The Finishing Touch11 accessories
Accessories
Bags, belts, eyewear, headwear — the nuances that complete a look.
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'.
Brooch
A brooch is a decorative ornament with a pin on the back, fastened to clothing: on a jacket lapel, collar, scarf, hat or belt. Unlike a bag or a belt, a brooch is almost purely decorative, and it is exactly for this that it is a refined accent and a mark of taste. Historically brooches also served the practical role of a fibula clasp for cloaks in antiquity, and later became precious ornaments, family heirlooms and marks of status. Today the brooch is experiencing a fashion revival: it can enliven a strict jacket, gather the drape of a scarf, adorn a coat or even form a whole composition of several elements. Materials and styles range from vintage cameos to modern author pieces. A brooch is a small detail that carries a big meaning: it adds individuality, history and a refined character to a look.
Cummerbund
A cummerbund is a wide pleated sash worn at the waist with a tuxedo, covering the join of the shirt and trousers. Historically the cummerbund came from the East (the Persian kamar-band — 'waist band') via British colonial officers and became an elegant alternative to the waistcoat in summer formal dress. The pleats of the cummerbund traditionally face upward (by legend, to hold tickets or small things). A classic cummerbund is black, matching the bow tie, and together they form a harmonious evening ensemble. It is a detail of strict etiquette and refined formality. A cummerbund is a wide pleated sash for a tuxedo, in which Eastern roots combine with the role of an elegant alternative to the waistcoat in formal dress, giving an evening look a finished, refined harmony by the strict rules of etiquette.
Ear cuff
An ear cuff is an ornament worn on the ear without the need for a piercing: it 'hugs' the edge of the ear or descends along it in a striking construction. The name comes from the English 'cuff'. An ear cuff allows expressive, complex ear ornaments to be worn without piercing and lets one experiment with asymmetry: a single striking cuff on one ear sounds modern and bold. It is a relatively young, very trend-driven accessory that came from avant-garde and street jewellery fashion and quickly became a designers' favourite. Ear cuffs range from thin minimalist bands to massive 'architectural' constructions that cover the whole ear. They draw attention to the line of the face and add a note of audacity and currency to a look. The ear cuff is an example of how an ornament becomes a tool of modern, free self-expression.
Gloves
Gloves are a hand accessory that combines protection from cold with a powerful stylistic and even symbolic potential. Historically gloves were an indispensable attribute of etiquette and status: long elbow-length evening gloves completed a ball gown, thin leather ones a daytime outing, and the gesture of 'throwing down a glove' became part of the culture of honour. Today gloves are both practical winter warmth (wool, cashmere, fur) and an expressive detail of a look: smooth leather sounds elegant and strict, suede soft, and long opera gloves return a retro drama to evening dress. They emphasise the gesture, the line of the arm and add completeness to a look. Gloves are an accessory that balances between function and theatricality, able to make even a restrained silhouette refined and considered down to the smallest detail.
Hand fan
A hand fan is a folding or solid accessory for fanning, used to cool oneself in the heat by creating a flow of air. Historically the fan was not only a practical object but a refined accessory and even an instrument of non-verbal communication: in the 19th century fan makers popularised the legend of a 'language of the fan', supposedly a secret code of ladies at balls — modern research regards it as a marketing invention. Folding fans have leaves of fabric, paper, lace or silk mounted on carved sticks of wood, bone or mother-of-pearl, often with painted decoration. Today the fan is an elegant evening, wedding and ethnic accessory (especially in the Spanish flamenco style). A hand fan is a fanning accessory, in which the practical function of cooling oneself in the heat combines with a rich history as a refined object and even a 'language of the fan', making it an elegant accent of evening, wedding and ethnic style.
Strap
A strap is a long band of durable material used for fastening, carrying or adjusting: a bag's shoulder strap, a camera strap, removable and interchangeable straps for watches and bags, straps in utilitarian and military style. Unlike a waist-accent belt, a strap more often has a functional purpose, though in fashion it has long become an expressive detail too. Wide textile straps, carabiners, webbing and buckles came from work, hiking and military gear and made the strap a fashionable element of streetwear and functional aesthetics. An interchangeable strap lets you 'refresh' a bag or watch by changing its character. A strap combines practicality, sturdiness and a modern, slightly 'technical' charm. It is a detail in which function becomes style.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are an accessory that combines eye protection from the sun with one of the most powerful style gestures. The shape of the frame can change the face and the mood of a look radically: cat-eyes sound retro and coquettish, aviators confident and a touch military, round ones intellectual and bohemian, massive 'shields' modern and bold. Historically sunglasses turned from a practical device for pilots and film stars into a symbol of glamour, mystery and Hollywood chic — no wonder they are associated with celebrities hiding behind dark lenses. Sunglasses instantly add confidence, style and a note of mystery to a look, and also protect the eyes. It is a rare accessory in which utility and fashion are fused inseparably. The right frame can 'pull together' a whole look with a single move.
Suspenders
Suspenders (braces) are a pair of adjustable elastic or fabric straps thrown over the shoulders and fastened to the trouser waist at the front and back, holding them in place instead of a belt. Historically suspenders were the main way of holding trousers, later gave way to the belt, but remained an expressive retro accessory. They fasten with clips or on buttons (the classic, more elegant option). Suspenders add a characteristic vintage, slightly dandy or 'gangster' charm of the 1920s–30s to a look, so they are loved in retro, wedding and theatrical styles. Suspenders are shoulder straps that hold trousers instead of a belt, in which a practical function combines with an expressive retro character of the 1920s–30s that made them a favourite accessory of vintage, dandy and festive men's style.
Umbrella
An umbrella is a folding construction of a canopy stretched over ribs that protects from rain or sun. Despite its purely practical origin, the umbrella has long become a style accessory too: a classic cane model with a wooden handle sounds elegant and gentlemanly, a compact folding one practical, and a bright coloured or transparent canopy adds mood to even the gloomiest day. Historically the parasol against the sun was a mark of aristocracy and a tender, protective beauty (recall the lace parasols of Victorian ladies), and later transformed into everyday rain protection. A well-chosen umbrella is not only a rescue from bad weather but a continuation of a look: its colour and shape can echo a coat or bag. The umbrella combines function, elegance and a note of old-world charm.
Other Fashion Dimensions
Continue Exploring
Related sections
