How to Style Your Accessories, According to a Seasoned Editor

I could talk about accessories and their ability to elevate, if not completely transform, an outfit all day long. But don't worry—I won't. What I will do, though, is share some key seasonal buys and styling tricks that will have the most impact on your outfits. Lately, I feel like I can't have a conversation about fashion without the topic of capsule wardrobes coming up. Don't get me wrong—I'm a huge proponent of them. Investing in timeless pieces I'll wear a million ways season after season? Sign me up! But that brings me right back to accessories. Even the simplest looks can take on a whole new personality depending on which jewelry, belts, bags, footwear, and other accessories you style with them. And more importantly, how you style these items is what really makes an impact. This spring and summer, it's all about bold accessories that make you do a double take. Here's how it's done.

A white button-down and well-tailored denim will never go out of style. It's a combination you can dress up or down for all four seasons. The on-trend way to take this look to the next level for spring is with belts—plural. One belt is classic, but two (or three or four) belts? Now that's a fashion statement. The trick is to select styles made with the same color leather or hardware—bonus points for wearing two of the same belt like we did here, layering these gorgeous Panthère de Cartier belts with the Tank de Cartier and C belts. Talk about eye candy. This belt styling looks just as chic when cinching a blazer or dress for some added shape.

Bigger is not always better, and right now, tiny hats are the talk of the town. Pillbox styles in wool and felt fabrics are taking the place of berets, but expect to see raffia and other woven materials come summer. Move your eyes south, and you'll spot another key accessory trend in this look. That's right—anklets, especially worn in uncommon ways like over mesh socks or with loafers, are the jewelry you'll want to invest in. This one is actually a Clash de Cartier bracelet worn around the ankle, proving the multifaceted nature of this collection.

This look is a lesson in expert styling techniques. A sleek black suit is a year-round wardrobe staple, but two hero accessories give it a fun spring twist. Mesh flats, especially in bright white, are an unexpected footwear choice for a suit but offer a refreshingly casual juxtaposition with the polished apparel. For an extra playful punch, just add a bold bag in a seasonal hue such as sunny yellow. This Panthère C de Cartier bag is an instant mood (and outfit) booster.

When in doubt, jewelry is the accessory that will outshine the rest. While all these looks are styled with elegant Clash de Cartier pieces, this one showcases my favorite jewelry styling secret: two is better than one. When I want to create a head-turning stack, I simply layer two pieces on my wrist, fingers, neck, and ears. In this case, it's a mix of rose and yellow gold Clash de Cartier creations in original and flexible models. When we talk about accessories that make you do a double take, it's hard to miss these duos.