You know your fashion must-haves: a little black dress, a crisp white
shirt and a timeless pair of jeans that always flatters your figure. But what
about accessories? What are some timeless pieces that you can always count on
to look polished even after ten years?

Here are five classic must-have accessories to invest in:

1. Colour-block bag

Colour-blocking is here to stay, at least for the foreseeable future.
Fun and functional, a colour-block bag helps to brighten even the severest
outfit. Bonus points if it comes in a structured shape.

Many women turn away from wearing black and yellow together to avoid
looking like a bumblebee, but Nicky Hilton’s New York Fashion Week look made a
case for the dynamic colour combo. She worked a complete Diane von Furstenberg
ensemble – black leather shorts, a printed tie-neck blouse, and a color block
bag – with ankle-strap Brian Atwood pumps, accessorised with an emerald
cocktail ring and diamond ear studs. 

For work, replace the leather shorts with a more conservative pair of
sleek black trousers and leave the shorts for after-work drinks with the girls.
But keep the bag – the structured colour block design will take you from day to
night.

2. Dress watch

You can’t go wrong with a dress watch as you’ll always look professional
and put together with one on your wrist. 

As one-half of the stylish trendsetting duo, Ashley Olsen can always
make an impression with minimalist statement pieces. One such piece is this
gold Michael Kors chronograph watch. Here, she went for the monochromatic look
in a white blazer, black leggings and matching heels and clutch. The watch
makes her look even more like the business mogul she is.

Here, she does the classic chambray shirt and skinny jeans,
accessorising with wayfarers and the gold dress watch, and looking polished and
ladylike as a result.

3. Stud earrings

Drop earrings are great and all, but sometimes, you don’t have to let
your accessories do all the talking. A subtle pair of stud earrings is all you
need to direct attention to your pretty face. 

Emily Blunt’s Chopard diamond cluster earrings bring a glow to her face.
Teamed with a sleek bob and winged eyeliner, the earrings are an elegant,
feminine touch.

                                                                    

4. Scarf

Girls star Allison William does Parisian chic with aplomb here, pairing
a black polka dotted Oasis scarf with black pumps, skinny pants, clutch
and a navy blazer. The lightweight scarf works for all seasons and weather
conditions. It is also perfect for the boardroom and the red carpet … you
know, in case you ever need to walk on one. 

5. Statement necklace

A block-coloured top will never look plain when you have a statement
necklace to dress it up. And sometimes, that is all you need to complete a
look. Just look at Nikki Reed below!

Her silver J.Crew necklace looks fabulous against that mustard yellow
top and skinny black trousers. (I love how her boots elongate her legs, by the
way.) Dress up a casual outfit with a bauble laden statement necklace, or amp
up your work outfit with one!

What about you? What’s the one fashion accessory you foresee yourself
wearing ten years on?