Even when you want to keep only the essentials in your wardrobe, it's still important to curate accessories that can work in tandem with the rest of your closet. When it comes to the classic minimalist styling ethos—sleek, elegant, and stripped down to the essentials— simple accessories designed to last are the perfect stand-in for trendy buys that won’t hold up next season, and can be just as transformative. Made to personalize your look and present varied styling options for different staple pieces you wear throughout the seasons, thoughtfully chosen accessories can elevate your silhouettes and perfect an outfit, like a bow on top of a present. Over the years, Marcella’s developed NYC accessories like jewelry, bags and sunglasses made to compliment the rest of your wardrobe. This minimalist style guide to accessories will walk you through how a simple accessory can be a standout statement piece you can leverage for years to come.
How to Accessorize a Basic Outfit
When it comes to accessorizing your outfit, there are a few steps we recommend to keep your silhouette balanced and chic. The first is to keep it simple. While shiny new trends can be temptingly eye-catching, there’s a reason minimalism is considered a timeless look—it never goes out of style. A powerful basic, such as a thick black belt or a black crossbody clutch, can add a bold touch to nearly any outfit that you’ll enjoy for years to come..
Personal style is key, but practicality is always a big plus. A crossbody bag or a pair of sneaker boots serve to enhance your silhouette, but they’re also practical, offering styling versatility, comfort, and ease. This is a part of the minimalist’s balancing act: making sure your wardrobe is not just great-looking, but also filled with pieces that you will actually love to wear, remix, and reuse time and time again.
Essential Minimalist Accessories for Your Wardrobe
Consider what types of accessories you want in your wardrobe, then invest in well-crafted designs that can translate to multiple looks. Simplicity and a clean silhouette can be further enhanced by accessories that focus on high-quality material, with monochromatic color palettes to stay subtly sophisticated The goal when accessorizing is to avoid overshadowing the rest of your outfit, and instead highlight the overall silhouette you’ve picked, creating a cohesive feel that looks effortlessly stylish.
Jewelry: Adding a touch of elegance with jewelry is a timeless way to elevate your look, regardless of the occasion. Following the classic playbook of minimalist jewelry, Marcella’s pieces focus on silver and gold pieces with sleek designs—such as the Willow Chunky Ring with an understated, abstract appeal, and the Dali Earrings, with a touch of surreal style inspired by their namesake for unique, artistic detail.
A Structured Handbag: When it comes to accessories, nothing is more essential than a large, reliable bag, like an oversized structured handbag or a sophisticated tote bag. Regardless if you are going to work, currently in school, or constantly on the go, having a structured bag that can fit a laptop with your other essentials means a trusty staple with a luxury feel you can enjoy every day.
A Leather Belt: Classy, classic, and ready to style with basically anything and everything, a leather belt can be added at the waist to a dress or even over an oversized button-down to add definition and transform the silhouette. We recommend the Malia Belt, an adjustable, hardware-free option with a soft and supple feel that hangs beautifully and cleanly, or a design with a simple buckle for ultimate versatility.
A Large Scarf: Minimalist accessories should feel as good as they look. An extra-long scarf like the Bronx, made of an ultra-soft Merino wool-blend yarn, is versatile due to its length—it can be wrapped up or worn long to make a statement—while its wool texture adds drama (and soft, cozy comfort) to its look.
Leather Strappy Shoes or Sandals: Completing your outfit with a powerful pair of leather shoes creates an alluring look without compromising the look of minimalist sophistication. The Jett Buckle Mules are a classic example of this, utilizing modern distressed leather and a streamlined pointed-toe design that works as a chic addition to wide-leg pants, a dress, or a skirt.
Large Sunglasses: An oversized pair of sunglasses is a master minimalist’s finishing touch to any wardrobe, as they can be styled year-round and showcase your personal style. Inspired by the most classic NYC accessories, the Milos black sunglasses offer a cool-girl appeal to any outfit while you’re out and about.