In the past, people only dressed modestly to protect themselves from the elements, the heat, and insects. But as time went on, individuals started to realise that they needed accessories, as they allow them to convey their sense of style, taste, and preferences.

It is generally the fashion designers who develop new styles in clothes using novel techniques, and often include the use of accessories. So, accessories are one of the most important aspects of a designer’s work. Successful fashion designers are adept at knowing what complements and contrasts their creations. Hence accessories, which can range from buttons to zippers to caps, might be what makes an apparel stand out from everyone else’s.

Here are the four essential garment accessories and their role in adding a fashionable statement to clothing in general:

1. Buttons

Buttons serve as a practical fastening mechanism. Buttons can be used on several sorts of clothes and come in a variety of sizes, colours, materials, and forms. They also serve a decorative purpose by enhancing the fashion statement of clothing. Buttons can be used to decorate clothing with appealing colour and shape in addition to sealing pockets to keep items secure in them. Designers nowadays are also making use of buttons made up of coiled circular discs and stitch these on tops, jackets and skirts.

The following are new trends in buttons:

•   Buttons on Shoulder: The most striking ornamentation is buttons on the shoulder. It not only makes a person look more fashionable, but also be able to steal the show when clothes are unbuttoned, and they fall naturally.

•   Buttons on Arms: When it comes to buttons on arm, the focal point would undoubtedly be the row of straightforward buttons down the arms.

•   Buttons on Skirt: For winter 2023, miniskirts with buttons are back in style. The best way to wear the trend is with denim button front skirts.

2. Ribbon

A ribbon is a thin substance, typically composed of cloth, but it can also occasionally be made of plastic or metal. It is used for tying and artistic binding. The bows and ribbons do not have to end at one’s hair. More ribbon can be added to hair, clothing, and accessories if someone’s style is anything but subtle.

For this season, several designers have produced elaborate designs ranging from the numerous hairbows on each model to the sewn-in bows on the tulle gowns. This tiny accessory is the ideal way to instantly recreate the looks seen in magazines or on the internet because it is made to inspire. Ribbon can be used in the following ways to level up the fashion quotient:

•   Create a fun pair of T-strap sandals out of basic sandals. The ankle strap and toe strap should be wrapped in the ribbon. For a clean, simple appearance, tie a bow or snip the ribbon ends and sew them together.

•   For someone who loves wearing strapless dress, a ribbon halter can be tried out. The ribbon can be attached with safety pins or, for a more stable hold, sewn.

•   A ribbon can be used on a purse to use as a strap. To have a more secure hold, it can be looped several times. Bows can be tied at the ends, by the hardware, or simply knotted, then the excess is trimmed off.

•   Making a belt out of a ribbon. Although it would not truly keep pants or skirt in place, it will give the outfit a lovely, feminine focal point.

•   Ribbon can be used to cover the existing lacing on a dress or top. It is a fantastic way to infuse texture and colour into a monochromatic ensemble.

•   Any garment with a rolled collar looks chic when a bow embellishment is added to the neck. Cut two slits in the outermost surface of the collar fabric a few inches from the shirt’s centre front, and then thread the ribbon through them to resemble a hoodie drawstring.

•   Another ideal approach to incorporate this style in a way which still feels exceptional is with tiny bows on tights or knee-high socks. This style can be purchased with bows already sewn on or be made with ordinary tights and ribbon. This time of the year is ideal for adding quirky accessories like these to tights or socks.

3. Velcro

One of the most important innovations of all time is probably Velcro. The spacesuit worn by Neil Armstrong was even fastened with it! Although one might not give it much thought, Velcro is still a common item in modern life. People frequently use this straightforward fastener without giving it a second thought.

Velcro’s deployment by NASA in its publicised space suits coincided with the fashion industry’s realisation of this invention’s adaptability for everyday wear.

Velcro was formerly only available in a few colours, which made its fashion use difficult; today’s Velcro patches, however, offer a far wider range of hues. Velcro was first mainly utilised in athletic equipment. However, shoemakers soon learned that they could employ Velcro fastening in their sneakers. Puma was the first company to employ it in 1968, and Adidas and Reebok quickly followed.

Now, Velcro has moved far beyond athletic equipment and shoes to several everyday outfits, especially nightwear and home textiles. Whether it is curtains or pillowcases, Velcro is used to join the ends.

4. Zipper

Zippers add style and usefulness to clothing and are really cool. When choosing zips, consideration should be given not only to the colour difference between the tape and the cloth, but also to the tape’s colour fastness. Nearly 90 per cent of fashion designers worldwide focus more on the aesthetics of zippers than on how well they perform in clothing designs.

The global zipper market is estimated to generate the most revenue from the garment zipper market, which would be driven by a number of variables, including the expansion of the textile industry, the development of sports equipment, and changes in consumer lifestyles—all of which would be advantageous for the sector.

Numerous designers frequently experiment with the kinds of tapes used in zippers. They are also very careful and pay detailed attention about the finishes given to the zippers which consist of metallic finishes, gun-metal finish, nickel finish, black-matte finish and more. To create a metallic ombre look, the zippers that are part of the same garment are washed multiple times and stacked.

This year zipper decorations are trending. They serve as a great decorative function, as they are simple to match and appropriate for a range of events, including going out with friends, attending a birthday celebration or a wedding ceremony.

One can also play around with different combinations of these avant-garde decorations to get transformed into a chic fashionista!

Check these out:

•   Zipper earing

•   Zipper ring

•   Zipper tie

•   Zipper bracelet

•   Zipper brooch

Ending Note

The above-mentioned accessories are critical in the apparel industry and are expected to remain so. However, the way in which they have been utilised so far will change. How and in what these accessories are used to make a fashion statement will keep changing with time. But being both functional and trendy, the accessories are designers’ favourite, and this is not going to change anytime soon!