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Irene Chen thinks of style as a language, and accessories are the exclamation point that give every outfit its meaning. As the co-founder of Parker Thatch, Irene has spent decades crafting timeless yet functional luxury pieces that seamlessly blend elegance with ease. Given her roots in fashion product development at iconic brands like Donna Karan and Calvin Klein, Chen has an innate understanding of how essential accessories can transform not only an outfit but the confidence of the person wearing it. Her philosophy is simple: good style has no age cap, and the right accessories are key to creating a look that feels distinctly, authentically you.
Irene’s approach to style is uniform yet creative. She believes in building a capsule wardrobe of classic, high-quality pieces and letting accessories take center stage. Accessories are a “conversation starter that reflect your personality,” she says, and her impeccable eye for detail proves it. Whether it’s a luxurious scarf, a statement piece of jewelry, or a perfectly crafted clutch, Irene’s accessories demonstrate that the investment approach to dressing doesn’t stop at clothing. Instead, it extends to the finishing touches that have the power to elevate your wardrobe and establish a sense of individuality. And lucky for us, she’s sharing her best insights into choosing accessories below.
Featured image from our interview with Candace Nelson by Michelle Nash.
Essential Accessories: Irene Chen’s 7 Picks to Elevate Your Style
Irene’s top accessories reflect her belief that they are a powerful way to tell your story. These are the seven pieces that transform a simple outfit into something extraordinary, allowing you to step out feeling polished and undeniably chic. Whether you’re new to accessorizing or already a devotee, Irene’s thoughtful selections will inspire you to invest in pieces that you’ll treasure for years to come.
1. Bandanas and Scarves
According to Chen, a scarf or bandana is much more than just an essential accessory, it’s a statement of refined ease. “A luxurious scarf or a beautifully crafted bandana can elevate your entire look,” she shares. “It’s that subtle touch of refinement that adds a layer of sophistication and completes your outfit with an air of effortless elegance.”
2. Belts
Chen believes that belts have a transformative power to level up everyday looks, which is why they rank so highly on her list of essentials. “It can take something basic, like jeans and a t-shirt, and make it look so much more finished and put-together,” she says. “It’s really like a secret weapon for your wardrobe—one of those little details that makes a big difference.”
3. Statement Jewelry
Statement jewelry is an opportunity to communicate who you are, offering an effortless means of expression. As Chen puts it, “It’s a way to make a lasting impression.” Whether it’s a striking necklace, a curated stack of rings, or a pair of bold earrings, these essential accessories hold the power to transform an outfit.
4. Bag Charms
“I add charms to my bag because it’s a cool way to personalize it and make it feel like it truly belongs to me,” Chen explains. They become an essential accessory when they’re treated as a tangible representation of the memories that shape us. “Each charm holds a special meaning,” she says. “They all tell a story and bring back happy memories every time I see them.”
When it comes to styling, she embraces the creative freedom charms offer. “I like to mix and match different charms to create a unique look,” she shares. “I also like to play with different textures and colors to add some visual interest.” By combining personal meaning with playful design, bag charms become a way to showcase both style and the stories that make us who we are.
“Each charm holds a special memory or meaning. They all tell a story and bring back happy memories every time I see them.”
5. A Great Clutch
“A clutch instantly elevates your look, adding a touch of sophistication and refinement,” she says. It’s the an essential accessory for a special occasion or a night out, adding an element of polish. Beyond its style, Chen notes the practical side of a clutch as well. “It is a great way to organize your belongings. You can use it to keep your essentials separate from the rest of your larger bag.” For those times when you’re carrying a larger tote or purse, a clutch provides a functional and stylish way to keep your must-haves easily accessible, while maintaining a streamlined look.
6. A Mini Purse
Mini bags often come off as impractical, but Chen sees this category of bags as an essential accessory because of its potential. “A unique mini bag is a conversation starter that reflects your personality,” she explains. With that understanding, it’s a little piece of art you carry with you.
7. A Great Watch
A classic watch is an essential accessory because it “effortlessly completes your look, whether you’re in jeans and a tee or dressed up,” Chen shares. It’s the perfect companion to your bracelet stack, adding a subtle touch of sparkle and shine that anchors your collection with a sense of elegance. Beyond aesthetics, Chen sees this particular accessory as an investment. “It’s a timeless treasure that can be passed down through generations, carrying with it your own personal history,” she says.
8. Loafers
And finally, let’s not forget that your list of essential accessories need one specific pair of shoes: loafers. “Loafers make any outfit look a little more polished,” Chen affirms. Whether paired with jeans and a button-down or the right skirt or Bermuda shorts, they’re her go-to shoe for effortless style.
Irene Chen
Irene Chen is the co-founder of Parker Thatch, a California-based functional luxury accessories brand. With a background in fashion product development, including roles at Donna Karan and Calvin Klein, Irene brings decades of industry experience to the brand she co-founded with her partner and husband, Matthew Grenby. Together, they have grown Parker Thatch from its origins as an e-stationery company in 2001 to a profitable, eight-figure business known for its stylish and functional handbags.