Stop buying more black pants, start buying more interesting accessories
In which I make a case for why you need to build your accessory closet
Every time I post an IG video showing an interesting accessory—like the gloves here, or the shoes here, or the bag here1—the comments section lights up. Everyone agrees, “it’s a vibe!”
But then, when it comes to buying these same accessories, the hesitation sets in.
“But what will I wear it with?”
“Where am I actually going to wear this?”
“How do I even style it without looking crazy?”
So, the item stays in the cart, or worse, gets deleted. And you buy another pair of black trousers instead because they feel “safe.”
Now, generally, I am a big fan of not telling anyone what to do with their hard-earned money. You make the decisions! BUT, I am here to say today that if you want interesting, friction-full style, you MUST start collecting interesting and varied accessories. Immediately!
Here is the truth: A wardrobe full of perfect clothes without varied accessories will ultimately lead to style boredom. It’s functional, but it has no personality.
Here’s my logic
If you are stuck in a “closet full of clothes but nothing to wear” rut, it is likely because you keep buying foundations when you should be buying decorations.
1. Because they are tonal adjusters
Dial up or dial down a specific feeling with your accessories. OK for example, let’s start with a pleated skirt. It is a pleated skirt. Lady like, elegant etc.
Add a pearl necklace? Now you are telling the world your style is Classic with a capital C.
Add a neon architectural cuff? Suddenly there is friction, your style becomes contrast-y.
Neither is right or wrong, but they both say different things. That is what an accessory does.
2. The multiplier effect
One new pair of trousers gives you maybe three new outfits. One distinct, “weird” belt gives you a new way to wear every single pair of pants and dress you already own. It breathes life into the dead zones of your closet. You instantly expand the permutations possible with accessories.
3. Body neutrality (for most of them)
Accessories are the highest-reward, lowest-risk items in your closet. They are body-neutral. A great bag or a killer pair of sunglasses doesn’t care if you’re feeling bloated or if your weight has shifted. They always fit, and they always deliver.
Case study: The “Too Pretty” red dress
Let’s look at a real-life example of how this works. I have this red dress. It is beautiful and undeniably Elegant. NOW, we will need to play pretend here. Because this dress actually does have a very sexy cutout back that does give it that inherent friction. That is why I bought it. But let’s just say it didn’t. And it was just an elegant dress? With me? OK, now onwards—
If I wear it with a simple heel and a nice blowout, I look great. I also look like I am going to a gala, or perhaps hosting a very formal holiday party. The vibe is purely “Lady.” It is safe, it is pretty, and frankly for me, it is a little boring.
This is where the accessories change the physics of the outfit.
The “weird” shift: Instead of a bracelet, I add a pair of giant, slouchy opera gloves. Suddenly, the “Lady” vibe is gone. The gloves add a layer of drama and editorial weirdness. It stops looking like a dress I bought for a wedding and starts looking like a Look. The gloves make it less “precious” and more aggressive.
The “sculptural” shift: Take that same elegant dress and layer a structured ruffle peplum top over it. Now, you have completely broken the silhouette. The peplum adds volume and chaos to the clean lines of the dress.
In both cases, the accessory provided the friction. They took an item that was 100% “Feminine” and forced it to share space with “Weird” or “Sculptural.” That tension is what makes the outfit interesting.
I got a checklist for you!
To build a wardrobe that feels dynamic and “styled” rather than just “dressed,” you need to cover specific emotional and aesthetic buckets. You cannot just have “nice” things.
If you are looking at a piece and it fits one of these buckets, buy it—irrespective of your “personal style” or if you have an outfit ready for it.
1. The Pretty
Something delicate, refined, and classically beautiful.
Think: A silk scarf with a floral motif, a pearl drop earring, a crystal brooch.
2. The Cute
Something that makes you smile. It doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Think: A bag with a playful shape, a charm necklace, socks with hearts on them.
3. The Weird
This is crucial. This is the item that makes people tilt their heads. Something just…off.
Think: A shoe with a bizarre heel shape, a necklace that looks like melted metal, sunglasses that are slightly too small.
4. The Ugly
Yes, ugly. The “ugly” sneaker, or the glove in a jarring color like chartreuse or mud brown. This provides the friction that makes an outfit look modern rather than dated.
Think: Orthopedic-style sandals, colors that “clash” on purpose.
5. The Sculptural
Accessories that hold their own shape and add architecture to soft clothing.
Think: A wide cuff bracelet, a structured leather bag, a stiff corset belt.
6. The Elegant
The piece that elevates sweatpants. It feels expensive and timeless.
Think: A gold-tone watch, a leather belt with perfect hardware, a silk turban.
7. The Feminine
Something soft.
Think: A velvet bow, a satin clutch, sheer tights.
Now, I also just shared some of my fav accessories on repeat here if you want further inspo:
How to style them if you are into friction: Playing with opposites
I know the fear. You buy the sculptural, neon-green bag, and you stare at it. You think, I have nothing that matches this.
Good. That is the point. You aren’t supposed to match it.
The secret to friction-full style is the Rule of Opposites2.
If your outfit is feeling Lazy (sweatpants, big tee) -> Add the Elegant accessory.
If your outfit is feeling Basic (jeans and a white button-down) -> Add the Weird accessory.
If your outfit is feeling Feminine (floral dress) -> Add the Ugly or Sculptural accessory.
In summation, the ROI (Return on Investment) on a singular, strange accessory is SO MUCH HIGHER than buying yet another pair of black pants. Look at how I changed the mood of this base outfit for 5 cities with accessories:
Black pants maintain the status quo. You already have that mood in your closet why add another?
A sculptural silver belt or a neon glove adds newness.
You don’t need new clothes to change your style. You need weird things to put on your old clothes.
Go fill your buckets!
PS: I don’t use affiliate links, so I have nothing to gain from y’all buying anything. I just literally do think people underinvest in accessories. BUT, if you do have questions about any of the accessories pictured here, do ask me in the comments!
M-dashes are mine!
There are no rules in style but the name sounded catchy so we are going with it
Accessories are where the magic happens! Love this article, Asta, and completely agree—most of my jewelry has been worn hundreds of times. The best place to start is a vintage fair! Browse around and see what catches your eye.💕
This is (in my limited experience) 1000% true and you said it so well