Frill seekers: The ultimate guide to rocking the 2000s accessory trend
Sequinned belts, charms, chunky jewellery, big bows. Playful accessories are back. Here’s how to look cute, not chaotic
On the ears, little feathers trapped in resin. On the neck, chunky, clashing beadwork. On the ponytail, an oversized bow. On the wrist, a charm bracelet. On the waist, a sequinned belt. On the arm, a bright pink mini handbag...
Did fashion just step out of a high school in the 2000s? The look of the moment is cute, eye-catching and childlike. Here’s how to accessorise without looking like you’re stuck in a time warp, with tips from celebrity stylists Hemlataa Pariwal and Pyu Mishra.
Start from simplicity. “Stick to white, black, or pastel coloured blouses or shirts, neutral-toned pants or jeans, and classic pumps, loafers, or sneakers,” says Pariwal. This is way, nothing distracts from the accessories, and the outfit serves as the backdrop for the curated extras.
Hold back. Loading up on all the shiny, sparkly, loud, bold decorations? It’s giving Christmas tree vibes. To look chic, not chaotic, here’s Mishra’s hack: “Recognise your hero piece and work the rest of the look around it.” Stick to two or three statement accessories per fit — a bright handbag, a chunky necklace, or a statement hat. And do a proportion check before you step out. Big earrings? Skip the necklace. Dramatic belt? Keep shoes minimal.
Layer thoughtfully, not loudly. Sequins will catch the light and the eye. Don’t hide them under a jacket. Wear a sequined clutch or a belt, not both. Charms are big at the moment. So, decide whether you want them on your bag, wrist or skirt, not scattered across everything. Play smooth metallics against soft fabrics, and bold hues against neutrals to create contrast. “Don’t mix too many styles — boho with minimalist or luxury with fast fashion rarely work together,” says Pariwal.
Get personal. “Don’t feel obligated to wear every trendy accessory at once,” says Pariwal. Pick what reflects your personal style from all the cutesy options. Panda-themed enamel earrings work only if you’re into pandas (Wait; who isn’t?). That big silk bow makes sense only if your wardrobe (and life) has other nods to Korean style. “Dress for the occasion. Save bold accessories for events and keep it minimal for the office,” adds Pariwal.
Shop your stash. A lot of today’s accessory trends might just be in your wardrobe already, perhaps in the bottom drawer with stuff you once loved and eventually forgot. Don’t reach for it blindly. “While building a signature accessory style, consider colour, occasion, and comfort,” Mishra says. Mix up the old and the new, be it a signature ring, a favourite scarf, or a bold earring choice. Aim to make the look feel intentional, not forced. And if there’s a good vintage piece in your stash, play it up. It’s legit cool, and legit you.
Plan for tomorrow. While playful accessories are fun, investing in high-quality classic pieces lets you pair the same beloved items with future trends too. Pariwal recommends looking for “leather, metal, or sustainable materials” and sticking to “classic designs with clean lines and simple shapes”. Get accessories to pull double duty: Rings that track sleep, handbags with built-in chargers and headphone outlets. “Wearable tech is the future, but it should feel like an extension of your style, not a disruption,” says Mishra. The rule of thumb? If it draws attention for the wrong reason, it’s the wrong piece.
From HT Brunch, April 26, 2025
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