As I listened to Who What Wear with Hillary Kerr recap New York Fashion Week, I noticed a reoccurring theme: accessories. Belts, brooches, chunky jewelry- you name it, and that accessory had their time in the sun this runway season! Personally, I’ve never been one to accessorize beyond a purse and shoes. However, I found myself loving the resurgence of this trend.
Back in its heyday of the early 2000s, I found it ironic that the fashion world had set its sights on accessorizing. Countless people were suffering through an economic recession, so why were we pushing accessories? Why would consumers buy something inconsequential and insignificant, when they were struggling to live paycheck to paycheck?
I’m not an economist by any means, but I think everyone agrees that the American economy has still seen better days. Is it any coincidence that accessories are making their comeback in the exact same economical climate they last thrived in? Absolutely not, and now as an adult I can see why.
Yes, accessories are not a necessity, but in a time when many struggle to justify frivolous spending, what better way to ensure a thriving industry of frivolity than to focus on products that bring joy at a justifiable cost?
Newly enlightened, I understand the desire to, and see the beauty in, accessorizing. Having never prioritized accessories though, I couldn’t help but wonder how does one make an outfit visually interesting through accessories?
How To Give an Outfit Depth
One of my favorite ways to give an outfit depth is through a statement piece. Everyone loves to hate the iconic 2010s chunky necklace, and- while I tried not to succumb to the pressures of bulky neckwear- even I had signature statement necklaces. Nowadays though, I prefer a statement shoe or a statement coat.
What Are Statement Pieces in Fashion?
A statement piece- statement piece meaning an article of clothing or accessory meant to stand out and draw attention- can be anything in fashion. While that explanation may not be the detailed insight beginners were hoping for, the ambiguity of fashion is what makes it beautiful.
Remembering that sparked countless questions. Had the instinct to rationalize and define our choices hindered our expression and creativity? When did we stop viewing an outfit by it’s elements (volume, fluidity, texture) and start viewing it by it’s trendiness?
If our desire for individuality is the key to giving an outfit depth, then has the time come to let go of our instincts? Is it finally time we allow ourselves to wear something just because it invokes feeling and looks damn good?
Fashion Accessories Trends 2024
The 2025 Spring Runway particularly favored these accessories:
- 90s inspired purses
- 90s inspired sunglasses
- Stacked jewelry
- Brooches
- Belts
- Tights
Quiet Luxury: A New Class of Fashion
It became clear during New York Fashion Week that even minimalists can dabble in the art of accessorizing while staying true to themselves. This class of fashion is better known as quiet luxury. However, if you’re an avid social media user then chances are this isn’t news to you. Ever since Sofia Richie Grainge rose from the ashes of her Kardashian-esque public persona, lovers of chic minimalism have found a style icon that plays with the elements of personal style without sacrificing aesthetic.
Minimalistic accessories? Absolutely. Minimal accessories? Never. Sofia Richie Grainge’s outfit formula always includes a unique purse, eye-catching coat, chic sunglasses, and beautiful jewelry.
Scandinavian Fashion Style
If you’re looking for more quiet luxury inspiration than Sofia Richie Grainge, the Scandinavians have it down. The Scandinavian fashion style can be categorized as chic minimalism with eclectic influences.
For those still wondering ‘What does Scandinavian style look like?’, imagine a simple outfit stylized in an experimental way with eye-catching accessories. I am obsessed with Scandi style (to put it mildly), and there is no shortage of spectacular influencers to look towards for inspiration on how to get the Scandi girl look.
Gatekeeping in Fashion
New York Fashion Week also prompted many influencers to call for the gatekeeping of fashion. At first, I was shocked and a little appalled. Why should we be restricting access to brands and promoting exclusivity? Then, Grace Brinkly, a fashion influencer who has studied the art for many years, made a TikTok and changed my perspective. She pointed out various issues in the industry that have emerged from erasing the standards needed to work with well-known brands.
While there is a deep educational aspect to fashion, we cannot view this issue through a scholarly lens. The gatekeeping in question has nothing to do with the knowledge of brands or the history of fashion. Rather, it is about safeguarding authority and dedication. Grace was the first person to ask the question that has been haunting me ever since I viewed her video: who is critically analyzing these brands? The majority of influencers invited to NYFW accept because it is free or they benefit in some way. When the room is filled with people hired to hype up a brand, who is there to offer critique? Who is there to push brands and encourage innovation? Who is there that has studied fashion and knows what makes it art?
How To Develop Your Personal Style
Although influencers can be a great source of inspiration, have we come to rely on them too much? At the end of the day, influencers have a mutual relationship with brands. They both benefit, and- whether intentional or not- honesty can be quite difficult when it could come at the cost of future event invites and unbelievable perks.
For this reason, Rogue Basics will not be outlining how to develop personal style. This online fashion magazine is not meant to influence your decisions in the traditional sense. Personal style is ever-evolving, it should not be easily defined because each individual is not easily definable. Fashion is multifaceted, and- similarly to people- to define it, is to constrict it. Your personal style should include various aesthetics, elements, and trends, but it should not depend on what’s current and popular.
Let us look through our closets this Spring, and push ourselves to use past pieces in new ways. What better way to get a Spring style refresh on a budget than by shopping through our closets? If you’re looking for new pieces though, may we suggest some accessories? (We hear they come at a justifiable cost).
On a serious note though, Scandinavian style has inspired us to reevaluate past trends, so- whether it’s for accessories or a brand new outfit- we will be shopping second-hand. Not only is it sustainable and budget friendly, but it also gives us a chance to test out experimental styling without the influence of what’s current and trendy. What are your Spring style plans?