The trappings of something are the outward signs, decorations, or items associated with a particular position, role, or way of life. When someone has all the trappings of success, they might have a fancy car, expensive clothes, and a big house: the visible symbols that suggest they're successful, even if you don't know anything else about them.

The word originally referred to the decorative coverings put on horses, especially for ceremonies or parades. A royal horse might wear elaborate trappings of velvet and gold to show the importance of its rider. Today we use it more broadly for any ornamental or symbolic accessories that come with a role or status.

You might read about a celebrity who enjoys the trappings of fame (limousines, red carpets, photographers) or a judge who wears the trappings of office (a black robe, a gavel). Sometimes the word carries a hint that these outward signs might matter less than what's underneath. A king without wisdom is still just wearing royal trappings. The truly impressive part isn't the crown or the throne, but how the person actually behaves and what they accomplish. The trappings are real, but they're not the whole story.