There was once a time when accessories were top of my shopping list. As a teenager, towering heels and unattainable It bags were highly coveted and prized almost more than the clothes I wore with them. When I went travelling for three months in the 00s with a small rucksack for luggage, I still managed to include a pair of ‘going out-out’ heels as part of my ‘essentials’. It seems incredible to me now how crucial high heels were to complete my look – even when I was due to spend the day trekking or at the beach.

Now, while still having deep respect for my favourite accessories, they veer towards the practical rather than the frivolous these days. My attention has turned towards the best trainers to wear with everything or the outsized tote bag that can carry my laptop and still look chic. I’ve got a small handful of smarter shoes – a clean-line ballet pump, a heavy loafer and a pair of Proenza Schouler ankle boots that I love and wear season after season – but I am the proud owner of precisely zero pairs of high heels.

Will the new season change that? The autumn/winter 2024 catwalks were awash with dramatic heels, bags and jewellery that demand attention. ‘Ex-cessories’ is a maximal accessories trend that Net-a-Porter has identified for next season. “This season is all about embracing personality and individual style with big, bold accessories standing front and centre – a refreshing departure from the pared-back aesthetic that we saw for spring,” explained Kate Benson, Net-a-Porter’s buying director, in a seasonal report from the brand.

“Bags and shoes were colourful, textured and outsized, and statement hats, gloves and fashion jewellery all played a key role in creating the runway looks,” Benson continued. “This aligns with how we are broadening our non-apparel offer with a focus on fashion and individuality. We will be bold with our investment in seasonal key items, buying deep and wide across colour options to ensure that our customers can rely on us for the most important zeitgeist pieces of the season.”

“I’m a fashion director and these are next season’s best bold accessories for statement dressing”