Last updated on December 27th, 2021 at 11:52 pm

It’s not a question you may have spent time thinking about. Do you have a signature accessory?  If you think about it, you may realize that you do have one and just don’t know it.  Simply put, a signature accessory is one that you wear almost all the time.  It’s a piece that makes you feel comfortable wearing and other people associate it with you.

Classic examples of signature accessories are Jackie O’s oversized sunglasses, Coco Chanel’s pearls, Anna Wintour’s bobbed haircut and even Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s collection of collars.

My Personal Signature Accessory

For me, my signature accessory is hoop earrings (mostly large hoop earrings).  It started when I was 12 and my parents bought me a small pair of silver hoops.  I still have those earrings today, although I don’t wear them for fear of losing them.  They have an emotional connection for me, which is typically one of the attributes of a signature accessory. 

There are many categories in which to have a signature piece.  In addition to jewelry, it can be scarves, bags, eyewear, belts, hats and even shoes.  Think Carrie Bradshaw’s “Manolos” on “Sex and the City”.

How to Choose your own Signature Accessory

Here’s a few other questions to determine if you already have a signature accessory or things to consider if you want to start wearing one.

Can you wear it all year long? Is it seasonless?

Can you wear it today as well as 10 years from now? Is it more timeless vs. trendy?

Is it something you can wear with everything? Can it be dressed up or dressed down?

Is it easy to wear?  Can you just “grab and go”?

Does it have a personal connection or meaning?

My hoop earrings seem to fit all these categories.  They can be worn at any time of year and with any outfit.  While most of the earrings in my hoop collection are basic, I do have some dressier pairs such as pearl hoops and a pair with tiny diamonds that I got for $99 on Black Friday from Macy’s. They are easy to grab from my jewelry box.  I do like to wear other earrings as well, but I find that if I am in a hurry or not sure what to wear, the hoops are my go-to.

Now for the confession.  For purposes of this article, I decided to really count just how many hoops I own. Keep in mind that I’ve had most of them for years. Many were purchased at Target or were gifts, because people know I love them.  But, still, there’s a lot. Obviously I like to have options.

Drumroll please…..the answer is  47, no wait, it’s 48.  I forgot to count the pair I’m wearing. You probably wonder if I wear all of them. I definitely have my favorites, and some are for special occasions, but I do try to wear most of them when I can. 

My Hoop Recommendations:

I love to shop for earrings at Target, especially since they started carrying the SUGARFIX by BaubleBar Collection. One of my favorites are these Pearls Hoops for only $12.99.

Jen bought me a pair of hoops (go figure) from Uncommon James that I love. I found these Beaded Hoops for $58 in both gold and silver that are timeless, yet unique!

Just want a classic hoop? Then you’ll love this pair by Guess, for only $20, sold at Macy’s. They come in both gold and silver.

Do you have a signature accessory or are you thinking of adding one to your style?  Let us know in the comments below!