5 Low-Cost, High-Impact Accessories I'm About to Add to My Wardrobe

The high street can't be strong in every single area all of the time, but right now the most valuable area to shop has to be within the accessories department. And we're not just talking about bags and shoes here (although, guys, you HAVE to see the bags and shoes below), because at the moment more is more, and that means that our favourite affordable stores are having to step up the extras game like never before. Street style types aren't complete with their looks until a hair clip, some strappy sandals and gigantic pair of bonkers earrings has been added: This method is the fast-track to a unique personal style, even if your clothes are as simple as a navy jumper and jeans. 

So I trawled through all of my top haunts (Uterque for jewellery, Mango for shoes and so on) to bring you the best of the best…

1. Diamanté Shoes

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(Image credit: @_jeannettemadsen_)

I'm a magpie and thrilled to see that all of my favourite high street stores are indulging me. Crystals, gemstones and diamanté can be found studded over everything (from trouser hems to '80s-style earrings), but it's the sparkly shoes I like most.

2. A Funky (As in Weird) Handbag

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(Image credit: @ada_oguntodu)

From unusual fabrications (beaded/velvet/sequins/chainmail) through to mad detailing (plastic chain handles or crystal fringing, for example) bag designers are having a lot of fun right now. This breed of weird and wonderful bag can be easily found in charity and vintage stores—you just have to be bold in your choice.

3. Snaky Boots

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Snake print is often one of those things that doesn't look incredibly different when expensive or affordable. In a neutral shade you can find a pair of boots that will last way beyond this initial trend explosion.

Related: It's My Job to Find Amazing Shopping Picks—These 9 New Buys Are Too Good to Miss

4. Insta-Earrings

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(Image credit: @eniswardrobe)

Earrings are the new avocado-on-toast: My feed is FULL of them. And good ones, at that. Because big, fun, costume jewellery doesn't have to cost a fortune, it can be easy to get carried away, but try to select something that you know you'll be thrilled to still see in a years' time.

5. Darling Hair Accessories

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(Image credit: @andreawr)

From pearl barettes to candy-coloured butterfly clips, hair accessories have experience such a return to fashion favour in 2018. The idea looks like it's set to power on through to the new year, so I'm finally committing. When your cold weather wardrobe feels drab, a happy hair clip will do wonderful things.

Hannah Almassi
Editor in Chief

Hannah Almassi is the editor in chief of Who What Wear UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 16 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com, among many others. Hannah is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits.

Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy son and highly Instagrammable cat.