The perfect accessory makes an outfit, whether it be show-stopping jewelry, signature sunglasses, or statement shoes. While some accessories are saved for special occasions, others can become the piece you're never seen without. For celebrities, a trademark accessory has the power to become a part of their famous personas, and even a part of their legacies. From Coco Chanel's pearls to Carrie Bradshaw's Manolos, we take a look at some of the most iconic accessories over time.
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1
Audrey Hepburn's Black Flats
Audrey Hepburn was known for her classic style, and a key part of her look was a pair of simple ballet flats. A trained dancer, Hepburn never failed to sport her go-to black shoes onscreen and off.
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2
Marilyn Monroe's Fur Shawl
Forget the diamonds. Marilyn Monroe was the epitome of Old Hollywood glamour with her white fur shawl atop a silky evening gown.
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3
Coco Chanel's Pearls
Coco Chanel will forever be the master of timeless style. Rarely seen without a long strings of pearls draped around her neck, the accessory became a symbol for her ladylike poise.
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4
Jackie Kennedy's Pillbox Hat
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One of the chicest First Ladies to date, Jackie Kennedy never failed to match one of her skirt suit sets to a pillbox hat.
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5
Princess Diana's Tiara
While Princess Diana wore many tiaras, the Cambridge Lover's Knot tiara was one of her favorites. Inherited from the Queen after she married Prince Charles. Diana topped her gowns off with the pearl and diamond stunner on many occasions. Today, the Duchess of Cambridge has been known to borrow it from the Queen for special occasions.
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6
Jane Birkin's Straw Basket
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Although the Hermès Birkin bag is named after the actress, her trusty straw basket came before the luxe carryall. In the '60s and '70s, Birkin was seen with her chic basket in almost every photo.
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7
Brigitte Bardot's Bow
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Bows are making a comeback and have even been spotted on royals, but if there's anyone to credit the hair accessory to, it's French siren Brigitte Bardot.
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8
Lauren Bacall's Cigarette
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Lauren Bacall's smoking habit was often incorporated into her movie roles—of course, this was before people knew of the related dangers. Off-screen the actress's cigarette was never far from her hand and even used as an accessory, as seen here.
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9
Grace Kelly's Headband
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Hollywood actress turned Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly loved to keep her silky blonde hair pulled back with a polished headband.
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10
Elizabeth Taylor's Jewels
Notorious for her love of megawatt jewelry, Elizabeth Taylor's collection of diamonds, rubies, and more sold at a Christie's auction for a whopping total of $116 million, according to Business Insider. One of her most famous sets of jewelry was this suite of Bulgari diamond and emerald pieces, a gift from Richard Burton.
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11
Michael Jackson's White Glove
The King of Pop first debuted a single white glove onstage in 1983, and it became a symbol that we will forever remember him by.
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12
Julia Roberts' Thigh-High Boots
In the role that would earn her an Oscar nomination, Julia Roberts played prostitute Vivian in Pretty Woman. While her fashion transformation in the film is forever memorable, her thigh-high black leather boots became one of the most iconic accessories of all time.
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13
Jackie Kennedy's Oversized Sunnies
Taking the '70s by storm, Jackie O was frequently seen wearing oversized sunglasses that were the perfect touch to her sleek style.
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14
Princess Diana's Pearl Choker
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Taking royal fashion to new heights, Princess Diana loved to sport a pearl choker with many of her looks. This layered one featuring a blue and diamond stone was one of her favorites.
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15
Mr. T's Gold Chains
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When Mr. T appeared in The A-Team in the early '80s, the wrestler was rarely seen without a myriad of gold chains around his neck. It didn't take long for the look to become his signature.
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16
Cher's Feathered Headpieces
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Since Cher's abs can't be an accessory of their own, we'll have to settle for her feathered headpieces. The star rocked them from the stage to the red carpet, and even wore a black sparkly one at the 1986 Oscars.
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17
Jack Nicholson's Colored Lenses
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Jack Nicholson began wearing tinted lenses—ranging from orange to pink—in the '70s and they're now heavily engrained into his look. Over the years, the frame design has changed, but his specs are nearly always tinted.
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18
Tupac's Bandana
Tupac's music will live on forever as will his go-to bandana, which the rapper frequently wore in an array of different colors.
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19
Paul Newman's Rolex Watch
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Paul Newman wore his Rolex Daytona watch so often that it soon became known as the "Paul Newman." The actor was given his beloved wrist wear as a gift from his wife, Joanne Woodward, which makes it even sweeter.
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20
John Lennon's Specs
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The Beatles member was rarely seen without his small circular specs.
Lauren Sheffield is the Content Strategy Manager at HarpersBAZAAR.com. In addition to keeping Bazaar's Facebook and Twitter feeds updated with the latest stories, she also contributes to food, interior and travel coverage on the site. When she's not in a social media hole, you can find her in search of a new food spot, trying to perfect a cocktail recipe, or booking her next trip.