5 Affordable Accessories That Make My Basic Tops Look Expensive

If there's one thing I own a lot of, it's basic tops. Whether it's white tees or black tank tops, they're the backbone of most of my outfits, as I pair them with practically everything from midi skirts to high-waisted jeans and relaxed trousers. But what really takes my basic tops to another level are the accessories I wear with them, like chic belts and pearl chains.

The right accessories can make the simplest basics look 10 times more elevated and expensive. The best part is that these items don't need to cost a fortune, especially if you know the right places to look. A bonus tip is that these timeless accessories can also help you easily transition your favorite staples from the office to the weekend and vice versa. Below, I want to share some of my favorite pieces that will make your basic tops look pricey and chic and that are altogether on-trend.

Modern Pearls

Pearls always have the ability to make any outfit look more luxurious, and this season, I'm seeing a cool and modern take on pearls in unique shapes or mixed with chains and other materials. Whether you go for earrings, necklaces, or bracelets, pearls will make any basic top look more expensive.

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(Image credit: @ch.phr8ph)

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(Image credit: Jason Wu, Victor Virgile/Getty Images)

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(Image credit: @ch.phr8ph)

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Curved Carryalls

There's nothing like a chic bag under your shoulder to make your basic tops look more stylish. Opt for this season's slouchy and soft curved carryalls featuring elevated details like ruching, knot details, and sleek stitching.

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(Image credit: @champagnemani)

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(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

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(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

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Chic Belts

Whether wide or skinny, chic belts always make an outfit feel more pulled-together and polished. Tuck your basic top into your high-waisted jeans and cinch your waist with a belt for an easy and elevated look.

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(Image credit: @anoukyve)

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(Image credit: @sophiabrenn)

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(Image credit: @sasha.mei)

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Rectangular Sunglasses

To be honest, any type of sunglasses will undoubtedly make any outfit look more expensive, but it's the rectangle silhouettes that feel fresh right now and really provide that wow factor. 

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(Image credit: @thatgirlyusra)

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(Image credit: @bettinalooney)

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Silk Scarves

A chic printed scarf worn around your hair exudes a certain vintage look à la Audrey Hepburn that feels super fresh right now and will make any outfit look more sophisticated. Moreover, you can always tie the scarf around your neck for a French-girl vibe.

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(Image credit: @dronme)

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(Image credit: @chasemarieee)

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(Image credit: @lottaliinalove)

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This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated. 

Next, I Pay Attention to the Details—These 7 Accessory Trends Are Outfit Makers

Judith Jones
Senior Fashion Market Editor

Judith is the senior fashion market editor at Who What Wear and has worked in fashion for nearly a decade. Judith started on the Shop Who What Wear team, creating content and managing a team of merchandisers for the Who What Wear shopping app. She later crossed over to the editorial team, where she shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands in her shopping-focused stories and social takeovers. She has become one of the top affiliate earners during her six plus years at Who What Wear. Before working in fashion, Judith was a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) and shared her passion for travel and food. She studied at the prestigious London Academy of Dramatic Arts as well as Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York. She later studied fashion merchandising and design, which laid the foundation for her career in fashion.


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