You may think you’re getting dressed — but if you’re not adding timeless accessories, you’re only halfway there. Accessories aren’t just the finishing touch. They’re the polish, the power, and the personality of your outfit. And today, I’m breaking down the 20 accessories every woman over 50 should own and love for life.
But first — if you haven’t already checked out my Spring Modern Classics Wardrobe Guide, now’s the time. It’ll take you through spring into summer with stylish staples that anchor your wardrobe. And if you’re craving a full reset, join me for my next Closet Edit Challenge on June 10 inside the Style Confidence Club. Last time was so productive — I can’t wait to do it again.
Now let’s talk accessories. Shop everything right here.
1. A Classic Handbag in Your Hair Color
This is the ultimate match-it-with-everything trick: choose your everyday bag in the same tone as your hair. I’m dark brunette, so black and dark brown bags work effortlessly with every outfit. If you’re blonde, go for camel or beige. Redhead? Try warm cognac or reddish brown. Silver hair? Gray or metallic.
Right now, I’m obsessed with my Teddy Blake Dana Crocco bag. It’s black with a red suede lining (yes, it’s as luxurious as it sounds). Structured, timeless, and made in Italy — but without the absurd markup of designer bags. And yes, I have those bags too, but I’m not paying $5,000 for a purse anymore. Teddy Blake is where luxury meets reality. Use code TBNada30 for $30 off your first bag.
Shop my Dana Croco and other styles here. Use code TBNada30 for $30 off.
- Dana Croco (cream): https://stylists.shop/g5O
- Lydia Dollarino (caramel): https://stylists.shop/g5Q
- Bella Vitello (gray) https://stylists.shop/g5S
- Vanessa Palmellato (light gray) https://stylists.shop/g5T
- Margo Stampado (dark red) https://stylists.shop/g5U
- Vanessa Palmellato (cognac) https://stylists.shop/g5V
- Lola Stampado (camel) https://stylists.shop/g5W
- Gigi Low Naplak (light beige) https://stylists.shop/g5X
- TB Zipwallet Stampado (light gray) https://stylists.shop/g5Y
2. A Feminine, Classic Watch
Watches are making a comeback — and not the oversized boyfriend styles. Think vintage, feminine, and minimal. I love my vintage platinum Hamilton watch from the Art Deco era, but there are gorgeous modern options too. Olivia Burton and Tissot make beautiful styles under $500. Or, dream with me over the $31,000 Van Cleef masterpiece I’ll probably never own but will always adore.
- Tissot Lovely Watch, $450: https://stylists.shop/g61
- Olivia Burton Classic Watch, $175: https://stylists.shop/g62
- Van Cleef Perlee Watch, $31K: https://stylists.shop/g63
3. A Silk Scarf with Three Wardrobe Colors
Find a scarf that features at least three of your personal colors. You’ll wear it endlessly — around your neck, in your hair, tied to a bag. Nordstrom has great ones. So does Elizabetta and Kate Spade. Look for a length and pattern that work for you.
- Elizabetta scarf: https://stylists.shop/g65
- Kate Spade scarf: https://stylists.shop/g66
- Nordstrom scarf: https://stylists.shop/g67
4. Gold (or Silver) Hoops
I love a stud, but hoops show up. Choose the size that fits your style and face. Gorjana and Mejuri make beautiful lightweight versions that don’t pull down your ears. I’ve got hoops from Target to Dean Davidson — versatility is key.
- Gorjana hoops: https://stylists.shop/g69
- Mejuri hoops: https://stylists.shop/g6a
5. A Hands-Free Crossbody Bag
For travel or city life, nothing beats a stylish crossbody. I love the Ava Croco and Christina Vitello styles from Teddy Blake — leather straps, beautiful structure, and elegant enough for day or night. Again, TBNada30 works for these too.
- Ava crossbody: https://stylists.shop/g6d
- Cristina crossbody: https://stylists.shop/g6e
6. A Beloved Brooch
Yes, brooches are back — and they’re fabulous. Vintage is best (Oscar de la Renta, Mikimoto, or anything with personality). I’ve found some amazing ones at consignment shops and thrift stores. Try pinning them on jackets, collars, bags — wherever you need a little flair.
- Oscar bow brooch: https://stylists.shop/g6g
- Mikimoto pearl brooch: https://stylists.shop/g6h
- Crab brooch: https://stylists.shop/g6i
7. A Chic Hat
Fedoras, wide brims, bucket hats — I love them all. Hats are unexpected and instantly elevate an outfit. My favorites? The Inca Raffia bucket from Lack of Color and the Miller fedora from Gigi Pip. You can also find great ones at H&M or Target. Don’t forget the sun protection bonus!
- Lack of Color Straw Hat: https://stylists.shop/g6j
- Gigi Pip black hat: https://stylists.shop/g6k
8. An Everyday Necklace
Your go-to necklace should be simple but impactful. I love a layered stack from Simple + Dainty or the satellite necklace from Mejuri. It should work with everything — tees, dresses, blazers — but still show up.
- Mejuri Satellite Necklace: https://stylists.shop/g6l
- Simple + Dainty layered necklace: https://stylists.shop/g6m
9. A Lightweight Cashmere Wrap
A travel essential that doubles as a plane blanket, a dressy layer, or even a respectful shoulder cover in houses of worship. Look for a solid color in your palette first, then try a pattern. I recommend Ovcio, White + Warren, or Maison Cashmere.
- White & Warren wrap: https://stylists.shop/g6q
- Mondrian pattern wrap: https://stylists.shop/g6r
- Floral Wrap: https://stylists.shop/g6s
- Ovcio wrap: https://stylists.shop/g6t
10. A Cocktail Ring
Big or minimal, bright or neutral — just make sure it speaks to you. Kendra Scott, Bloomingdale’s Aqua brand, and Monica Vinader all have fabulous styles. Your hands deserve a little spotlight.
- Effy purple gemstone ring: https://stylists.shop/g6y
- Aqua gold and mother of pearl ring: https://stylists.shop/g6D
- Turquoise ring: https://stylists.shop/g6C
- Green ring: https://stylists.shop/g6B
11. A Signature Hair Accessory
Headbands, ribbon scarves, or my personal fave: the U-pin. I use one from Lilla Rose that holds my hair in place all weekend. Brands like Kitsch and Undo Hairware make chic, functional pieces that work with any updo.
- Gold UPin: https://amzn.to/4kGo5cx
- Brown UPin: https://stylists.shop/g6F
- Scarf on model: https://stylists.shop/g6H
- Head scarf: https://stylists.shop/g6G
12. A Leather Tote
A tote is a shopper, a carry-on, a work bag — all in one. I love the Lola and Valerie from Teddy Blake. Not too big, not too small — just right. The croc texture adds elegance without overdoing it.
- Use code TBNada30 for $30 off these bags.
- Vanessa brown croc: https://stylists.shop/g6J
- Lola black palmellato: https://stylists.shop/g6K
13. A Clutch for Evenings
Don’t bring your daily bag to a special event. The Aria clutch from Teddy Blake is stunning, or go classic with the Pia clutch. I also collect vintage chainmail bags from Whiting & Davis — they never go out of style.
- Use code TBNada30 for $30 off.
- Aria Clutch: https://stylists.shop/g6L
- Pia clutch: https://stylists.shop/g6M
14. A Luxe Everyday Bracelet
Go cuff or chain — whatever feels beautiful to you. My picks? The thick cuff from Simple + Dainty or the wildflower cuff from Annabelle Aram. A good bracelet + ring combo makes your hands look gorgeous and elegant.
- Simple Bracelet: https://stylists.shop/g6N
- Floral bracelet: https://stylists.shop/g6O
15. Chic Glasses
Prescription or readers, your glasses are on your face — make them count. I love Pair Eyewear for the changeable magnetic fronts. Warby Parker also does great statement frames (I’m currently loving a lavender tortoise pair).
Warby Parker Lavender Tortoise: https://stylists.shop/g6P
16. Cool Sunglasses
Sunglasses = instant cool. They’re ageless. I love the cat-eye style from Le Specs or the “movie star” Jolene frames from Krewe. You don’t have to spend a lot — just find a shape that makes you feel fabulous.
- Krewe Sunglasses: https://stylists.shop/g6R
- Le Specs: https://stylists.shop/g6S
17. A Statement Necklace
When you want something bolder than your everyday stack, go for pearls with personality (like J.Crew’s chunky strand), nature-inspired details (hello, Tuckernuck’s honeybee necklace), or sculptural designs like the Lily Sadoughi nautilus collar.
- Blue statement necklace: https://stylists.shop/g6U
- J. Crew pearl necklace: https://stylists.shop/g6T
- Nautilus necklace: https://stylists.shop/g6X
18. Statement Earrings
These Raina fan-shaped earrings from Monique Gavagan are everything. Statement earrings should reflect your personality — playful, bold, artsy, elegant. And if you love them, they’ll never go out of style.
- My Reyna earrings: https://stylists.shop/g6Z
- Blue drop earrings: https://stylists.shop/g70
19. A Versatile Belt
Look for reversible styles (black + brown is a classic combo) or minimal suede belts with square buckles. I love the endlessly adjustable styles from Boden and J. McLaughlin. They add polish and structure to any outfit.
- J. McLaughlin Lina Belt: https://stylists.shop/g8W
- Boden belt: https://stylists.shop/g8X
20. Stylish Tights or Socks
Tights are back! Floral lace, back seams, metallic — they’re not your grandma’s pantyhose anymore. Try Wolford (yes, pricey — but they last decades) or High Heel Jungle for fun socks and tights with pearls, lace, or sparkle.
- Wolford: https://stylists.shop/g90
- High Heel Jungle tights: https://stylists.shop/g98
- High Heel Jungle black lace socks: https://stylists.shop/g96
- High Heel Jungle tulle socks: https://stylists.shop/g94
Bonus: A Beautiful Umbrella
Make rainy days chic. I adore Kate Spade’s “Love Is In the Air” umbrella, Rifle Paper Co.’s floral prints, and anything with a vintage silhouette that doesn’t turn inside out in the wind. Even umbrellas can be accessories!
We deserve accessories that feel like us — timeless, stylish, and full of joy. Let me know in the comments: which of these do you already own, and which are on your wish list?
And if you’re ready to elevate your bag wardrobe, check out my favorites from Teddy Blake and use TBNeta30 for $30 off. Trust me — you’ll fall in love.
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