Investing in the staples of one’s wardrobe — from timeless denim to blanched white T-shirts and tailored blazers — has become the modus operandi of the modern, and smart, way to shop. Pieces that prioritise versatility, quality and timelessness, all of which provide a reliable roadmap to effortless everyday dressing, have become front of mind, steering away from flash-in-the-pan trends and unnecessary overconsumption.
However, there’s more to a good outfit than just the basics. While these pieces offer the building blocks of a look, it’s the addition of sleek accessories which provide a final considered polish.
Of course, you’re likely to have a personal arsenal of pieces already in your possession, from black top-handle bags to sleek ankle boots and a favourite watch of two. But with the new year almost upon us, why not use the opportunity to refresh your accessories with the best pieces the latest collections have had to offer?
Unlike passing trends, these items possess an enduring elegance that will serve as the sartorial cherry on top of your ensembles season after season. Ahead, we’ve handpicked six trends from the runways that are at once contemporary and timeless, and will elevate your wardrobe for years to come.
Leather gloves
Prada SS26
Balenciaga SS26
Practical leather gloves received the high fashion treatment this season, reinventing this sensible piece into a considered, sophisticated accessory. Gloved hands were abound across the autumn/winter 25 collections, notably at Chanel, Ermanno Scervino, Max Mara and Michael Kors, which spotlighted opera-style gloves that covered the arms past the elbow. The accessory shows no signs of waning for spring/summer 26 either; Prada showed a veritable pick’n’mix of candy-coloured styles, while Balenciaga went all in on moody, darkly romantic hues.
Khaite Remo mid leather gloves
Massimo Dutti long nappa sheepskin leather gloves
Saint Laurent black leather gloves
M&S leather mid length gloves
Sculptural bangles
Fendi AW25
Miu Miu AW25
Delicate chains and kitschy charm bracelets have been supplanted this season in favour of the chunky, statement and sculptural. No longer worn as separate pieces of jewellery, these eye-catching pieces are being used to their full styling potential; Miu Miu’s presentation of ornate bangles secured over a coat or jumper sleeve was a look we’ll be rinsing and repeating this season.
Gabriela Hearst sterling silver cuff
Dinosaur Designs voyage gold-plated bangle
Lié Studio Emma silver-plated cuff
Jenny Bird Lennon gold-plated bangle
Skinny belts
Calvin Klein SS26
Gabriela Hearst SS26
While bangles might have gotten chunkier, belts have received the slimmed down treatment this season. Rather than utilising their practicality, designers opted to style them as a aesthetic accessory. At its autumn/winter 25 show, Fendi placed them at the waist over knits and suede shirts, while Prada tied wispy, barely-there buckled iterations over wool coats. Looking forward to spring/summer 26, Calvin Klein used thin thread-like belts to create empire-waistlines, while Gabriela Hearst favoured braided rope styles knotted at the centre.
Cos oval-buckle slim leather belt
Liffner croc-effect leather belt
Victoria Beckham Dorian micro belt
Brooches
Tory Burch AW25
Dior Pre Fall 2026
Ladylike dressing had already begun its renaissance in the autumn/winter 25 collections, so a natural evolution that vintage accessories would follow in the form of opulent, sparkling brooches. Eye-catching pieces were pinned onto lapels, adorned necklines and attached to draped scarves and jackets. Tory Burch proffered some of our favourite styling inspiration for the season, using a mix of gold statement pins and ornate floral embellishments to fasten knitwear tied around the shoulders for a refined, old money ensemble.
Erdem flower gold-tone crystal brooch
Now 50% Off
Agmes Ilona recycled sterling silver pearl brooch
Ysso ylang ylang gold-plated brooch
Completedworks silver-plated brooch
Ostrich print
Acne AW25
Fendi AW25
While there’s no doubt that loud animal prints are continuing their reign into 2026, those who prefer a subtler approach will appreciate this under-the-radar pattern making a play for quiet luxury. Ostrich leather, characterised by its delicately embossed texture, made an appearance on the autumn/winter 25 runways at Acne and Fendi, with Chloé, Khaite and Jimmy Choo among the designers who have incorporated the finish into its leather accessories. The delicate pattern offers a modest alternative to the louder leopard, zebra and python prints that have dominated collections of late, while still elevating your outfit with a tactile touchpoint.
Massimo Dutti maxi textured leather bag
Bvlgari ostrich leather marquise top-handle bag
Mulberry stormy blue ostrich
Khaite ostrich leather ballet flats
Faux fur stoles
Miu Miu AW25
Simone Rocha AW25
Quiet luxury had a good run, but as with everything, the pendulum has swung the other way, and the runways have set us up to embrace Sciura style for 2026. Think sartorial displays of dialled-up old money glamour, affluence and elegance distilled into sumptuous faux fur, statement jewellery and glossy, lacquered finishes. Of course, the Italian heritage houses were the most influential disseminators of the trend this season, from Fendi’s faux fur-clad 2026 resort collection to Miu Miu, Ferragamo, Giorgio Armani and Roberto Cavalli. The most accessible way to channel sciura style yourself? Invest in a luxurious faux fur stole, which will instantly inject a dose of that infamous yet effortless chic to your look.
Arket faux fur scarf
Now 48% Off
Simone Rocha faux fur scarf
Now 30% Off