Accessories can change an outfit. They can take a day outfit and change it to a big-night-out ensemble. They can move your wardrobe classics seamlessly from one year to another by providing a low cost and instant uplift for the current season. They can take a pretty dull get-up and render it stylish by the right combination of glorious belts, scarves, hats and jewellery…

The word 'accessory' comes from the Latin for accompaniment or accent — the ability to twist, pop or emphasise your outfit with the addition of one small thing. But what should you have in your wardrobe right now? What should you be investing in to help you achieve all the above? This report will help you sort this out...

Size really matters

The first thing that you should be aware of is that accessories should always be sized relative to your physical scale.

If you are a tall and strapping person, then your accessories should be equally bold and big, otherwise they will be lost on you. There is nothing that makes a lass look extra-plump than a teeny tiny handbag. Similarly, if you are on the petite side, make sure that your accessories don't dwarf you and drown you out. You don't want the only thing people see of you to be your great big hat.

Required accessories for ladies

There is not a lady alive that doesn't love accessories, mostly because to buy a beautiful ring or bag, you don't have to be a size 8...

As the ladies have been around the accessory block for a little longer than the chaps, there are actually a few more items required for a full accessory wardrobe, suitable for all occasions.

The rule of thumb for ladies is: Get dressed and then pick anything from two to five accessories to finish off your outfit.

The lightweight scarf

This item is essential in the current season, and into the next. It should be in a colour that really suits you, as it's going to be worn near your face, and frankly, no one needs to have their wrinkles and spots highlighted by a bad colour. Have a few that drape easily and pick one out each day to complete your look.

A great structured bag, and a clutch

In the great universe of handbags, we can never have too many. But the two absolute essentials are: a great sleek oversized clutch for the evenings, possibly accented in metallics or with beading; and a great investment handbag with structure and style in leather, that will last forever (as long as it is in black, brown, winter white or any of the metallic leathers now available).

I would strongly advise you to get the best handbag you can afford because this item alone can make your entire ensemble look expensive.

For those of you who can afford it, invest in a classic like the Mulberry Bayswater, the Chanel 2.55, or for the very wealthy — the Hermes Kelly bag.

If you want another handbag for variety, go for a great coloured tote bag that really brings a simple outfit to life.

A selection of tights

Black opaque, grey patterned, bright cobalt blue, fishnets and footless tights are all wardrobe essentials for the winter months.

Belts, belts and some more belts…

From now through to 2010, accentuating the waist is going to remain a core silhouette. And the best way to achieve this is through a selection of belts that go with all your outfits.

I personally wear one of three of my most reliable belts every single day. And then I still have a few more for some variety. You must have a one-centimetre black leather belt in excellent quality leather with a sleek steel buckle.

After that, a much fatter belt for creating the hourglass look is pretty important (unless you are petite).

Finally, make sure you have a belt in a bright colour to totally bring an outfit to life. By the way, belts this season are for wearing around your waist not your hips. Who would put a great big horizontal line around their broadest body part willingly?

Must have jewellery pieces

While a girl can never go wrong with diamonds and pearls, not all of us can afford to go in this direction for our fashion jewellery pieces. So, one pair of diamond or pearl earrings in your lifetime is a good goal to aim for. Aside from this, the following are the key items you should have to accessorise on daily basis:

• An oversized cocktail ring. Worn on the index finger, this has become a statement piece for dressing up. It doesn't have to be expensive — but it does have to be bold.
• A statement necklace. Either a couple of very long and fine ones (for the short necked and busty) or a chunky, bold-collar necklace (for the flat-chested).
• An antique brooch. A classic Chanel or a 30's marquisette silver and pearl brooch will never date and can be worn on your cardigan, jacket or as a hair accessory.
• Bracelets. Stacked upon one another up one arm, a single statement piece on your upper arm (for the slim) or a beautiful draped piece for the evening. The cuff is still big news and will be for some time, so make sure you have one of those as well.

You will notice that I have not addressed shoes as accessories, and this is because they need a report all of their own.

Make a start with these lists. Ensure you have all the accessories that you need and put them near the front door so you can stop in front of your hall mirror and play with a few pieces each morning before you leave the house. Accessories finish your look and hopefully this report has provided you with all the finishing school advice you need.

For more information on Robyn and her personal styling services, go to: www.robyncooke-styleguide.co.za