The fastest way to update what you already own is with one small, unexpected accessory. Agnelle's long black leather Opera gloves, Ysso's gold-plated Ophis brooch, Loren Stewart's sterling silver and pearl necklace and Pucci's pink printed silk-twill scarf each add something without changing the whole outfit.

Gloves are back as a style choice rather than just a practical one, especially in longer lengths. Brunello Cucinelli's taupe suede gloves and Kallmeyer's dark brown Park gloves reach past the wrist, which looks great with a cropped coat sleeve. Magda Butrym's paneled leather pair and Toteme's brown leather gloves are simple enough for every day.

A brooch on a coat lapel, a knit or even a bag strap instantly looks deliberate. Erdem's crystal brooch and Saint Laurent's gold-tone Cassandre brooch lean glamorous. Sophie Buhai's Ra brooch in silver and carnelian and Jennifer Behr's red enamel Chaya brooch are bolder, with a bit more personality.

Pearls sit well with the rest of these accessories, especially against dark wool and leather. Vivienne Westwood's Olympia necklace pairs pearls with crystal, and Mikimoto's white gold earrings add a diamond above each pearl. Jennifer Behr's Amari earrings and Mizuki's gold pearl earrings are easy to wear every day.

A silk scarf at the neck and a slim belt at the waist finish the look. Loewe's beige printed silk scarf and Gabriela Hearst's camel ribbed Solus scarf are soft neutrals that go with most coats. Khaite's snake-effect Berlin belt and The Row's black suede Geo belt give a knit or a dress a clean line.

Accessories like these reward a little restraint. If you take one thing away, let it be to choose one focal point per outfit, whether that is a brooch, long gloves or a printed scarf. Long gloves look best with a three-quarter or pushed-up sleeve so they are actually seen. Brooches feel most modern worn slightly off-centre on a lapel or collar. Pearls can stay on all the time, since they go with almost everything. We would skip wearing a brooch and a statement necklace together, as they tend to compete for attention. Start with the piece that feels most like you, and add another only once the first feels natural.