The Age of Accessories

From bejeweled bags to crayon-hued tights, accessories weren't just extras: They were the stars of this season.

- By Dale Arden Chong, Meg Donohue, Véronique Hyland, Madison Rexroat, and Tasha Nicole Smith.

LEG DAY

Whether you’re a street-style star in a pop of red or Charli XCX in wine-splashed sheer tights for her “360” music video, hosiery has become a staple, no matter your aesthetic. For spring 2025, Valentino and Chanel favored patterned-lace tights and knee-highs; Balenciaga and Dolce & Gabbana went provocative with sultry takes on hold-up stockings; and Prada opted for a rainbow of opaque styles.

“Statement hosiery,” once reserved for avant-garde runways, has now infiltrated everyday style,” says Cami Téllez, executive creative director of L’Eggs, a 55-year-old legacy brand that’s been experiencing a revamp.” According to the brand’s customer research data, 45 percent of women plan to wear more colorful and patterned tights this year. Téllez calls it “the red lipstick of the category.” Another view comes from the founder of a brand that you’ve likely seen on Beyoncé. Destiney Bleu of d.bleu.dazzled. “Tights are like eyelashes,” Bleu says. “They give the appearance of a little extra effort.”

CHARM OFFENSIVE

These days, you can’t swing a purse without rattling your bag charms. Fendi, Coach, and Stella McCartney capitalized on the trend for spring, offering an array of charms and mini bags-on-bags. “This personalization is great for your feed,” says Ryan Kleman, director of non-apparel and fine jewelry for Moda Operandi. “Before the internet dominated fashion, we called these ‘conversation starters.’” (He cites Jane Birkin and her charm-covered namesake Hermès bag as an example of the trend’s endurance.)