4 Outfit-Finishers That Will Perfect Any Look

These low-key pieces can actually make a huge difference.

Nikki Ogunnaike wearing a scarf, Nikki Ogunnaike wearing a button-down shirt, a leather jacket, a belt, and a denim skirt
(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

Friends! It’s hard to think about winter dressing when it’s just a littttle too hot outside and the election did not pan out the way I would have wanted, but joy—getting dressed, talking about fashion, thinking about style—is still available to me, so I’m taking my wins where I can get them.

Many in the comments section of Marie Claire’s Instagram account have said we should stick to fashion and beauty, which, sure, is a part of our DNA (and we’ll get there in just a second). But let’s not forget that MC is a space for women of power, purpose, and style. A group chat of your most ambitious friends. And in that group chat, we discuss it all. Historic election wins that are worth celebrating, how you can impact elections even if you’re unable to vote, whether getting 700 salmon sperm injections in your face will make your skin brighter, and in this week’s newsletter, small upgrades you can make to an outfit using some of my favorite accessories. These are not heavy lifts—usually something you can add to an outfit at the last minute—and don’t require a ton of thought, but they can still make an impact.

Brooches

Last year I leaned into the idea of adding a brooch to a look as I was, frankly, tired of wearing the same blazers over and over again. Brooches were a little bit of a style-up, as my friend likes to call them. Hot sauce on a bland meal; an extra exclamation point at the end of the sentence. In short, a way to kick blazer-dressing up a notch.

Belts

It’s only recently that I’ve taken the iconic Miranda Priestly line (“Where are the belts?”) to heart. The polish they can add! The pizzazz they can add! Again, just a small way to transform your day-to-day uniform.

Scarves

Now, these are not necessarily the big, honking scarves that would keep you warm…but it’s 60 degrees in November in NYC (do with that what you will). These are bandana scarves that you can tie around your collar, in your hair, on your wrist, on your purse handle—that sort of thing. They’re an easy accessory to have on hand just in case your look needs a little something.

Leather Gloves

Wool and cashmere gloves are good for day-to-day wear, but I love the drama of leather gloves. They’re a little more glam; a little more…extra…if you will, which I’m really into at the moment.

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Nikki Ogunnaike
Editor-in-Chief

Nikki Ogunnaike is the Editor in Chief of Marie Claire US. She has previously held roles at Harper's Bazaar, GQ, ELLE, Glamour, InStyle, and Vanity Fair. You may also recognize Nikki from her time as the host of Snapchat’s Online, IRL and IGTV's The Run Through. Based in Brooklyn, New York, in her free time Nikki enjoys running half marathons, learning about wine, and watching reality TV without an ounce of shame. You can follow her at @nikkiogun.