National Accessory Day, celebrated on November 3, is the perfect day to honor our love for accessories. Some attires are incomplete without the touch of accessories, while other attires are worn to highlight the statement piece — Bella Hadid’s golden lung necklace at the Met Gala comes to mind. Any adornment worn with clothes, including shoes, bags, belts, bracelets, watches, rings, necklaces, and earrings, falls into the category of accessories (the first two often find themselves in their own separate category). Now that we are clear about the sphere of fashion we are celebrating, let’s learn more about its history.
History of National Accessory Day
Accessories add the essential details and refine the finer points of a look. In the fashion world, accessories are known to be the “vitamin to fashion” and “exclamation point of an outfit.” But how did it come into existence?
Some accessories naturally evolved to fulfill necessities, while others were introduced to represent social status and wealth. Early accessories — when humans were dancing around a fire dressed in leaves and animal skin — were made of bones, seeds, feathers, shells, and stones. Crowns, amulets, or badges often depicted the status of the individual in the tribe or town.
Necessity carved the other sets of accessories, such as bags and footwear. Glasses, shades, and watches (often replaced with Fitbit these days) were introduced to the list with newer inventions.
In the last few centuries, it has been observed that wars and economic depressions have impacted fashion more than any major brand or designer. For instance, in the Victorian era, gloves, fans, and extravagant hats were integral to women’s wear, while after the Great Depression, the style became subtle and minimalist with long socks and simple hats.
Accessories are capable of changing the mood of a get-up. Social media is filled with tutorials to style the same dress for different occasions by just changing the accompanying accessories — just changing how a scarf is worn or adding a belt can change the whole vibe of the look.
National Accessory Day timeline
Archeologists find a 150,000-year-old necklace made of perforated beads and seashells at an excavation site in Morocco.
The term ‘‘fashion accessory’ comes into use, attributed to the adornments worn to compliment the main attire.
Hermès, the oldest French luxury house that continues to be operational today, is founded.
With the advances in the internet and online transactions, clothes and accessories are sold online, with eBay being one of the first online stores in 1995.
National Accessory Day FAQs
What do accessories do to an outfit?
If you’re tired of your wardrobe, you can switch it up by not emptying your pockets. Some classic additions can breathe new life into your wardrobe.
Which designer bag is the most expensive?
The Guinness World Book of Records notes the most expensive bag to be the 1001 Nights Diamond Purse from the House of Mouawad. It took 8,800 person-hours and 10 artisans to make.
What is the most popular item of jewelry?
Earrings are considered the most popular jewelry among women.
National Accessory Day Activities
Spice it up
Rather than picking an attire and styling it with accessories, spice it up a little today and pick some accessories and choose an outfit to match it. You can look up styling tutorials online and experiment with different looks.
Make your own accessories
Do you remember buying colorful beads and weaving them into a necklace? Well, you can do the same or find something more exquisite to make jewelry with, such as feathers, pearls, silver beads, or flowers.
Spread the love on social media
Tell fellow aficionados about National Accessory Day. Share your love on social media by sharing a picture of yourself in your favorite accessory.
5 Interesting Facts About Accessories
16 love charms
In Hindu culture, married women wear 16 adornments called ‘solah shringarm,’ as a symbol of prosperity.
30% of e-commerce
In the U.S., the apparel and accessories industries account for 30% of the e-commerce business.
Accessories as a symbol of strength
Villages in the older period thrived on the prowess of hunters; hence, they wore the teeth and bones of the fearsome animals that they had killed.
Symbolism of status
Accessories such as amulets, rings, and necklaces often symbolized the social status of individuals in ancient societies.
The founder of National Accessory Day
National Accessory Day was founded by Luxury Next Season in 2019.
Why We Love National Accessory Day
It gives a whole new vibe
Accessories give a new vibe to ordinary outfits and totally transform the look. The hoop earrings are for the days when one doesn’t want to put in an effort. The bold ring with a suit gives the vibe of a classy bad boy.
This day celebrates fashion
National Accessory Day gives us an occasion to celebrate the indomitable element of fashion. Fashion is a form of expression worthy of celebration, and this is the perfect day to show our appreciation.
It celebrates art and luxury
Diamond-studded bags and gold watches are some of the most expensive accessories in the world. Owing to their rich history, vintage accessories are also very expensive owing to their rich history. As accessories are symbols of many things, this day celebrates art, luxury, and history.
National Accessory Day dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2024 | November 3 | Sunday |
2025 | November 3 | Monday |
2026 | November 3 | Tuesday |
2027 | November 3 | Wednesday |
2028 | November 3 | Friday |