10 Accessories That Work With Any Outfit

4. A waist-defining belt

This essential item will save you from looking shapeless when wearing loose unstructured clothes or lots of layers. You know most women 50-plus don't wear belts (other than ties on wrap dresses) thinking they will emphasize a belly bulge, but they're real silhouette-makers regardless of your size or proportions. Even a slim statement belt like the H&M Chain Waist Belt in gold ($25, hm.com) can provide just enough waist definition over billowy tunic tops and sweater dresses. Wider belts like the Loft Horseshoe Buckle Belt in black/white ($50, loft.com) or C. Wonder Double C Elastic Waist Belt ($14, walmart.com) work like instant tailoring. Use them to cinch a long cardigan or blazer over leggings or jeans or wear it just above your natural waist on dresses for the illusion of a longer torso and flat tummy, too.

(Left to right) A New Day Thick Chain Link Necklace in Gold; Eloquii Chunky Chain Necklace in Hematite; Loft Heart Y Necklace; Banana Republic Chunky Link Necklace

Target; Eloquii; LOFT; Banana Republic

5. A chunky chain-link necklace

Sure you can always wear delicate layered necklaces from morning to night, but when you want to make a statement try a bold chain like the Banana Republic Chunky Link Necklace ($47, bananarepublic.com), Loft Heart Y Necklace ($40, loft.com), A New Day Thick Chain Link Necklace in Gold ($15, target.com) or the Eloquii Chunky Chain Necklace in Hematite ($37, eloquii.com). Yes, they're trendy but instantly give casual or classic clothes an edgy vibe. Choose a metal that is in sync with your other jewelry — cool and silvery or warm and golden — and sling it on. P.S. Don't wear the hoops in number 3 and the necklace … it's either/or these days!

(Clockwise from top left) Uniqlo Brow Line Sunglasses in 09 Black; Kelly & Katie Vista Sunglasses; Old Navy Round Cat-Eye Metal-Tip Sunglasses for Women in Black Jack

Uniqlo; DSW; Old Navy

6. Sporty sunglasses

Big, oversize diva frames are forever but may not be ideal with your sportier mixes. A bold black or tortoise acrylic and metal combo is the better choice, like the Kelly & Katie Vista Sunglasses ($15, dsw.com), Uniqlo Brow Line Sunglasses in 09 Black or 37 Brown ($20, uniqlo.com) or Old Navy Round Cat-Eye Metal-Tip Sunglasses for Women in Black Jack ($15, oldnavy.com). Just a reminder: sunglasses — with UV protection, of course — are now year-round accessories. Keeping our eyes healthy and hiding fatigue and stress with a dose of style couldn't be easier.

(Clockwise from left) Crown Vintage Denema Boot in black; Gentle Souls by Kenneth Cole Women’s Best Moto Lug Sole Booties; Blowfish Raexly Boot in black

DSW (2); Macy's

7. Gutsy black moto boots

If you read my recent AARP sneaker column you know it's stylish to wear sneakers with everything. If that's you, great! However, lots of women 50-plus wear sneakers only for workouts or don't like wearing them at all. Until summer's more bare-legged shoe options kick in, there's one versatile bootie that multitasks from skirts to jeans to joggers and that's black moto boots. Choose a mid-calf length like the Crown Vintage Denema Boot in black ($50, dsw.com) and Blowfish Raexly Boot in black or dark brown ($65, dsw.com) or an ankle-length version like the Gentle Souls by Kenneth Cole Women's Best Moto Lug Sole Booties ($195, macys.com). Before you say no: If you wear a black leather jacket (or black leather anything) have a tattoo, multiple ear piercings or even make eye makeup a daily, do trust me — you can handle these.

8. The duster cardigan

Maybe you never thought of a cardigan as an accessory, but it certainly is now. When the challenge is making a two-piece outfit like tapered sweatpants and a white shirt or a midi skirt and sweatshirt look more intentional, this relaxed third piece is what does it. Get an open-front, drop-shoulder style like the Old Navy Long Duster Open-Front Cardigan Sweater for Women in Light Gray Heather, Cream or Black Jack ($55, oldnavy.com), H&M Knit Cardigan in Gray Melange ($30, hm.com ) or Eloquii Long Ribbed Cardigan in caramel or black ($100, eloquii.com) for a relaxed contemporary fit over any sleeve. And thanks to the long silhouette and camouflage benefits, adding a duster makes everyone appear taller and sleeker — feel warmer, too.

(Left to right) Halogen V-Neck Cashmere Poncho in beige oatmeal light heather; H&M Knit Poncho in beige; Echo Colorblock Fringe Hem Ruana in black

Nordstrom; H&M; Bloomingdale's

9. A knit poncho or ruana

This one-size-fits-all accessory is usually found in the scarf section and is excellent for whittling away extra pounds and pulling together a simple two-piece outfit. The big difference between a poncho and a ruana is the latter has a slit down the front. The bottom of either softly drapes and it's designed to stay on and in place, unlike a wrap or big blanket scarf. Look for a neutral color or combo of neutrals that syncs with your wardrobe, like the Halogen V-Neck Cashmere Poncho in black, gray light heather or beige oatmeal light heather ($149, nordstrom.com), H&M Knit Poncho in beige ($20, hm.com) and Echo Colorblock Fringe Hem Ruana in black ($79, bloomingdales.com), and eat dessert!

H&M Bucket Hat in black faux leather (top left); Brixton Wesley Fedora in black (bottom middle); Topshop Pom Beanie (top right)

Zappos; H&M; Nordstrom

10. A cool black hat

Most women have an oddball collection of cold-weather knit beanies, baseball caps and summer straws bought on sale or impulse. What never misses is a black hat that goes with every coat and jacket you own and saves you from bad-hair days. If you don't have a fedora like the Brixton Wesley Fedora in black ($59, zappos.com), a leather bucket like the H&M Bucket Hat in black faux leather ($18, hm.com) or an elevated beanie with faux fur detail like the Topshop Pom Beanie ($26, nordstrom.com), what are you waiting for? Get them for this year (and next) before they sell out!