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    1. Fashion

    Andrea's It List: Finishing touches that elevate any outfit

    Don't underestimate the power of the smaller items that really make an outfit pop

    Andrea Thompson's avatar
    By Andrea Thompson
    Published 15 April 2025 In Features

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    Andrea Thompson
    (Image credit: Andrea Thompson)
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    We spend a lot of time over at Marie Claire talking about the key capsule items we love that are the building blocks of a good wardrobe. Of course, a great dress, trench or classic white shirt are vital, but don't underestimate the power of the smaller items that really make an outfit pop.

    I'm a huge fan of bold, stand-out accessories that have the power to take a simple black dress or jeans, shirt and blazer combo to the next level. This week's round-up is dedicated to finishing touches that elevate any outfit–plus a few key investment accessories on my wish list for the year.

    SHOP MY TOP PICKS

    Demellier The Midi New York

    Demellier The Midi New York
    £485
    £485 AT DEMELLIER

    The perfect work bag does exist. The classic Demellier New York, with its distinctive silhouette, will add a splash of luxury to your office look but is practical enough to hold all your essentials. This bag is up there with the best I've found at this price point. I have it in the black croc leather. But I love the latest version in the grain colour. You can even have it personalised with your initials for free.

    KHAITE Leather Belt

    KHAITE Studded Leather Belt
    £520
    £520 AT SELFRIDGES

    This beautiful studded black and silver belt from Khaite is a versatile piece that will take you from work–where you can use it to cinch the waist on your favourite black trousers or add interest to a black dress–to weekends with jeans. I love its slightly rebellious feel, too.

    Gucci Women's Slide Sandal With Horsebit

    Gucci Women's Slide Sandal With Horsebit
    £670
    £760 AT SELFRIDGES

    I'm currently preparing myself for open-toe-shoe season (gulp!) and am currently on the hunt for some flattering summer shoes I can wear for a spring holiday in the Mediterranean but also out and about in London. These Gucci mid-heels–which feature the softest brown leather and suede and classic horsebit hardware –are perfect. The elegant block heel makes them smart enough for evenings while being comfortable enough to walk around town in. I also love the canvas leather combo flats in black which are versatile enough to pair with every summer outfit I own.

    Mui Mui Sunglasses

    Miu Miu Mu 10ys Glimpse Acetate Sunglasses
    £341
    £341 AT SELFRIDGES

    Elevate any outfit with these oversized black Miu Miu sunglasses with gold signature branding. They're the ultimate statement piece that you can pair with anything.

    Monica Vinader Essential Bangle

    Monica Vinader Rose Gold Vermeil Essential Bangle
    £250
    £250 AT MONICA VINADER

    I'm currently experimenting with layering my jewellery and love the simplicity and elegance of this Monica Vinader bangle. I have it in rose gold, but I love the idea of adding the gold and silver bangle over time. This is one of those everyday pieces that is comfortable to wear all the time but looks so chic with short sleeves and always catches people's eye.

    Whistles Ivory Stina Leather Blazer

    Whistles Ivory Stina Leather Blazer
    £349 AT WHISTLES

    Ok, it's not strictly an accessory as a jacket could be classed as a key basic in your wardrobe, but I'm adding this Ivory leather jacket from Whistles for summer because I currently have it in the black and it's one of the best investments buys I've made in years. Like an accessory, I regularly throw it over the most simple of outfits to ramp it up a level and love the new white version which feels lighter and will look great with denim.

    ME+EM Wide Brim Hat

    ME+EM Wide Brim Hat
    £150
    £150 AT ME+EM

    Whether you classify yourself as a hat person or not, there's no denying that a great hat is the ultimate finishing touch for any summer look. This lightweight wide-brim one by ME+EM features a pretty detachable chocolate-brown silk tie and is elegant enough for a host of summer garden parties and events but offers great coverage for the beach too.

    Cartier Tank Watch

    Cartier Crwsta0084 Tank Watch
    £3300
    £3,300 AT SELFRIDGES

    From the simple black and white face to the iconic rectangular shape, slim steel hands and blue tip, this watch is the epitome of understated elegance. Not an impulse buy, but if you're after a lifelong investment accessory classic enough to wear with everything and even pass on, this Cartier watch is it.

    HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK

    Ajosepo Earrings

    Ajosepo The Troika I Gold Earrings
    £140
    £140 AT AJOSEPO

    Looking to shop more great accessories? The Marie Claire fashion team have been to all the runway shows and trailed the internet to bring you the most comprehensive accessories report around.

    From trends to know to stand out items for every budget, check out the full edit now including the ultimate statement ear rings from Ajosepo.

    A montage of images of Andrea Thompson, Marie Claire's Editor in Chief and the words 'Andrea's It-List' to advertise her new column

    (Image credit: Future)
    Marie Claire Newsletter

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    Andrea Thompson
    Andrea Thompson
    Editor in Chief

    Andrea Thompson is Editor in Chief at Marie Claire UK and was named by We are the City as one of the UKs top 50 trailblazers for her work championing gender equality. She sits on the committee of the British Society of Magazine Editors where she acts as Chair.

    Andrea has worked as a senior journalist for a range of publications over her 20 year career including The Sunday Times, The Guardian, The Daily Mail, Channel 4, Glamour and Grazia. At Marie Claire UK, Andrea oversees content, strategy, events and campaigns across fashion, beauty and the brand's purpose pillars. Follow her on instagram at @andreacanwrite

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