The Finishing Touch46 accessories
Accessories
Bags, belts, eyewear, headwear — the nuances that complete a look.
Ascot
An ascot is a wide neck scarf-tie knotted under the shirt collar with a soft knot, leaving wide ends that lie one over the other on the chest and are often secured with a pin. Named after the royal races at Ascot, this accessory is a symbol of refined, aristocratic daytime formal dress, intermediate between a tie and a scarf. The ascot adds elegant nonchalance and the retro charm of the British gentleman to a look. In a more everyday version it is worn under an open shirt collar with the ends tucked in. An ascot is a wide neck scarf-tie with a soft knot, in which the aristocratic roots of the British races combine with elegant nonchalance and retro charm, making it a refined symbol of daytime formal and dandy style.
Backpack
A backpack is a bag carried on the back on two shoulder straps that distribute the weight evenly across both shoulders and free the hands. It is one of the most practical and ergonomic bag forms, historically tied to travel, the army and study. In modern fashion the backpack long ago went beyond the purely utilitarian: alongside sports and outdoor models there are elegant leather, urban, designer and even luxury backpacks that combine comfort with style. It suits a business, sporty and everyday look alike. A backpack is a shoulder bag on two straps, in which the ergonomic distribution of weight and freedom of the hands combine with a modern fashion reading that made it a versatile accessory — from utilitarian gear to an elegant urban and designer item.
Bag
A bag is an accessory that unites function and style: it carries our things and at the same time completes a look, often becoming its main accent. Bags are a vast family of styles, and each has its context: a roomy shopper and tote for every day, a structured tote for the office, a cross-body on a long strap for free hands, an elegant clutch for the evening, a backpack for an active day. Material, hardware and shape define the character: smooth leather sounds statusy, textile relaxed. Historically the bag evolved from simple pouches and belt purses to iconic designer models that become status symbols and objects of collecting. A well-chosen bag can 'make' a whole look. It is the most practical yet most expressive accessory of the wardrobe.
Baguette bag
A baguette bag is a small, elongated handbag on a short strap, carried under the arm, pressed to the side — just as a Frenchman carries a baguette loaf under the arm (hence the name). It is an accent rather than a roomy accessory: only the essentials fit into it. The baguette was made famous by the house of Fendi in the late 1990s, and the series 'Sex and the City' turned it into a cult object of desire and a symbol of the status 'it-bag'. The compact, elegant shape makes it ideal for going out. Today the baguette has undergone a powerful fashion revival. A baguette bag is a small elongated handbag carried under the arm, in which a compact, elegant shape combines with the cult status of the late-1990s 'it-bag' that made it a symbol of refined, slightly nostalgic chic.
Bandana
A bandana is a square kerchief, usually with a characteristic paisley pattern, tied on the head, neck, wrist or bag handle. Historically the bandana was a practical detail of work and cowboy dress: it wiped sweat, protected the face from dust, was tied around the neck. Later it became a cult symbol of many subcultures — from bikers and rappers to the rock scene — as well as a mark of belonging and rebellious spirit. Today the bandana is a flexible, effortless accessory: tied on the head it adds a street or retro mood, at the neck a playful accent, on a bag a careless chic. It echoes the Ukrainian tradition of tying a kerchief but sounds youthful and bold. The bandana is a small detail with a big character that instantly enlivens a look.
Beanie
A beanie is a soft, close-fitting knitted cap without a peak or pompom, sitting snugly on the head and covering the ears. It is one of the most popular and practical winter headpieces, combining warmth with a relaxed, versatile style. The beanie came from the work and sports wardrobe (worn by workers, sailors, fishermen), and later became an icon of street, hip-hop and everyday fashion. It is worn pulled over the ears or pushed back on the nape, and voluminous models may hang a little at the back. Beanies are knitted of wool, acrylic or cashmere. A beanie is a soft close-fitting knitted cap without a peak, in which practical winter warmth combines with a relaxed, versatile street character that made it one of the most popular and democratic headpieces of the everyday wardrobe.
Belt
A belt is a strip of leather, fabric or other material fastened at the waist or hips. It plays a double role: practical — it holds trousers or a skirt, secures the fit — and stylistic, because it can change a silhouette radically. Cinched at the waist, a belt emphasises the figure, creates an accent and visually 'gathers' a look; a wide corset belt shapes the waist, a thin one adds refinement. The buckle often becomes a separate decorative detail, and sometimes a status logo. A belt can enliven a plain dress, structure a voluminous coat or set accents in a layered look. It is one of the most effective accessories for playing with proportion. A well-chosen belt is a small detail that often decides whether the whole ensemble 'works'.
Belt bag
A belt bag is a small bag fastened on a belt around the waist or hips, leaving the hands completely free. Born as a purely utilitarian accessory for travellers, athletes and those needing quick access to small things, it has undergone a vivid fashion revival. In the 1980s–90s it was known as the 'fanny pack', then it went out of fashion, and in the 2010s it returned as a fashion item — worn not only at the waist but also diagonally across the chest. Today belt bags are made by both sports brands and luxury houses. A belt bag is a compact bag on a belt around the waist or across the chest, in which utilitarian convenience and freedom of the hands combine with a fashion revival that turned the former 'fanny pack' into a current accessory of street and sporty style.
Beret
A beret is a soft round brimless cap with a characteristic flat shape that fits snugly to the head. The homeland of the classic beret is the Basque Country and the south of France, from where its firm association with French charm, bohemia and the artistic milieu comes (it was worn by painters, poets, and later by revolutionaries and soldiers too). The beret is remarkably versatile: depending on how it is tilted, it can sound coquettish, intellectual or bold. It adds a note of Parisian elegance and a retro mood to a look, going well with both the classic and the romantic style. Classically berets are knitted or felted from wool. It is a refined, characterful yet cosy accessory that is instantly recognisable and lends the silhouette a special artistry.
Bow tie
A bow tie is a neck accessory in the form of a short ribbon of fabric tied in a symmetrical bow around the shirt collar. It is the main alternative to the necktie and an inseparable element of the most formal men's dress — the tuxedo and tailcoat, where a classic black bow tie is obligatory. Beyond a strict dress code, the bow tie adds a festive, slightly eccentric and retro charm to a look, so it is loved in wedding, evening and dandy styles. A true bow tie is tied by hand, though ready-made clip-on models also exist. It comes in any colour and pattern. A bow tie is a neck accessory in the form of a symmetrical bow around the collar, in which the main alternative to the necktie combines an obligatory role in the most formal dress (tuxedo, tailcoat) with a festive, slightly eccentric and dandy charm.
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