With a calm outfit, accessories can add colour, contrast or texture: a bag, belt and shoes in the same colour family, and jewellery in one metal colour. If you want to keep the outfit calm, choose one clear accent and keep the rest simpler. That way you can make a neutral base more personal without adding much extra colour.
Why accessories make the difference
Cream, beige, navy and black form a calm base. Accessories can add extra detail to it. Accessories are the way to add character, without having to change the clothes themselves. A bag, a belt or a piece of jewellery gives the same base a different mood. With lighter summer outfits, accessories often stand out even more.
The basics: three rules
- One striking element. Choose one accessory that draws attention and keep the rest understated.
- One metal colour. You can stick to one metal colour or mix metals deliberately.
- The same colour family. Bag, belt and shoes are related to each other, or in a deliberate contrast.
Overview by colour
| Outfit | Bag and belt | Jewellery |
|---|---|---|
| Cream and beige | Cognac, camel or off-white | Gold or pearls |
| Navy | White, cognac or navy | Gold or silver |
| Black | Black, burgundy or cognac | Gold or silver |
| White and light blue | Beige, cognac or white | Silver or pearls |
Cream and beige: warm and soft
The Josephine in cream is a knitted polo with V-neck of 79.9% viscose and 20.1% polyamide. Combine it with the Philippa in beige, ultra high-waist trousers with pleats of 100% polyester. Together they form a tonal look that combines well with cognac or camel. A bag in the same shade connects the two, and a thin gold chain adds warmth around the neck. You will find more knitted basics in the knitwear for Women collection.
Navy and white: fresh and classic
The Arabelli in navy is a high-waist trouser with pleats. Wear it with a white blouse. If you would rather have the white at the bottom, turn the look around. The Cosette in white is an ultra high-waist slim-straight trouser that goes well with a navy top. A white bag or a belt in off-white makes the look summery, while cognac adds more warmth. Silver gives a cooler accent; gold adds a little more warmth.
An extra layer as an accessory
A cardigan, scarf or thin jacket is also an accessory. The Augusta in cream is an open-knit polo of 90.2% wool and 9.8% cashmere. Wear it open over a simple top like a cardigan, or loosely over your shoulders for a relaxed feel. For more information about this soft fibre, read our cashmere page. A light layer in a neutral shade gives structure to a calm outfit, without introducing new colours.
How to build a small accessory collection
With a small selection you can already finish many outfits. With a few well-chosen pieces you can finish almost any calm outfit: a bag in cognac or black, a belt in the same colour, a pair of gold earrings, a thin chain and a silk scarf. Look above all at shape, material and how often you will wear the accessory. A versatile bag or belt can be used with several colours. When buying, do not look only at the colour, but also at the size, the finish and how the piece goes with your existing clothes. You will find more trousers to combine them with in the trousers for Women collection.
The bag: choose for your day
- Office: a structured bag that can take a laptop or papers, in black, cognac or navy.
- City: a crossbody bag or small shoulder bag, so your hands stay free.
- Evening: a clutch or a small bag with a chain.
- Weekend: a soft, roomy bag in canvas or leather.
The belt: small but visible
A belt can be functional and at the same time put extra emphasis on the waist. You can match the width of the belt to the trousers, loops and the look you want. Let the colour match your shoes or bag. A heavy buckle draws attention, so keep it understated with a calm outfit. If you do not wear a belt, you can also accentuate the waist with a tucked-in top.
Jewellery with a calm outfit
Choose jewellery that you wear daily: small earrings, a thin chain or a simple ring. Combine them with one statement piece, such as a special bracelet, if you want more personality. Pearls combine easily with many neutral colours. If you wear a V-neck, choose a pendant that falls in the V; with a closed neckline a longer chain suits.
Shoes and socks
Shoes are the last accessory. Loafers, ballet flats and neat sneakers in neutral shades are easy to combine. Let shoes and bag go together without being exactly the same. In summer, wear socks in a colour that matches your shoes, or invisible socks with loafers.
Common mistakes
The most common mistake is too many accessories at once: a striking bag, large earrings, a special belt and a bright scarf. A second mistake is mixing warm and cool metals without a reason. A third is accessories that do not suit the occasion, such as a beach bag at a business meeting. If you find the outfit too busy, try leaving out one accessory.
Shop the look
Josephine: knitted polo with V-neck, cream
Philippa: ultra high-waist trousers with pleats, beige
Arabelli: high-waist trousers with pleats, navy
Cosette: ultra high-waist slim-straight trousers, white
Augusta: open-knit polo of wool and cashmere, cream
Frequently asked questions
How many accessories can you wear at once?
Keep it to one striking element and a few understated pieces. More than three visible accessories quickly makes a calm outfit busy.
May I combine gold and silver?
You can, but do it deliberately, for example by choosing one piece in a different colour as a deliberate contrast. Otherwise one metal colour is calmer.
Which bag shape suits a calm outfit?
A simple, structured bag in a neutral colour. Avoid bags with large logos or striking prints.
Does my belt always have to match my shoes?
It is a safe rule, but not compulsory. Your belt should match your shoes or your bag, or contrast deliberately.
