How to Accessorise an Outfit: Bags, Jewellery, Scarves & Hats
The right accessories can turn a simple outfit into a look – and they're the easiest way to update your wardrobe without buying a whole new one. Here's our simple guide to how to accessorise an outfit, with our favourite bags, jewellery, scarves and hats for summer.
Jump to: 5 easy rules · Bags · Jewellery · Scarves & hats · Outfit ideas · FAQs
5 easy rules for accessorising
1. Pick one statement piece
A bold necklace, big earrings or a bright bag – choose one hero and keep the rest simple.
2. Match your metals (or don't!)
All gold or all silver always looks polished. Mixing is fine too – just repeat each metal at least twice so it looks on purpose.
3. Balance print and plain
With a printed dress, go for plain accessories. With a plain outfit, a printed scarf or bag adds interest.
4. Think about your neckline
V-necks suit pendants, crew necks suit statement earrings or a longer chain, and collared shirts look great with a scarf.
5. Choose a bag that works hard
A crossbody keeps your hands free for shopping and travel; a clutch or small shoulder bag is perfect for events.
Bags
From everyday crossbodies to summer totes and evening bags.
Jewellery
Earrings frame your face, necklaces finish a neckline, and a brooch adds instant personality.
Scarves & hats
A light summer scarf adds colour and covers shoulders on cooler evenings. A hat finishes the look and keeps the sun off.
3 easy outfit ideas
Weekend casual
Jeans and a stripe tee + a woven crossbody + gold drop earrings + a fedora.
Summer wedding or the races
A printed midi dress (try our summer dresses guide) + a small structured bag + one statement necklace. Love colour? See our Curate by Trelise Cooper edit.
Lunch with the girls
White pants and a plain top + a bright tropical scarf + a tan bag.
Accessorising FAQs
How many accessories should I wear?
Two or three is usually perfect – for example earrings, a bag and a scarf. If one piece is very bold, keep the others simple.
Do accessories make good gifts?
Yes – jewellery, scarves and bags are some of our most popular gifts, and we gift wrap for free. See our Christmas gifts for her guide.
Is shipping free?
Shipping is free within New Zealand on orders over $160, and we pack orders within 24 hours from Ashburton.
When do I need to order by for Christmas?
Our Christmas delivery cut-off dates are 18 December for the North Island and 21 December for the South Island. See our shipping page.
Happy shopping!
Anj & the RAPT team
