The Ultimate Guide to Pairing Accessories

When worn together, two can be better than one.

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TK
Dior dress; Prounis earrings and necklace
(Image credit: Sharon Radisch)

A standout accessory offers a punctuation mark to any great outfit. Couple two (or three) together, and you’ll get the full benefit of fashion and functionality: transform your look, double an ensemble’s versatility, or extend the length of your pieces. From classic couples that transcend trends—like pearl earrings and necklaces—to utilitarian hacks, like packing your smaller bag into your larger one, coupling them will give you the freedom to play and a chance to take your accessory game to the next level. 

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Kallmeyer top; Cartier watches; Arielle Ratner ring

(Image credit: Sharon Radisch)

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CELINE jacket, scarf, and gloves.

(Image credit: Sharon Radisch)

Pairing a glove and scarf with a structured jacket means your look is appropriate to wear inside and out.

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Left: Dior dress; Prounis earrings and ring Right: Bode jacket, Tiffany Co. brooches

(Image credit: Sharon Radisch)

Pull off pearls without them feeling stuffy by styling a baroque strand with a singular pearl drop earring.

A classic blazer will always feel new with a sophisticated brooch (or three).

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Left: Miu Miu socks and shoes Right: Dior coat, pants, book tote, and saddle bag; Prounis dome ring and three-tiered ring; Brent Neale ring

(Image credit: Sharon Radisch)

Match your socks to your Mary Janes so they’re wearable even in cooler seasons.

Transition from work to Martini hour by packing your evening purse in an oversized tote bag.

Talent: Anyelina Rosa for The Society NYC | Photographer: Sharon Radisch | Hair Make Up Stylist: Deborah Altizio | Art Director: Brittany Holloway Brown | Fashion Director: Sara Holzman | Beauty Director: Deena Campbell | Production:  Luciana De La Fe

This story appears in the November 2023 issue of Marie Claire.

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Sara Holzman
Sara Holzman
Style Director

Sara Holzman is the Style Director at Marie Claire, where she oversees fashion coverage spanning seasonal trends, celebrity style, designers, Fashion Month, and shopping. With more than a decade of experience in fashion media, she has held roles at Condé Nast’s Lucky and Self and contributed style and travel coverage to Equinox’s Furthermore. A graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism, Sara is based in New York City, where she writes about fashion through both an industry and personal lens, including the realities of getting dressed as a working mom. Follow her on Instagram at @sarajonewyork.