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The Best Holiday Beauty and Fashion Looks

Classic Fashion Accessories Checklist

Marimekko floral print umbrella

All you really need to look your best―from the basics to seasonal essentials.

Basic Accessories

  • Diamond studs. The only earrings you’ll ever need to own. They’ll definitely set you back, but they will never go out of style.
  • Black or brown leather handbag. It won't get as dirty as a print or light tone and it will pair with all colors.
  • Nylon rain hat. Combines practicality with sleek contemporary style.
  • Ring closure belt. With no holes, it’s very easy to adjust to your particular shape.
  • Loafers. Comfortable, and they look smart with almost everything.
  • Tank watch. Has the elegance of a bracelet with the practicality of, well, a watch. Band choice is purely personal preference—black, white, silver, or stainless steel are all classic wristbands.
  • Cashmere scarf (pashmina). This wrap has evolved from a passing fad to a wardrobe staple.
  • Rain boots. They look as good splashing through puddles on a dirt road as they do with a knee-length skirt out on the town.
  • Tote bag. A practical companion, whether you’re walking to the office, heading to the beach, or scouting flea markets.
  • Colorful handbag. A surprisingly versatile way to kick up neutral outfits. Stick to classic shapes such as the bucket or hobo.
  • Small rolling suitcase. For short vacations or long-weekend getaways.
  • Overnight bag. Keep a moderately sized bag on hand for quick jaunts.
  • Umbrella. A full-size one will likely keep you drier, but a compact umbrella can easily fit in a handbag or tote.
  • Neutral sling-back heels. Own at least one pair of neutral heels—they’re extremely versatile and perpetually in fashion.
  • Sleek sneakers. Now streamlined and available in powerhouse colors, sneakers are like sportier ballet flats: Just slip them on with jeans or pants and go.
  • Leather belt. A black or brown belt is a style perennial.

Fall Accessories

  • Leather gloves. More sophisticated than mittens, they also last longer.
  • Riding boots (flat leather boots). Invest in a black or brown pair to give your fall wardrobe extra polish.

Winter Accessories

  • Snow boots. Think of both comfort and lifestyle when choosing a pair, from outdoorsy and rugged to sleek and fur-lined.
  • Earmuffs. While these may not be for everyone, they’re a great alternative to a plain cable-knit winter hat.
  • Leg warmers. Great to wear with boots—or with a coat that just grazes the middles of your calves.

Spring Accessories

  • Striped tote. Pick cheerful stripes to reflect the brightness of the season.
  • Colorful heels. Give your neutral footwear a rest in the spring and bring a classic khaki skirt or pants to life with vibrant heels.

Summer Accessories

  • Casual hat. Perfect (and sensible) for the beach, and always a good idea for those who need to shield color-treated hair from the sun.
  • Silk scarf. Wear it on your head, around your neck, as a belt, or a bandeau—or simply tie it onto a handbag strap.
  • Cloth belt. A nice change from the dark leather belt you use throughout the colder seasons; a color or pattern pairs well with white jeans or shorts.
  • Sarong. An exotic and attractive cover-up for the Caribbean—or the community pool.
  • Straw basket. Looks good in the city, in the country, at the beach.
  • Accented sandals. Spice up any summer outfit with beaded or jeweled slip-ons.

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Did we forget anything on this checklist? What would you add?

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