The Ultimate Guide to Pairing Accessories

Dior dress; Prounis earrings and necklace

(Image credit: Sharon Radisch)

published 20 December 2023

A standout accessory offers a punctuation mark to any great outfit. Couple two (or three) together, and you’ll get the full benefit of fashion and functionality: transform your look, double an ensemble’s versatility, or extend the length of your pieces. From classic couples that transcend trends—like pearl earrings and necklaces—to utilitarian hacks, like packing your smaller bag into your larger one, coupling them will give you the freedom to play and a chance to take your accessory game to the next level.

Kallmeyer top; Cartier watches; Arielle Ratner ring

Pairing a glove and scarf with a structured jacket means your look is appropriate to wear inside and out.

Left: Dior dress; Prounis earrings and ring Right: Bode jacket, Tiffany & Co. brooches

Pull off pearls without them feeling stuffy by styling a baroque strand with a singular pearl drop earring.

A classic blazer will always feel new with a sophisticated brooch (or three).

Left: Miu Miu socks and shoes Right: Dior coat, pants, book tote, and saddle bag; Prounis dome ring and three-tiered ring; Brent Neale ring

Match your socks to your Mary Janes so they’re wearable even in cooler seasons.

Transition from work to Martini hour by packing your evening purse in an oversized tote bag.

This story appears in the November 2023 issue of Marie Claire.

The November 2023 Power Issue

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Sara Holzman is the Style Director at Marie Claire, where she has worked in various roles to ensure the brand's fashion content continues to inform, inspire, and shape the conversation around fashion's ever-evolving landscape. A Missouri School of Journalism graduate, she previously held fashion posts at Condé Nast’s Lucky and Self and covered style and travel for Equinox’s Furthermore blog. Over a decade in the industry, she’s guided shoots with top photographers and stylists from concept to cover. Based in NYC, Sara spends off-duty hours running, browsing the farmer's market, making a roast chicken, and hanging with her husband, dog, and cat. Find her on Instagram at @sarajonewyork.