These Under-$200 Accessories Will Give Your 2024 Look a Little Extra Polish

There are a handful of items I rely on to pull my look together—and by that, I mean give the impression I have my life together and maybe even work in fashion. Given my love of minimalist style, and my inclination to be as comfortable as possible at all times, these are the clever little buys that I find save me from looking somewhere between decidedly average and a little too casual for the occasion.

So here you have it, for this season at least. My cheat sheet of easy items you're very welcome to rely upon to take your everyday look up a notch. I'll delve into apparel some other time, for now you can enjoy these chic (and secretly affordable) accessories that all punch above their price tag in terms of elevating outfits.

Look, sometimes you just need a big dumb bag to haul your gym gear and groceries and laptop around town. Quilted bags are this season's jam, ready to save your winter looks from that tote that's never been quite the same since you threw it in the wash. 

Love a belt for elevating everything from denim to column skirts to casual wide-leg pants. Oval buckles of all dimensions are feeling forward—black is always chic, but this burgundy style is particularly on-trend.

Whether they're worn with a mini skirt or just peeping out from between your wide-leg jeans and your patent Mary-Janes, the right pair of sheer black or brown tights take a look from a 10 to an 11.

There's an art to finding just the right everyday earring—but when you do, they will do so much heavy-lifting for your lazy outfits. You want them to be chill enough to wear on repeat, but still bring a little drama your Tuesday morning.

It's going to be another year of flats trending, but at this point I'd just like to declare it a lifestyle. Loafers and Mary Jane style continue to dominate, so find yourself a pair that helps you get away with wearing your favorite jeans to the office (maybe).

I guarantee you've eyed the style of someone dressed oh-so casually, whose wrist has told you they're dialed into great style. Bracelet styles or leather straps, round or square or rectangular faces, a great watch is unmatched when it comes to effortlessly amping up every single outfit you have in rotation—and yes, I promise, these are still all under-$200.