5 Essential Accessories Women Should Have

The term "statement" is perhaps overused right now, but it's there for a reason. Statement jewelry speaks for itself. It says "bold," "high-fashion," "earthy" or "glamorous," and it needs very little in the way of support.

In fact, supporting accessories can detract from it. A statement piece, whether earrings, a necklace, a bracelet or a magnificent cocktail ring, does best as the center of attention, and it's this quality that makes it essential. It can say so much on its own, you needn't put a ton of effort into the rest of your look. On a night when you're running late and have somehow ended up in head-to-toe black, wear a primary-colored, tribal bib necklace or cobalt-blue, shoulder-grazing chandelier earrings for all the pop and interest you need to turn monotony into something simply, utterly stylish.

If you must choose one piece of statement jewelry, consider a ring, which is unaffected by neckline, hair style or sleeve length.

Next, one with purpose!

While great style is arguably essential, this accessory is undeniably so. Got a wallet and a phone? Looks like you need a bag. So why not make it a show-stopper?

We're not talking about the leather hobo you take to work. The essential, bold bag is a true accessory: It enhances and completes your look. This go-to bag might be a beaded, vintage-style frame bag that dresses you up; a pyramid-studded suede satchel that dresses you down; a big, bright-colored leather clutch that adds pop; or a double-duty, fringed, cross-body mini bag that cinches a billowy tunic and adds some texture.

Whatever it is, it should not only add something to your outfit, but also draw attention on its own. This could be your saving grace on a "fat day": Get 'em looking at what's hanging off your arm.

Next, one for the ages.

Just because your mother wears one doesn't make it old. Fabulous silk scarves with dominant prints never go out of style and can be the centerpiece of an otherwise muted ensemble.

Of course, it needn't be silk. Cashmere, wool, cotton and linen blends work, too. But we do love the way the silk ones drape without adding much bulk around the neckline.

You can go timeless, with a designer classic like a Burberry plaid or Hermès geometric print, or hip with big, bold florals, animal or tribal prints or nautical-inspired stripes. A classic scarf can help ground a trendy look, and a trendy scarf can add some flair to a classic, understated ensemble.

For versatility, look for a scarf with some length so you can wear it wrapped, tucked or knotted, or even on your head should your locks need some coverage.

Next, speaking of bad hair days ...

That a hat can do amazing things for a woman is beyond dispute. Going for sexy? Coquettish? Mysterious? Glamorous? Each can be accomplished almost entirely with the right hat, sometimes simultaneously, with an added bonus: Since not all women are willing to try it, the mere fact that you're wearing a hat makes you stand out.

While this essential accessory is not essential for everyone, it probably should be. On top of the inherently high-style, confident nature of donning a fedora or a cloche or a retro, veiled pillbox number, a hat is the perfect cloak for crazy hair. Don't have time to blow dry? Find yourself frizzy? There's no easier, faster way to turn a bad hair day into a fashion statement.

And finally, for a chill ...

What's even better than comfy warmth? Comfy, fashionable warmth -- and it's easy enough to achieve with a luxurious wrap in a color that works with everything.

This truly is an essential. You'll wear it in, out and around, whether you're cold or not. In winter, it's a layer of warmth; in summer, it's a cover-up for sleeveless nights. It can make a strapless cocktail dress appropriate for a church wedding and turn a pair of jeans and T-shirt into stylish loungewear.

Silk-wool blends and lightweight merinos are beautifully soft and can cross seasons and occasions; cashmere, though, is as luxurious as it gets and adds elegance to everything it touches. We recommend a splurge.

In fact, splurge on any of these five essentials, if possible. When you wear it all the time, you want to love it -- and you want it to last.

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