These 7 Accessories Will Make Any Outfit Look 100% Cooler

If you think people are born cool, think again. I've spent a long time analyzing the wardrobes of those considered to be style trailblazers, and one thing I've learned is that they largely contain the same things. Oversize blazers, straight-leg jeans, tea dresses, and trench coats all feature heavily. However, the thing that really makes someone stand out from the crowd, sartorially speaking, is accessories. 

Accessories present you with the opportunity to add personality to your basics and, as such, help make your outfits look cooler. And although I'm an affordable shopper at heart, I see the value in investing in premium accessories that were built to last. They may require some up-front spend but, in the long-run, you'll be glad to have more durable pieces at your disposal. Because trust me—you'll be wearing them a lot.

From logo belts and printed silk scarves to the shoes that have been the height of sophistication for the last 70-some years, keep scrolling to see and shop the cool fashion accessories that'll last you a lifetime.

SQUARE-TOE HEELS
Cool Fashion Accessories: Maria Bernad in square-toe heels

Photo:

@maria_bernad

Style Notes: They might be all the rage right now but square-toe shoes go all the way back to the '40s, when they were usually found in slingback form. Invest in a pair now and rest assured you'll wear them for years to come.

SILK SCARF
Cool Fashion Accessories: Anna Vitiello in a Fendi neck-scarf

Photo:

@annarvitiello

Style Notes: We can't think of an outfit that can't be instantly elevated via a neck scarf. Make like Anna and treat yourself to a logo-emblazoned number for extra cool points.

CAT-EYE SUNGLASSES
Cool Fashion Accessories: Alexis Foreman in a pair of cat-eye sunglasses

Photo:

@alexisforeman

Style Notes: Sunglasses trends come and go, but cat-eye silhouettes are a mainstay. With the ability to add polish to any ensemble—even jeans and an oversized knit—every style-obsessed woman should have at least one pair in her eyewear collection.

STRING OF PEARLS
Cool Fashion Accessories: Nnenna Echem wears a short pearl necklace

Photo:

@nnennaechem

Style Notes: Pearls are easily the biggest jewelry trend of the season, though there's no denying the timeless appeal of a string of pearls. Follow Nnenna's lead by wearing yours with a playful knit. 

SINGLE-STRAP BAG
Cool Fashion Accessories: Liv Purvis carries a one-strap bag

Photo:

@livpurvis

Style Notes: As far as handbags go, top-handle styles will always look cool, particularly worn with casual attire. We love how Olivia has clashed her seafoam-green bag with shades of rust and lilac.

GOLD HOOP EARRINGS
Cool Fashion Accessories: Monikh Dale in a pair of gold hoop earrings

Photo:

@monikh

Style Notes: One piece of jewelry you can guarantee will never go out of style is gold hoop earrings. While there are plenty of cheaper styles to choose from, we recommend spending a bit more on a pair that'll last you for years (and won't turn your lobes green).

LOGO BUCKLE BELT
Cool Fashion Accessories: Tine Andreaa wears a logo belt over her blazer

Photo:

@tineandreaa

Style Notes: A cheap belt—the type that you usually get free with a pair of trousers—can be spotted from a mile off. Instead, put your money towards the good stuff—one with a recognizable logo wouldn't hurt.

Now that you're down with the coolest accessories, why not check out how fashion girls are wearing their hair right now

This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.