From statement jewelry to handcrafted bags, understand the true power of accessories in fashion and how they can instantly elevate your everyday look.
In the vast world of fashion, where trends come and go with the seasons, one element remains timeless, transformative, and deeply personal — accessories. From the streets of Chandni Chowk to the ramps of Lakmé Fashion Week, the power of a statement earring, a handcrafted clutch, or even a minimalist belt can change not just an outfit, but the very persona of the person wearing it.
Accessories are the quiet heroes of fashion — often underestimated, yet undeniably impactful. They’re not merely additions; they’re expressions, stories, and in many cases, career-defining elements in India’s thriving fashion landscape.
More Than Just Embellishments
“Accessories are the punctuation marks of style,” says Delhi-based stylist Sanjana Bhasin, whose work has been featured in Femina and The Times of India. “A simple white kurta becomes brunch-ready with oxidised jhumkas and a colorful tote. The same kurta with leather mojris and a sleek watch turns office formal. Accessories give you options without overhauling your wardrobe.”
This versatility is one reason why accessories are booming in India’s sustainable fashion wave. In cities like Jaipur and Kolkata, artisans are redefining accessory craftsmanship — from silver anklets with tribal motifs to intricate meenakari bangles — giving individuals the power to elevate traditional and modern looks alike.
The Rise of Accessory Entrepreneurs: Indian Success Stories
- Suhani Pittie – Redefining Indian Jewelry on Global Runways
Few Indian names shine as brightly as Suhani Pittie when it comes to contemporary Indian jewelry. Hailing from Hyderabad, Suhani took traditional Indian craftsmanship and gave it an avant-garde twist. Her brand — known for its statement neckpieces and sculptural earrings — has been featured in Vogue Italia and Harper’s Bazaar India.
Pittie’s journey is not just about creativity but grit. After being recognised by the World Gold Council as one of the top 10 most inventive and ingenious jewelry designers in the world, she went on to receive the Fashion Award for Best Jewellery Designer at Elle Style Awards India.
Her jewelry has adorned celebrities like Sonam Kapoor and even walked the Cannes red carpet. In an interview with The Hindu, Suhani said, “Jewelry, to me, is emotion. It has the power to express individuality louder than any fabric.”
- House of Masaba – Accessories That Tell Bold Stories
Masaba Gupta may be synonymous with bold prints in clothing, but her accessory line — especially her signature quirky clutches and face-mask chains — has become iconic in its own right. During the pandemic, her beaded mask chains and printed pouches turned safety into style, catching the attention of media houses like The Indian Express and NDTV Lifestyle.
From fashion weeks to Netflix shows like Masaba Masaba, her brand’s accessories have transcended function, becoming collectible art. In 2021, she received the Young Fashion Entrepreneur Award by British Council India for her contribution to accessible fashion.
Accessories as Identity and Empowerment
In rural and semi-urban India, accessories are more than just fashion—they’re cultural heritage and economic opportunity. Take the story of Rekha Devi, a self-taught artisan from Bihar’s Madhubani district, who began crafting hand-painted Madhubani earrings and bangles using natural dyes.
Her designs gained attention when actress Dia Mirza wore them during an eco-fashion campaign in 2022. With support from an NGO and the Khadi India initiative, Rekha now exports her accessories to countries like Japan and the UK. Featured in The Economic Times, she said, “My art gave me identity. Every time someone wears my design, my village lives on in their look.”
What Makes Accessories So Transformative?
Fashion psychologists and stylists agree — accessories play a unique role in non-verbal communication. Dr. Kiran Sethi, a lifestyle therapist in Gurugram, mentioned in The Times Wellness section: “Accessories are often tied to confidence. People subconsciously pick pieces that reflect their mood, aspirations, or memories.”
From men donning brooches and pocket squares in weddings to women pairing sneakers with sarees, accessories are breaking gender norms and style stereotypes across India.
Tips to Elevate Your Look Effortlessly with Accessories
Here are a few timeless tricks from fashion insiders:
- The Rule of One Statement: Don’t overdo it. One bold necklace or a pair of standout earrings is enough to elevate a simple look.
- Layer Like a Pro: Stack bracelets or mix chains of varying lengths to add depth to your outfit.
- Invest in Timeless Pieces: Think tan leather belts, silver hoops, or a structured bag — they go with almost anything.
- Play with Contrast: Pair traditional juttis with a western dress or team a sporty watch with an ethnic outfit.
- Support Local Artisans: Accessorising sustainably not only supports Indian crafts but adds unique value to your style.
A Movement in the Making
From Bollywood red carpets to Instagram influencers like Komal Pandey and Kritika Khurana, who regularly champion accessories as essential elements of styling, India is witnessing a movement. As reported by Hindustan Times Fashion Week Review 2024, “Accessories are no longer supporting actors in fashion — they are the lead.”
With Gen Z redefining expression and millennials embracing minimalism, accessories offer the perfect balance between personality and practicality. And whether it’s a college student in Lucknow or a businesswoman in Bengaluru, everyone is finding new ways to say more with less.
Conclusion: Let Your Style Speak
In a world where first impressions are formed in seconds, accessories let you control the narrative. They allow you to say, “This is who I am,” without uttering a word. And in a country as diverse and vibrant as India, accessories become the perfect medium to merge heritage with modernity, individuality with tradition.
So, the next time you dress, pause before you leave — pick up that handmade tote, wear that antique ring, or drape that scarf with purpose. Because in the theater of style, accessories are your voice — subtle, yet strong.
