(Image Credit: Apartment Therapy)
I get asked quite often for my opinion on building a designer wardrobe and the pieces you might need to add to your collection if you’re looking for investment accessories, so I thought I would put a blog post together on that subject – 5 must have designer accessories. While I know a lot of these items are out of budget for a lot of people (myself included most of the time as I have to specifically save for my items and sell others I own), I know it’s going to be of use to a lot of people at the same time.
The best thing about designer accessories is that if you get it right, they can often be re-sold later down the line for a similar price to what you paid, so they are investment items as much as they are statement and luxury goods. These are 5 pieces I think you can’t go wrong with and do need if you’re looking to build a luxury collection of items you can wear on a regular basis. I always find it’s best to invest in the accessories much more than the clothes as clothes can’t be worn constantly and don’t hold their value, so check out my choices below.
A Classic Watch
One of the first pieces I would always say is a must have for anyone looking to build a collection of designer accessories is a watch. For both men and women, they just make such a statement and ooze luxury. I’ve noticed that when you’re at events, I will often spot people looking at someone’s watch as it’s a great indication to their personality and status. You regularly see Rolex and Omega on most people, or Cartier and BVLGARI (I have a BVLGARI LVCEA) for the ladies, but one brand that is luxurious and goes under the radar most of the time is Patek Philippe. I’ve mentioned the brand numerous times before as they do have some of the most stunning time pieces (my favourite being this skeleton watch here). They truly are masters of their craft and if you want a gorgeous designer watch to add into your collection, Patek Philippe is worth thinking about investing in! Most luxury watches are perfect, and it is of course down to your taste, but if you like something fancy with intricate detailing, they’re great.
A Statement Belt
An accessory I recently got into last year was a belt. I hadn’t really been a fan of them for most of my life actually, however my outlook changed for the better when I got my Gucci GG Belt and I now own both the brown and black versions. They really do add so much character and life to an overall outfit and of course give that added status of luxury to an outfit, depending on what you choose. I know the iconic Hermes H belts are a must have for most people and have been for decades, whereas others prefer the LV buckle instead from Louis Vuitton. Belts are just wonderful for adding something fun to your look and tying it together in my opinion.
A Versatile Bag
Obviously one of the first point of calls for a lady and designer accessories is a handbag. There’s so much choice! Often when I am out the brands I see the most are Chanel and Louis Vuitton, so those two are absolute classics when it comes to getting a versatile designer bag. Not only do they make a statement and are hand made with a quality you can only dream about, a lot of them are investment pieces as they hold their value too. As an example, the classic Chanel flap bags often have a re-sale value of near the same price as retail, so if kept in good condition, you wont really be out of pocket! Versatility is key though if you’re going for just one designer bag. You want to make sure it’s in a neutral shade or black and can be styled with most of your clothes. I can’t recommend the Celine Nano Luggage in Dune enough, it’s proven to be a bag I’ve worn the most and still love as much as I did when I got it.
A Good Pair Of Sunglasses
Now this is a standard when it comes to the summertime! Everyone needs a pair of sunglasses to not only protect your eyes from the UV rays of the sun, but to give off that fashionable and cool appearance as well. Sunglasses are one of the most statement making accessories that you can wear, plus they also hide tired eyes, so if you plan on wearing them often, invest in a great pair. My favourite brands are Ray-Ban, Celine, Prada and Chanel for sunglasses. They are often a lot more affordable than other accessories, you can even go wild and choose bold designs to stand out, but if you’re buying just one pair, opt for a classic aviator frame as it’s usually universally flattering, and in a brown or grey shade so it matches most of your items.
An Iconic Scarf
Then lastly, another designer accessory that I think is a must have is an iconic classic scarf. Burberry are usually known for making some of the best classic cashmere scarves and I definitely recommend them as they’re made in Scotland and of a high quality, but there’s many different brands that have amazing scarves you can choose from. I think a decent scarf is on my list because if you live in a colder climate like I do, you end up reaching for them often to keep you warm, but they also just bring an outfit together and give it some flare. I would recommend a colour that’s versatile though and goes with as much as possible, so something along the brown or grey colour spectrum is ideal – or both if you can invest.
– So that’s my roundup of 5 designer accessories that are must haves if you’re looking to build up an investment collection of luxury goods. What would you choose on your list? I would love to know!
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Couldn’t agree more!! Love these choices, too!
http://www.jessicabroyles.com
Author
Glad you agree!
I totally agree with your picks! I think I would start buying the sunglasses because they are one of my favorite accessories and I wear them all the time!
Have a lovely weekend!
Andrea.
Seize your Style
Author
Yes! I love sunglasses too!
Lovely pieces Lorna!
Author
Glad you like them!
I think a designer bag is always a classic item to rely on! Agree that it should be in a neutral so it’s easier to style and will be used more often! Xx
http://www.thefashionfolks.com
Author
Yes! I’m glad you agree!
These really are the must-haves! Love your Gucci belt! 🙂
xx
http://www.lambassadrice.com/
Author
Thank you 🙂
I of course agree with the handbag recommendation on your list, haha! I also invested in a big luxe LV scarf I’ve wanted for years so I’m waiting for winter to arrive so I can wear it, I think it will be a piece I wear year after year! 🙂
Hope you are having a lovely weekend 🙂 Going to be a little rainy here again but it should be a bit cooler too so I’m not complaining!
Away From The Blue Blog
Author
Oh lovely! I bet the LV scarf is beautiful, I can’t wait to see that!
I have all but scarf and belt! Great list and that belt is a beauty!
Shireen⎜Reflection of Sanity
Author
Glad you like it!
I love every single piece, especially the bag, it’s on my wishlist!
Dasynka
http://dasynka.com
Author
If you get chance to get it, you should!
Love your 5 must have pieces! That scarf is so pretty 🙂
Author
Thanks 🙂
I am them all. I don’t have any major designer bag, but I do have glasses. Love the selection…
http://www.comfycozyup.com
Author
Thank you!
I totally agree with your 5 must haves.
http://www.amysfashionblog.com/blog-home/
Author
Glad you like it!
I love all of them! 🙂 xx
Author
I’m glad 🙂
Yasss I totally agree with these! My dream is to have a Patek watch one day but it might take about 5 years of saving! Haha xx
http://www.thatnewdress.com/
Author
Yes! It takes a good long time, I know it would probably take me about 10 lol!
I own a black and brown Gucci belts too, twinny! My Celine bag is a tritone, I need one of these. I really don’t wear watches that much and to think I have a couple really good ones too. Have a great week Lorna!
http://www.fashionablyidu.com/
Author
Oh I’d love to see what watches you have, Idu!
It’s a pretty good guide, I like that you include scarves. I don’t use scarf much because it doesn’t get so cold in Australia but Burberry scarf looks really good, maybe I should consider getting one.
http://www.busyandfab.com
Author
If you’re in Australia, I’d recommend their lightweight ones as they’re not warm!
You’ve nailed this post. I’m all about the sunglasses!
http://www.fashionradi.com
Author
Glad you liked the post!
Yes these five items are definitely a must have. I especially love your Gucci belt and Celine Nano bag. And I couldn’t agree with you more that accessories get more use than luxury clothing. I can always wear the same bag every day if I wanted to but not the same blouse for example. Every other day may be but you know what I am saying it just doesn’t work like that.
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
Author
Yes! Accessories are always the best ones for wearing daily!
I love statement belts too, they can definitely elevate your whole outfit. Also, that Patek Philippe is a thing of beauty! You look lovely with the scarf and coat too dear!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
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Glad you liked the post!
I love all of them! you look beautiful too
bisous
http://www.gallech.com/
Author
Glad you do!
Such a great post! Thanks for sharing x
Adventures in May | Miss Nev
Author
You’re welcome!
My own advice on building a designer wardrobe would be to hire a really good carpenter… 😉 Sorry… hard to resist…
In terms of accessories I quite like cuff links and tie pins… though I have to admit that I don’t wear them very often. That’s just because I don’t dress formally all that often though. Obviously I have a pair of TARDIS cuff links… they were a present from my last ex a few years back. 🙂
Funnily enough I had an interesting little conversation about handbags earlier on today. I met up with my mum for lunch in the city. She’d been out shopping trying to find something nice to spend her birthday money from my grandad on. She saw a handbag that she liked in terms of colour, shape, style etc but the deal breaker was that she felt the zip was too accessible to thieves and she’d not dare wear it anywhere because of that. It’s not something I’d ever really thought about but I thought it was an interesting comment. 🙂 She bought books, soaps and CDs instead…
Author
That is a good point to make on the bags, and it does depend where you are and what you’re doing. Cross-body bags are the ones I love the most as they sit on the front of me and nobody can swipe them as they’re worn over my body, which I think is the most secure. I don’t worry too much about the zips that way, and I never leave my bag untended or off of my body, so it stays on me at all times when I’m out lol. That sorts out that issue! 😀
I would be into ties, cuff links and things like that if I was a guy, especially bow ties!
Funnily enough I have a few bow ties too… 😀 Again, rarely worn…
Author
You should wear them more 😀