

Bucket bags typically have a long strap with a round or oval bottom. They’re generally closed with a drawstring or zipper, and can be carried to work or on the weekend. 

• Pro tip:  Style as you would the backpack.  

Clutch

The classic small handheld bag:  glams up any outfit with a clutch.  

• Pro tip:  Keep a clutch handy for keys and wallet for quick trips to the store.  

Crossbody

• Pro tip:  Spending a day out and about with your kiddos or grandkiddos? A crossbody is for you. 

In case you missed it 

We wrapped up our monthly series A Look at My Renovated Home this week with a tour of my master bedroom. Click the link and you’ll easily find other links to see my entire home.  

Beth Djalali

is the Founder and CEO of Style at a Certain Age. She writes Sundays-Fridays on all topics ranging from fashion, health, wellness, home design and more.

She’s 65, 5’8, and size 8.

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