That trusty pair of shoes or handbag which goes with everything does not have to be confined to plain, block colours.

Neutrals have come off the fence and gone wild this season with designers mixing and matching them to create accessories that definitely do not fade into the background.

Black, white, nude, grey and beige have been given a makeover with snake and leopard prints, boldly textured patterns, metallic flourishes, geometric designs and lots of detailing.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Accessorize, ivory Chelsea hardcase clutch, £45

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

River Island, beige snake ghillie lace up ankle flats, £30

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Collection WEEKEND by John Lewis Animal Print Leather Belt, Multi £29

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

ASOS, Healer heels, £45, on sale mid January

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Dune, Ellen bag, £59

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Dune, Pebble boots, £115

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Dune, Kandy wedges, £85

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Hobbs, Hampstead saddle bag, £199

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Moda in Pelle, Folie brogues, £79.95

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

House of Fraser, Dickins & Jones white tassel clutch, £65

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Moda in Pelle, Calvano courts, £75.95

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Next, mono sandals, £45

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

River Island, platform heels, £70

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

River Island, black large whipstitch tote handbag, £47

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

River Island, black large whipstitch tote handbag, £47

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Wallis, tie-up black pump, £29

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

River Island, floral high tops, £75

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Wallis, boxy colour block bag, £20