- Updating your accessories is an easy way to breathe new life into go-to outfit formula, like jeans and a shirt.
- This spring, swap your classic leather belt for a colorful silk scarf, trade a clutch for a top-handle bag, and replace a dainty necklace stack with a statement pendant.
- Find more spring accessories to jazz up your wardrobe basics, below.
There’s nothing wrong with having a go-to button-down and a favorite pair of jeans to pair them with—those are foundational pieces for any wardrobe. But when getting dressed starts to feel formulaic, it’s time to shake up your accessories. Spring, with its sense of renewal and hopeful signs of life, is the perfect season to start branching out into new belts, bags, and jewelry trends.
This season, consider subbing your plain leather belt for a vibrant silk scarf instead. Whether you go for a lush pattern or a bright solid color, this is such a quick and easy way to give a shirt and jeans an exciting new spin. Or, consider an even smaller statement detail, like a wallet chain. Modern designs are dainty and sparkling, with eye-catching details (literally—just take a look at Schiaparelli option in the image above). You can also switch up your bag with a sleek envelope style or slouchy carryall, toted around under your arm like it’s a clutch.
Ready to see the trends for yourself? Browse seven accessories that will elevate your jeans-and-shirt outfits for spring below.
Scarf Belts
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Grab your silk or cotton scarves and loop them around your waist in lieu of a plain leather belt. A patterned option makes a button-down and jeans appear breezy and effortless. Or, try one in a bold spring color, like teal or mandarin orange, to brighten a white tee and jeans.
Bag in Hand
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This spring, it’s not necessarily about the bag itself; it’s about the way you hold it. Tucking a bag that isn’t a clutch under your arm gives your look an on-the-go dynamism, like you grabbed your purse right before dashing out the door. This applies to small bags like the envelope style above, as well as larger, carryall styles.
Slim Top-Handles
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The top-handle bag gets a modern refresh in a slimmer, elongated rectangle shape. It’s sleek, functional, and elegant, while also being softer and more casual than its boxy square counterpart. Reach for one in a fun color, like powder blue or the wine red seen above.
Statement Necklace
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Dainty jewelry will always have a time and a place, but this spring’s necklace trends lean into decadent maximalism. Look for swinging pendants, chunky chain links, and vibrant gemstones to enliven jeans and a tee. For an extra-refined touch, match the rest of your outfit’s hardware, like the trim on your sunglasses or the handle of your bag, to your necklace’s metal.
Elevated Wallet Chain
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A wallet chain is playful yet polished, adding a casual flair to structured top-and-jeans outfits. Try one in a high-shine metal, with dainty design details like a thin chain link and hanging embellishments, to steer the accessory away from its biker roots.
Unstructured Briefcases
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They’re not just for the office. A soft, slouchy briefcase (tucked under your arm, of course), is both highly functional and a staple among style influencers this spring. Pair it with cheery colors to lighten up the businesswear connotations.
Printed Ties
A tie reads as quirky and even a little bit punk, providing you style it the right way. Toss it over a graphic T-shirt or a fitted button-down in a contrasting print, then dress it down even further with frayed, light-wash denim. A leather jacket is the perfect cool-girl finishing touch.
