What’s an outfit without that waist chain brushing against your skin, an arm bracelet catching the sun, or your go-to mini bag swinging by your side? Or shoes that pull everything together? Clothes can be a stunner on their own, yes, but the crème de la crème? The real spice comes down to one thing: accessories.
Accessories are the details that shift a look from “nice” to unforgettable. They’re the finishing touches, the tiny things that whisper or sometimes shout personality, confidence, and effort. In 2025, these are the 22 accessories every woman should already have in her closet.
Table of contents
Jewellery
Jewellery is the cheat code to looking put together. Even the simplest outfits can transform with the right earrings or a necklace stack. In 2025, the focus is on bold, layered, and personal pieces that reflect both style and culture. Think waist beads and chains, chunky earrings, bangles, and even shell earrings, making a return.
1. Chunky Earrings
Hoops, thick studs, or bold statement earrings instantly brighten and lift your face. They’re the kind that say you’ve arrived without you even opening your mouth. Pair them with your fro, braids, whatever works. They pair well with everything.
2. Layered Necklaces
One necklace is cute, but three? Gorgeous. Thin chains with pendants, initials, or charms stacked together give a soft, feminine finish to both casual and formal outfits. They’re the kind of accessory that makes even a plain white tee look intentional. You can get them as a set or pair necklaces you already own.
3. Waist Beads & Chains
Beads are rooted in tradition, beauty, and meaning, and waist beads are still very much alive. The chains came after; shiny, bold, and modern. Together, they’re accessories that can be worn under clothes for you, or styled visibly over crop tops, dresses, and bikinis for everyone else to admire. Sexy and versatile.
4. Shell Earrings
There’s something about shells that instantly calls to mind sandy toes and ocean air. But shell earrings aren’t only for vacations; they’re a playful, textural way to bring a bit of summer into your everyday wardrobe. They give off an earthy yet stylish vibe, especially when crafted into hoops or dangly statement pieces.
They pair beautifully with linen dresses and braided hairstyles, but also add a fun contrast when worn with structured blazers or sharp tailoring.
5. Brass Bangles
Chunky brass bangles bring an instant edge to any outfit. They have that perfect mix of rustic charm and modern minimalism. Their golden undertone flatters every skin tone. For the best effect, layer them in varying sizes with slimmer bracelets or a wristwatch. And if you’re someone who doesn’t like switching accessories daily, brass bangles are hardy enough to become your everyday signature.
6. Anklets
There’s a certain quiet power in an anklet. It doesn’t scream for attention, but when it peeks out beneath cropped trousers or a slit skirt, it adds just enough intrigue. Delicate gold or silver chains remain timeless, but beaded or charm anklets are perfect for more playful personalities.
The styling potential is endless: wear a thin anklet solo for subtlety, or layer two to three different textures for a bohemian feel. Bonus points if you wear them with strappy sandals that let the jewellery shine. It’s the kind of accessory that feels intimate, almost like a secret, yet always leaves an impression.
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Shoes
Shoes really carry the whole outfit, both literally and figuratively. You could wear something basic, but throw on a pointed heel or platforms, and suddenly you look like you planned it. Comfort and style are balancing each other out this year; people are swapping between slippers, heels, and statement shoes depending on mood. Whether it’s sharp pointed toes or chunky soles, the right pair elevates your look.
7. Platform Heels or Slippers
Platforms are back, and honestly, they never left. Whether it’s heels that give you height without the pain, or slippers that feel comfy but stylish, they’re an everyday upgrade. Perfect for jeans, dresses, or even your casual “stepping out quickly” look.
8. Pointed Toe Heels
The silhouette that elongates your legs instantly. Whether it’s stilettos, slingbacks, or kitten heels, pointed toes scream sophistication. They’re the classic you’ll never regret having.
Hats
Hats are more than sun protection, they’re a vibe. From wide-brimmed hats that give you presence, to bucket hats and fascinators that add a playful or dressy edge. In 2025, the hat game is bold, oversized, and often dramatic. Whatever your preference, they’re perfect for bad hair days or when you just want a stylish cover-up.
9. Wide-Brimmed Hats
Dramatic shade, dramatic flair. Wide-brimmed hats are the easiest way to look like you planned your outfit, even if you didn’t. They’re also practical (sun protection!), so it’s a win-win.
10. Bucket Hats & Fascinators
Complete opposites, but both essentials. Bucket hats add laidback, street-style cool, while fascinators bring elegance and extra flair for weddings, church, and owambes. They prove that headwear can swing both casual and formal.
11. Headwraps, Scarves & Turbans
They save bad hair days, yes, but they also elevate a look. Ankara prints, silky solids, and stretchy cotton all give a regal, put-together feel. You can wear them casually or dramatically, depending on the style of wrap.
12. Face Caps
Face caps are that easy fix we all reach for — sun too hot, hair not cooperating, or you just want to add a laid-back touch to your outfit. They’ve gone way past just being sporty; now they’re styled with dresses, blazers, and everything in between.
Keep it simple with a plain one, or switch things up with logos, embroidery, or fun prints. Whether you wear it straight or flipped back, a face cap instantly makes your look feel cool without even trying.
Bags
Whether it’s a rattan tote, a raffia sling, or a tiny mini bag that can’t fit anything but your lip gloss, bags are statement-makers. The best part? They’re both functional and fashionable.
13. Mini Bags
Tiny, impractical, but undeniably stylish. Mini bags don’t try to carry your whole life—they just carry what matters (lip gloss, keys, maybe your card). They’re accessories in the purest sense: not for function, but for flair.
14. Beaded Bags
Bright, textured, and unapologetic. Beaded bags don’t just carry things; they announce themselves. The accessory is the outfit sometimes.
15. Rattan Bags
Woven rattan bags are the definition of casual chic. They remind you of markets, Sunday brunches, or a relaxed afternoon at the beach. They’ve been around for centuries, but in the last few years, they’ve returned as a must-have for anyone looking to balance practicality with effortless style. These bags pair especially well with flowy summer dresses, wide-leg trousers, and sandals, bringing a touch of texture that makes any outfit more visually interesting.
Other Accessories
Scrunchies, scarves, headwraps, and even handheld fans are practical but also double as fashion accents. They’re the little details that show thoughtfulness in your style. Sometimes, it’s not the big things but these finishing touches that make your outfit memorable.
16. Scarf Tops
Yes, it’s a scarf, but when you tie it into a top, it becomes an accessory to whatever bottom you’re wearing. That’s the fun part. One piece, multiple styles—strapless, halter, bandeau, whatever you’re feeling. It’s less about “the top” and more about styling a scarf into something unexpected. Definitely a vacation must-have.
17. Corsets
Corsets weren’t always outerwear, but now they’re fashion’s favourite styling trick. Technically, they’re clothing, but they can also function like accessories; you wear them over other clothes to transform the silhouette. A corset on top of a shirt dress? A whole vibe. With jeans? Instant edge. With gowns? Snatched.
18. Baby Tees
Baby tees, bay tees, cropped tees—whatever you call them, they’re giving accessory energy in 2025. They aren’t the “main act” like a dress or blazer, but they add something: nostalgia, playfulness, Y2K sass. Think cheeky slogans, tiny graphics, snug fit. They’re what you throw on when you want to balance oversized jeans, skirts, or cargos.
19. Ankara/Aso-oke Blazer
Blazers on their own are powerful, but when tailored in Ankara or Aso-oke, they become an accessory to identity. It’s not just fashion, it’s storytelling. Perfect for workdays you want to stand out or events you want to own.
20. Oversized Sunglasses
Big, bold frames have always had a way of making you look important—even when you’re just running errands. Oversized sunglasses are equal parts drama and utility: they shield your face from the sun while giving you that elusive “I’m too cool to be bothered” vibe.
The best part is how versatile they are. Pair them with a slicked-back bun and gold hoops for a clean, sophisticated look, or throw them on with jeans and a T-shirt when you’re having a no-makeup day but still want to look like you made an effort. A classic black pair will never fail you, but experimenting with colored frames or tinted lenses can turn them into a true statement piece.
21. Scrunchies
They’re soft on hair and fun on wrists. Scrunchies went from retro to essential. They give ponytails a playful upgrade, and honestly, the bolder the fabric, the better.
22. Hand Fans
Practical and stylish. From intricately woven raffia fans to vibrant Ankara-printed ones, they’re no longer just tools for cooling down; they’re literal conversation starters.
Carry one at an outdoor event or party, and suddenly it’s more than just a functional item; it’s a prop that adds flair to your look. They slot easily into totes or hang off your wrist with a strap, making them very stylish extensions of your personality.
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