Strings of pearls, headscarves knotted under the chin, chunky bag charms; no, this is not a checklist of accessories your mum or granny used to wear, but a roll call of the trends in evidence amongst the fashion crowd at Copenhagen Fashion Week recently.
While you might think that swapping your pearl necklace for a bright, resin number or slipping on a pair of high-heeled court shoes makes you look chic, unfortunately the opposite is true.
In fact, you’d look more youthful swapping your court shoe for a clog, as these have made a huge comeback – the Birkenstock Boston being the fashion lover’s favourite, and much replicated across the high street.
Floral hair clips have also become ‘a thing’ once more, not least on Chanel’s autumn/winter catwalk, where they bedecked low ponytails for a romantic, feminine touch.
Of course, when old trends come back around, they tend to boot out other looks. Consider the way skinny jeans have been firmly relegated by wide-leg and boyfriend styles, and you’ll realise that what once had a strong foothold in your wardrobe may no longer be de rigueur.
You may not care about this at all, but if you do want to stay looking up to date and steer clear of ageing outfits, then swapping out your shoes, jewellery or handbag is an easy switch to make.
So which accessories should we be ditching to avoid looking out of touch?
You Magazine’s fashion stylist Stephanie Sofokleous reveals the nine accessories that have fallen out of style this season.
Busy statement necklaces were once the height of style, but now is the time to swap them out for something more elegant, such as this Betty and Biddy accessory
1. Busy statement necklaces
Wearing a bright, chunky necklace over your crew-neck was the height of style a decade ago. However, a multi-coloured or printed version will date you, says Sofokleous. ‘They can overwhelm the neckline of an outfit and draw attention to the wrong places,’ she says. This is especially true since ‘as we age, the neck can become a problem area for some’.
Instead buy: £20, Betty and Biddy
2. Low, block-heeled shoes
Block heels are not the most flattering option, says Sofokleous. ‘Whether it’s a ballet flat or a sandal, a kitten heel will always be the more chic, timeless choice.’
Instead buy: £28, Next
Stephanie Sofokleous says ‘a kitten heel will always be the more chic, timeless choice’ over low, block-heeled shoes
3. Pashminas
Sorry, but these give very ‘2006 bridesmaid’ vibes, and as Sofokleous says ‘there’s nothing a pashmina can do that an oversized scarf can’t’. The thin fabric and frayed edges make them look particularly dated.
Instead buy: £32, Lucy and Yak
Try this oversized scarf by Lucy and Yak for a younger-looking alternative to a pashmina
4. Fascinators
Remember when fascinators were the new hats? Well now they’re a seriously old hat, says Sofokleous. ‘They haven’t had a decent update in decades,’ she explains. ‘Opt for an interesting headband or hat.’
Instead buy: £63.20, Karen Millen
Fascinators are now a seriously old hat, so one alternative could be this stylish Karen Millen headpiece
5. Round-toe court shoes
Switching up shoe shapes can knock years off your outfit, and the most ageing option is a round-toe, which looks rather old-fashioned. ‘A pointed toe keeps the look smart and tailored,’ advises Sofokleous.
Instead buy: £149, Hobbs
Pointed-toe shoes keep you looking ‘smart and tailored’, Stephanie Sofokleous advises
6. Trainer socks
Millennials are struggling to get their head around this shift, but anyone over 60 will be back on trend if they never bothered swapping longer socks for those diddy little foot socks that don’t show over your trainers. Now the invisi-sock is officially over, and the coolest way to wear them is pulled up to mid-calf. Yes, really.
Instead buy: £12, Marks & Spencer
Ditch the off-trend foot socks for trainer ones – and pull them up to your calves to achieve the true youthful look
7. Satchels
‘They’re bulky and a little too reminiscent of school,’ says Sofokleous of the rectangular, crossbody bags. ‘There are plenty of more stylish options that are still practical.’
Instead buy: £79, Charles & Keith
Rounded bags, such as this Charles & Keith option, don’t look as bulky as traditional satchels
8. Peep toe heels
As Sofokleous puts it, ‘there’s nothing stylish about two squashed toes poking out from inside a high heel – show all the toes or none at all’.
Instead buy: £119, Mint Velvet
Stephanie Sofokleous recommends having all of your toes showing rather than just two
Colourful jewellery is out of fashion, so swap it out for earrings that are more muted
9. Multi-coloured crystal earrings
The number one rule when it comes to jewellery? Colourful is out. ‘A silver, gold or clear crystal is blingy enough,’ says Sofokleous. ‘Bold colour and sparkle can look dated, and not in a vintage-cool way.’
Instead buy: £12, Orelia
