Australian fashion thrives on effortless style, but the right accessories can take your look from casual cool to head-turning chic. Whether you’re dressing for beach days, city strolls, or outback adventures, statement pieces add personality and polish to any outfit.
From handcrafted jewellery to iconic sun hats, we’re sharing the top statement accessories making waves in Australian wardrobes—plus how to style them like a pro.
Ready to upgrade your accessory game? Let’s dive in!
**1. Artisan Shell & Pearl Jewellery
🐚 Why It’s Trending:
- Sustainable & coastal-chic (perfect for beach-to-bar looks)
- Handmade by Aussie designers like Sarah & Sebastian
- Layering delicate shells with chunky pearls for contrast
💍 How to Wear: Pair with a linen dress and strappy sandals
**2. Wide-Brimmed Hats (The Ultimate Sun Shield)
🧢 Why Every Aussie Needs One:
- UPF 50+ protection (non-negotiable Down Under!)
- Akahat, Lack of Color & Helen Kaminski lead the trend
- Rattan, felt, or linen styles for every season
🏖️ Styling Tip: Tilt slightly forward for that “French Riviera” vibe
**3. Bold Leather Belts (Waist-Defining Magic)
👜 Why They Work:
- Transform oversized shirts & dresses into structured outfits
- Local faves: Matin, Mister Zimi’s embroidered styles
- Go for 3-4″ width for maximum impact
👖 Pro Move: Cinch over blazers or maxi dresses
**4. Statement Sunglasses (Beyond the Basics)
🕶️ 2024’s Coolest Frames:
- Chrome aviators (Dion Lee’s liquid metal pair)
- Oversized retro squares (Le Specs x Aje collab)
- Coloured lenses (amber, rose)
🌞 Best for: Elevating even the simplest tee-and-denim combo
**5. Embroidered & Beaded Bags
👛 Why They Stand Out:
- Indigenous-designed clutches (like Mimco x First Nations collabs)
- Crochet bucket bags for festival season
- Evening bags with shell embellishments
👜 Brand Alert: Oroton’s new artisan collection
**6. Chunky Gold Jewellery (The Aussie Way)
⛓️ How We Do It Differently:
- Raw, imperfect textures (not too polished)
- Local makers: Búl, Meadowlark
- Mix metals for laid-back luxe
👗 Perfect With: Slip dresses and sun-kissed skin
**7. Scarves as Top Accessories (Not Just for Winter)
🧣 Creative Ways to Wear:
- Tied on handbag straps
- As a halter top (heatwave hack!)
- Wrapped in hair for boho flair
🌺 Best Prints: Native florals or abstract watercolours
**8. Architectural Earrings
🏗️ 2024’s Hottest Styles:
- Resin hoops with pressed botanicals
- Brutalist metal cuffs
- Asymmetrical designs (one big, one small)
👂 Statement Level: Sara Puckridge’s sculptural pieces
**9. Vegan Leather Gloves (Yes, Even in Summer)
🧤 Why They’re Cool Again:
- Nightclub-ready with mini dresses
- Fingerless styles for daytime edge
- Aussie Brand Pick: Bec + Bridge
❄️ Bonus: Actually useful for Melbourne winters
**10. Ankle Cuffs & Toe Rings
👣 Barefoot Luxury:
- Delicate gold chains for beach weddings
- Shell-adorned straps with sandals
- Local Artisan: By Charlotte
🏝️ Best With: Strappy heels or bare feet
How to Style Statement Pieces the Aussie Way
✔ Rule of One: Let one accessory dominate per outfit
✔ Texture Mixing: Pair smooth leather with rough shells
✔ Colour Clash: Terracotta jewellery against cobalt blue
Top Australian Accessory Designers to Know
- Dinosaur Designs (Resin art jewellery)
- Mimco (Playful leather goods)
- Sarah & Sebastian (Fine jewellery)
- Aje (Romantic hair accessories)
Seasonal Accessory Switch-Ups
Summer: Raffia bags + shell earrings
Autumn: Rust-toned belts + knit scarves
Winter: Patent leather gloves + chunky chains
Spring: Floral hair clips + woven clutches
Conclusion
In Australia, accessories tell your story—whether it’s coastal roots, urban edge, or outback spirit. The right piece can transform basics into bold statements while staying true to our relaxed ethos.
Final Tip: Invest in 3 hero pieces/year—they’ll outlast fast fashion!
Disclaimer:
Delicate shells may break—store carefully. Some designs are handwash-only.