SMALL DETAILS, BIG IMPACT

accessories

Clothes define your personality, but accessories make the statement. The right detail, whether it’s a scarf knotted just so, oversized hoops, or a pair of retro shades, can take the most basic shalwar kameez or denim-and-tee combo can completely flip your look. Think of them as the punctuation marks of your outfit: sometimes a quiet full stop, sometimes an exclamation. Here’s a breakdown of accessories and how to wear them in different, fashion-forward ways…

Sunglasses: A chic shield

Nothing says attitude like a good pair of sunnies. Aviators have become a Pakistani staple, spotted at weddings, cricket matches, and even on rickshaw drivers. Oversized frames add drama for brunches, while retro cat-eyes pair effortlessly with jeans and a crisp kurta. For a desi twist, mirrored sunglasses with shalwar kameez at daytime weddings look unexpectedly chic.

Classic oversized frames still reign supreme with traditional wear. Tinted lenses in pink, blue, or yellow are on the rise, adding a playful punch to denim or lawn prints. Rectangular ’90s styles with a slick ponytail and gold studs lean street-style cool. A golden rule to remember: style your sunnies with your bag or shoes, not your clothes. That’s how you move from ‘matchy’ to ‘fashionable’.

Hats & Headwear: Bold, practical, and cool

Hats aren’t yet mainstream in Pakistan, but Gen Z influencers are changing that. Bucket hats, both playful and practical, go well with wide-leg jeans and cropped shirts. Straw hats add easy glamour to beach trips or Skardu treks when paired with maxis or simple kurtas. Baseball caps, meanwhile, have become a statement in themselves, worn with sleek eyeliner, hoops, and jogger sets for an athleisure-meets-street style edge.

Scarves & Dupattas: Old-school accessory, new-school styling

Scarves are the most versatile accessories in any wardrobe. Knotted around a handbag handle, looped over a blazer for work, or twisted into a headband on bad hair days, they always come through. Think organza dupattas draped carelessly over denim, or block-printed cotton dupattas worn as stoles over plain kurtas.

Silk scarves also have their moment, tied around a bun for a chic hair update, cinching the waist as a makeshift belt, or layered over the shoulders to instantly dress up plain outfits. Tie one under the chin with sunglasses for an Audrey Hepburn vibe, or drape loosely over your hair for an effortlessly chic look. Scarves and dupattas remain old-school staples, but their power lies in fresh styling.

Jewellery: Everyday glam to statement bold

Jewellery is where Pakistani fashion truly sparkles. From jhumkas paired with lawn suits to layered gold chains worn with Western wear, the range is endless. Silver jewellery, especially with earthy cottons, ajraks, and block prints, offers understated elegance. On the other end, bold cocktail rings and chunky and colourful bangles inject drama into even the simplest of outfits. Gold hoops are the ultimate crossover piece, going from jeans to joras seamlessly. Layered necklaces with tiny pendants, stars, initials, or evil eyes, feel trendy and personal. Statement rings can carry a muted look, while anklets are quietly making a comeback, worn with both sneakers and sandals for a street-style twist. Jewellery swings between extremes here, but the sweet spot is that in-between zone where tradition and trend meet.

Bags: Carriers with character

Your bag doesn’t just hold things, it tells your story. Karachi girls swear by oversized totes, roomy enough for laptops, makeup, and even a spare pair of sandals. Crossbody slings make life easier on food street runs or market trips while still keeping you stylish. Clutches remain a wedding staple, though mini bags are gaining traction with younger crowds for their playful proportions.

For every day wear, embroidered rilli or mirror-work bags bring cultural pride into casual style. A plain tote instantly transforms with a scarf knotted around the handle, while a sleek mini bag makes wedding season accessorising feel modern without sacrificing function.

Footwear: The deal-maker

Accessories don’t stop at jewellery, they end at your feet. Shoes set the tone for everything else. Khussas remain eternally chic, whether paired with denim or embroidered wedding wear. Peshawari chappals, once seen only on men, are now styled with modern outfits for a gender-bending, cool-girl twist.

For daily wear, slides and mules strike the balance between fuss-free and chic, while chunky sneakers pair equally well with kurtas and dresses, bringing youthful energy. Kitten heels work perfectly for dinners and mehendis, when stilettos feel too much but flats feel too little. Footwear isn’t just a finishing touch; it’s the deal-maker of your entire look.

Hair Accessories: Small but loud

Hair accessories may be small, but they’re scene-stealers. Claw clips are back in style, practical for Karachi heat yet chic enough to wear with both casual and formal outfits. Silk scrunchies add playfulness to ponytails and braids, while embellished pins and passa-inspired clips transform even simple hairstyles for wedding season. A scarf tied bandana-style around a bun is effortless, versatile, and a little rebellious.