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.

A word on accessories for chaps

Here in South Africa, the chap that we know and love is a little shy of the accessory. Sure a baseball cap is commonplace and a bling necklace has been known to grace the torso of the odd gent or two. But the basic use of accessories to update and transform an outfit is not something that has been fully embraced yet. We are seeing an upsurge of late so let me provide the basic guide on accessories for chaps:

Boys need to have the following five items in their wardrobes for use throughout the year:

A hat — trilby, fedora or panama
The baseball cap is very useful but should be kept for sports events, a braai or the beach. A beanie hat is super-warm in the winter but go for slouchy and oversized if you insist on wearing it as an accessory. A trilby, or the larger brimmed fedora, is always stylish and can totally transform your look without any further effort. And nothing charms the ladies like a panama hat, lifted in greeting with a cheeky smile in the summer.

A cuff
You may not know what this is so let me explain. A cuff is made from leather or metal and it closes around the wrist like a watch, usually with press-studs. But it is essentially a fat bracelet and can be studded or smooth. It is a butch way of wearing jewellery and is very rock ‘n roll. Go to the Zoppini Store in Johannesburg (Bedford Centre) or Cape Town (V&A Waterfront) for the best selection for men.

Rings or dog tags
Stainless steel is the metal of choice for stylish men's accessories. Broad chunky rings worn on the index finger is the look de jour. With regards the dog tags, you can also wear them plain or embellished. The look in the US is to have your initials on them in precious stones — but actually a simple, cleaner look is more contemporary for us in SA.

A lightweight scarf
I am suggesting that you nick your closest female friend's scarf. This is a great piece to wear through all the seasons as an accessory. It can be any colour that suits you. It can be traditional or freshly woven — but it should always have a lot of drape in it and be tied in a bit of a laissez-faire manner. Wear with anything from a t-shirt to a suit.

A good quality vintage leather belt
It can be worn with your jeans or your trousers. It will last a lifetime and only increase in aesthetic appeal over the years. Keep the belt simple and sleek and the leather in classic black or chocolate brown.

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