The accessories that will breathe new life into your staples

If you feel stuck in a wardrobe rut and tired of your staples, it can be tempting to focus your desire on buying dozens of new pieces. But as any fashion stylist will tell you, a few carefully considered extras are all you need to transform your workwear essentials and off-duty basics.

‘You don’t need to make big changes to create an impact,’ says Lucy Knight, Partner & Personal Stylist. ‘Jewellery and accessories are ideal for making a difference to an outfit.’

For a playful twist on simple suits and crisp shirts, add a pair of oversized earrings. ‘Keep everything else simple and let the earrings do the talking,’ says Lucy, who regularly reaches for John Lewis & Partners’ striking new jewellery collection when dressing clients. The new resin styles start from £12 and feature angular cut-out shapes and bold-coloured hoops – experiment by clashing tones with what you’re wearing or by matching them to your lipstick.

In recent years, trainers and almond-toe shapes have enjoyed an uptake where trends are concerned, so for a fresh angle, try a pointed silhouette. ‘It will instantly elongate the leg and create a much more polished look,’ says Lucy. ‘They go with everything and make a casual outfit appear much smarter.’ Try a deep-V kitten heel with cropped trousers or a sharp, sleek ankle boot.

Animal print is certainly enjoying a moment, but if a leopard dress or a tiger jumper feels like too much of a commitment, an accessory splashed with a pattern is an easy shortcut – not to mention a crafty way to update navy, black and grey separates. ‘Nod to the trend with a leopard belt paired with an androgynous black suit,’ suggests Lucy, ‘or mix a pleated skirt with an oversized zebra- or leopard-print bag.’