Let accessories take center stage. Whether you're elevating a formal outfit or adding flair to something casual, the right accessory can make all the difference. A classic pair of jeans and a white shirt? Pair it with the right accessories, and you’ve got a whole new vibe. Seven essential accessorizing tips to stay on-trend and elevate your style in 2025.

1. Go Bold with Statement Rings

Minimalist jewelry has been having a long run the past number of years, but this year rings are bigger and bolder than ever. Chunky, sculptural designs and multi-finger rings have been seen everywhere from high couture to fast fashion. From geometric designs to colorful stones, don't be afraid to layer on rings that give your outfit an instant edge. Mix different textures and metals for a truly unique look that screams personality - some of my favorites come from Mejuri and Kendra Scott rings.

For gold that lasts, look for "gold plated" at a minimum, which has a thin layer of real gold around a more affordable metal structure. "Gold filled" or "gold vermeil" offers a thicker layer of gold and is usually the best balance of quality and price, as gold filled is still significantly cheaper than solid gold.

2025 Key Trends:

• Chunky Sculptural Rings: Oversized, artistic rings that stand out with abstract shapes and bold finishes.
• Colorful Gemstones: Think emeralds, sapphires, and amethysts (or just stones/glass that look like them) adding a pop of color to your fingers.

2. Scarves Styled in New Ways

Scarves are more than just a neck accessory. Think outside the box by wearing them as belts, headbands, tied to a handbag or even wrapped around your waist for a more relaxed, boho-inspired look. Silks and rich fabrics with bold prints are making waves, adding instant luxury and sophistication to your outfit. Whether you’re going for a casual street style look or dressing up, scarves are an easy way to add texture and color.

2025 Key Trends:

• Printed Silk Scarves: Bold prints, especially florals, animal patterns, and abstract art, will make scarves the focal point of your outfit.
• Waist and Belt Scarves: Tying scarves around your waist is an effortless way to add some drama and shape to your silhouette.

3. Balance Your Accessories with Intent

Balance your accessories for curated, intentional accessorizing. Don’t overwhelm your outfit with every piece of jewelry, instead, aim for balance - pair bold, chunky necklaces with delicate earrings or mix statement pieces with more understated ones. The key is creating harmony in your accessories, so they complement, not compete with, each other. Keep your accessories in sync with the vibe of your outfit for a more refined, elevated look.

2025 Key Trends:

• Minimalist Earrings with Bold Necklaces: Opt for smaller, simple earrings like hoops or studs when wearing a statement necklace.
• Oversized Cuff bracelets: It's felt like such a long time since we've seen cuffs that they feel very fresh and new. with a bold cuff as a statement piece, you can balance your look by resurrecting your minimalist jewelry to accent them. 

4. Mix and Match Your Metals for 2025 Flair

Once seen as a taboo, mixing gold, silver, and even the long-forgotten rose gold feels like a bold, intentional style move. Layer gold chains with silver bracelets or pair rose gold earrings with a platinum watch. This trend is all about embracing contrasts, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different tones and finishes. The fusion of metals creates a dynamic, eye-catching effect that keeps your outfit fresh and modern.

2025 Key Trends:

• Gold and Silver Pairing: Gold chains with silver cuffs are one of the top trends, especially in layered looks.

5. Statement Bags Are Always a Good Idea

From oversized, structured bags to bold mini bags in vibrant colors, the right handbag can completely transform your look. Opt for bags that stand out and make a statement - think bright hues, unexpected textures, or futuristic metallics. Don’t forget to match your shoes to your bag for a seamless, high-fashion finish.

2025 Key Trends:

• Oversized Structured Bags: Think of bags that make a bold statement, adding edge to any outfit.
• Metallic and Futuristic Bags: Silver, holographic, and other shiny finishes will dominate the accessory world in 2025.
• Beaded Shoulder Bags: Made popular by Staud and now recreated everywhere, a beaded bag can be classic or kitschy, but it always makes a statement. 

6. Belts Are Still Having Their Moment

Belts are a classic, but they have been having a major moment over the last few years, and continuing strong. Whether it's a wide, bold belt cinching your waist for a high-fashion look or a delicate chain belt adding a bit of edge to a sleek dress, belts are an easy way to elevate your outfit. The key is to make your belt the focal point of your look, using it to define your silhouette or add texture and color.

2025 Key Trends:

• Wide Statement Belts: Bold, oversized belts are on-trend, often with intricate details or eye-catching buckles. These belts add structure to flowy dresses or oversized blazers.
• Chain and Waist-Cinching Belts: A chain belt over a loose dress or high-waisted pants adds a touch of glamour and modernity. Waist-cinching belts, especially in leather or metal, are perfect for creating shape in oversized or boxy outfits.
• Bold Buckles:  Belts with oversized or uniquely designed buckles (many done fashion houses' logos) make a bold statement and are perfect for giving a minimalist outfit an instant twist. This structural buckle is in my shopping cart.

7. Shoes That Feel Fresh 

Shoes are the finishing touch that can completely transform an outfit. The trends this year emphasize bold designs, experimental styles, and standout details that take your look to the next level.

2025 Key Trends:

• Chunky Sneakers: The sporty, oversized sneaker trend still looks fresh and continues to dominate - think platforms, bold color contrasts, and unique textures. Pair them with everything from tailored suits to dresses for an unexpected edge.
• Flared Heels: Sculptural designs have filtered down from avant-garde couture week to wearable styles that still stand out and look like something we've never seen before. A pair of flared boots or pumps to give any outfit an instant update.
• Modern Mary Janes: In flats or in platform heels and in between, spins on Mary Janes are everywhere. I am loving these with socks!
• Pointed-Toe Mules and Slingbacks: Pointed-toe shoes continue to feel like a fresh shape that balances wide leg pants and voluminous skirts well. These sharp, sleek shoes can add sophistication and a touch of power to any outfit.

Shoes are often the first thing people notice, and with 2025’s diverse options, there’s no excuse not to have some fun with them. Whether you're looking to make a statement or keep things classic, the right pair of shoes can elevate any outfit to a whole new level.

xx