Satin slingbacks, suede clutches, printed silk scarves, statement belts and animal-print shoes are the accessories getting attention this fall. Start with the one that fills a gap in your wardrobe. Gucci's brown Vittoria slingbacks, Khaite's gray suede Donna clutch, Dolce & Gabbana's leopard silk-twill scarf and Carolina Herrera's black Calla Lily belt are all strong choices.

The slingback pump is the season's most useful heel. Roger Vivier's dark green croc-effect slingbacks and Jimmy Choo's white two-tone Amel slingbacks are the elegant options, Manolo Blahnik's brown suede Coludad pumps are softer, and Saint Laurent's black Romy slingbacks are the most dramatic.

A suede clutch looks right both day and night. Alaïa's red suede clutch and Veronica Beard's black Swing clutch are sleek, while Valentino's tan Rockstud pouch and Savette's beaded macramé pouch add texture.

A silk scarf can be worn at the neck, on a bag or in the hair. Zimmermann's printed silk-twill scarf and McQueen's green floral plissé scarf bring colour, while Toteme's cream monogram scarf and Gabriela Hearst's gray herringbone silk and cashmere scarf are quieter.

A statement belt and an animal-print shoe are the finishing touches. Déhanche's ivory turquoise-studded Mija belt and Isabel Marant's black Silvia belt add detail at the waist, while Balenciaga's leopard pony hair Gaeta mules and Aeyde's green snake-effect Ellie flats add pattern at the feet.

Accessories are the quickest way to make last year's clothes feel current, and this list covers the ones with real staying power. If you take one thing away, let it be that a silk scarf is the most versatile piece here, since it works on the neck, on a bag, in the hair or tied at the waist. Slingbacks are the next easiest. We would skip buying every trend on the list at once, which leads to accessories fighting each other. Pick one statement per outfit and let the rest stay simple.