The Age of Elegance: 7 Sophisticated Accessories Trends That Are Set to Define Autumn 2024

As we veer towards the transitional season and part with the idea of shrunken hems gracing bare legs and open-toe footwear, fashion turns its attention to the foolproof nature of accessories. As a fashion editor, I always refer to the power of accessories. Often boasting a considered price point and intentionality, accessories have the power to elevate even the most refined ensembles.

Accessories have been growing stronger, with emphasis on unapologetically bold styles, elegant colourways and nostalgic jewellery trends of the nineties. The most notable have included bold earrings (a style we've witnessed morph since 2023 in seashell shapes and textured hammered gold) to summer 2024's introduction of overstated florals. The same rings true for brown suede bags. Chocolate suede graced the accessory forecast last summer but it's truly taken off and invited some of the most luxurious-looking styles from entry-level designers akin to cherished designer names. Least forgetting the rope necklaces, swinging high and low, comprising glass, stone and metal pendants.

So, from snake print to stone jewellery and mesh footwear, keep reading for seven elegant accessory trends to guarantee a fashionable look.

Elegant Accessories Trends Fashion People Love:

1. Chocolate Brown Bags

Style Notes: The chances are, you've cottoned on to the plethora of brown suede bags dominating retailers (specifically the chocolatey variety). It's a trend-forward piece I've been ogling for a year and I've finally welcomed one into my midst. From styling with a classic denim and white shirt uniform to a summer outfit, it counts as a transitional accesory.

Shop Brown Suede Bags:

Arket

Curved Suede Bag

£179

Head to Arket, for a slouched, nonchalant take on the suede bag trend.

DeMellier

The Midi New York

£425

DeMellier has become one of the most coveted handbag brands of the last few years.

Little Liffner

Sprout Tote Dark Brown Suede

£575

The Sprout tote is the latest addition to my handbag collection. Buttery soft and with enough room to fit more than a handful of goods, it's one worthy of investment.

Aesther Ekme

Sac Large Suede Tote Bag

£530

Aesther Ekme's handbags are smooth to the touch.

2. Cord Necklaces

Style Notes: It's not the first encounter we've had with the pendant on a rope chain, in fact it's a style reminiscent of the noughties and a playful era of fashion. This year, however, the style boasts a "grown-up" appeal with a touch of bohemian charm, due to the bold polished metals and energetic stones adorned on the rope chain.

Shop Cord Necklaces:

COS

Chunky Mariner-Pendant Necklace

£40

I'm increasingly impressed with COS' quality take on trends.

Bruna the Label

Taranto Cord Necklace

£101

With an adorable nod to the shores.

DAPHINE

Swin Necklace

£115

Monikh's collection with Daphine is every bit as chic as you'd expect.

Otiumberg

Elements Cord Necklace

£160

Otiumberg's take features a delicate spiral pendant.

3. Snake Print Shoes

Style Notes: Snake print is slithering onto retail sites daily, and I've piqued the interest of minimalists. Featured in a neutral colour with a hint of texture, it's a smart way to add intrigue to monochromatic ensembles. We're mainly seeing this print trend pop up through footwear, but you can also tap into the trend with handbags, too.

Shop Snake Print Shoes:

Arket

Leather Ballerina

£149

My eyes are firmly set on these squared-toe ballerinas.

Whistles

Nila Snake Slingback Heel

£169

These slingbacks look incredibly premium. It's in the tone and delicate t-bar feature.

aquazzura

Blade 65 snake-effect leather pumps

£665

Aquazzura always nail the animal print brief in the most unassuming.

TOD'S

Gommino Snake-Effect Leather Loafers

£510

A low down iteration in the shape of a boat loafer.

4. Pearl Accent Earrings:

Style Notes: I'm no stranger to pearls, I'd go as far as to say they're part of my uniform. Pearls have had a contemporary switch up—from bashed pearls to perfectly rounded spheres, there are styles to suit all.

Shop Pearls :

& Other Stories

Freshwater Pearl Hoops

£47

I've owned these pearls for over five years and can therefore attest to the quality.

MELISSA JOY MANNING

14-Karat Recycled Gold Pearl Earrings

£210

Opt for a wiry hoop and a flattened pearl for a contemporary take directional.

JENNIFER BEHR

Anguilla Gold-Plated Faux Pearl Earrings

£200

One of my favourite ways to wear pearls is with gold accents.

Arket

Freshwater Pearl Earrings

£47

These drop pearls feature high on my list.

5. Mesh Shoes

Style Notes: Perforated flats have dominated trends for an entire season and they're growing stronger. As we approach the transitional season and begin to consider (somewhat) closed-toe options, mesh shoes offer a suitable (and stylish) medium.

Shop Mesh Shoes:

Reformation

Kalinka Heeled Mule

£298

For two years running, Reformation have created some notable mules.

Mint Velvet

Black Mesh Ballet Pumps

£99

The best mesh ballet pumps I've witnessed on the high street.

Source Unknown

Harper Mesh Mules, Nude

$315

Swap black mules for cream to keep a fresh element.

LE MONDE BERYL

Patent Leather-Trimmed Mesh Mary Jane Ballet Flats

£395

Between Le Monde Beryl and Alaïa, flats have never been so sought after. It's a job well done.

6. Resin Jewellery

Style Notes: Akin to the marbles you'd play with in childhood, resin jewellery has an inherent nostalgic feel with a slight nod to refinement, due to the candied colour pallet.

Shop Resin Jewellery:

RABANNE

Gold-Tone and Resin Earrings

£370

A tortoiseshell resin.

Paloma Wool

Beige Corbetti Resin Beaded Necklace

£85

The buttermilk hue is right on trend.

sezane

Danae Necklace

£75

So delicate it looks like blown Murano glass.

Massimo Dutti

Drop Earrings with Resin

£50

The combination of gold with a marbled resin is magnificent.

7. Bold Blooms

Style Notes: Earrings are becoming progressively bigger and bolder and there are no complaints from me. Last season welcomed a host of shapes and this season, there's a clear focus on burgeoning blooms.

Shop Floral Jewellery:

MANGO

Maxi Flower Earrings

£18

The freehand bloom is so darling.

DAPHINE

Margarita Earrings

£195

You could say it's surrealism inspired.

Kitty Joyas

Jasmine Studs

£1300

Kitty Joyas is no stranger to delicate floral shaping.

Sezane

Millie Earrings

£100

Whilst most style are chunky, Sezane offer a dainty outline trace.