Accessories are like the icing on a cake to an outfit. They can take a plain dress or top and bottom and give it charm and personality. The results can be as big and bold or as subtle and demure as you like. And no doubt there’ll be times when you just want to be free of any extras and / or go minimal. Cakes don’t always need icing to look and taste fabulous, but it’s a bonus when it does!
Ways to make a small wardrobe big
The benefit of having a couple of different handbags, various styles of shoes, a bunch of necklaces, earrings and bracelets, different sunglasses and whatever else takes your fancy, is that you can use them to change the look of basic pieces in your wardrobe. Once you have a few versatile foundation pieces, such as smart, timeless dresses, tops, pants and skirts and jackets in your wardrobe, you’re ready to play. They can be styled up or down to suit a multitude of occasions and they’ll last you for years. Accessories are a fabulous way to make a small wardrobe big!
A white T-shirt can be teamed with white sneakers or flats and jeans for a relaxed and casual look
The power of simplicity
A simple black dress is the classic example of the role of accessories. It can be dressed down with flat shoes, a jacket or cardigan, and a casual handbag or dressed up with glam and glitz. Another example is the plain white T-shirt. It can be teamed with white sneakers or flats, jeans or pants for a relaxed and casual look. It can be worn with a skirt, dressier shoes, pearls, or gold or silver earrings and/or a necklace to dress it up. It works just as well for occasions when you want to look more polished.
Expressing your personality
Another great benefit of accessories is that you can use them to come up with your own individual look. It could be bold and fun with fabulous statement pieces, and at other times a look that’s more elegant and sophisticated, or anything in between. The possibilities are endless.
You can create bold and fun looks with statement pieces, or a look that’s more elegant and sophisticated
Playing dress-ups
We’ve been doing it since we were kids. Who remembers having fun dressing up in mum’s high heels, layers of necklaces and anything else we could get our hands on? Now we’re adults it’s not that different and it’s just as much fun.
Stick to your budget
Accessories don’t need to be high end or expensive, although it’s great to have a few special pieces you can always fall back on. Costume jewellery, for example, can be budget friendly, so even if you don’t wear it very often, it won’t break the bank. Shoes, on the other hand, should be the best you can afford. Cheap shoes may look good, but if they’re not the perfect fit and well made, then keep looking.
Love your look
For the look you create to really work, you need to feel completely comfortable. Also, what feels good one day won’t necessarily feel right on another. For example, you might have worn a particular combo before, but when you put it together again it doesn’t feel as good. Keep exploring your options until you’re happy.
Also, consider where you’re heading. If you’re going to work, the chances are it’s more about what you do rather than how glam you look, so subtle accessories may be the best option. Save your playful looks for other occasions.
For any look you create you need to feel completely comfortable for it to work
5 Easy Accessory GuidelinesÂ
- Choose accessories that complement your outfit without overwhelming it. If your outfit is simple, feel free to go bold with accessories. If your outfit is already elaborate, opt for more subtle pieces, otherwise it could all look too much.
- Wear well-fitting clothing; it’s the foundation to a great look. Clothing should skim your body shape and curves with ease.
- Consider where you’re going and what impression you’d like to create when selecting your accessories.
- Choose between gold (warm) or silver (cool) depending on your skin tone. One will be more flattering than the other.
- Invest in classic quality pieces when possible as they’ll always look good, and they’ll last longer. If you fall in love with cheaper, fun pieces go for it, but make smart purchases as they’ll be less versatile.
What not to do with accessories
Avoid overloading your look. Wear only one or two statement pieces such as bold jewellery, colourful shoes or handbag, at one time. Too many will look too much.
Avoid mixing different styles unless it’s a deliberate fashion statement. Choose your accessories to match the formality or style of your outfit.
Avoid heavy earrings and poor-fitting shoes as they will ruin your day or evening. Make sure all your accessories are comfortable and effortless to wear.
Choose your accessories to match the formality or style of your outfit
Good combinations
Daytime casual looks can include simple necklaces, stud earrings, hats and comfy shoes. If there’s a chill about (or not), drape a jumper or top over your shoulders for added interest.
Daytime dressy looks can include layered necklaces, a bracelet or a colourful ring, statement earrings and a smart handbag. A stylish belt can add definition to your waist.
Evening casual looks can include bold or delicate necklaces, chunky or refined bracelets, and stylish yet comfortable shoes. A statement clutch can add flair.
Evening dressy looks can include sparkly earrings, which can be small and elegant or big and dazzling, a matching bracelet, a sparkly ring or two and a small clutch. Heels will elevate your look, but they don’t have to be high. Choose a height that works for you.
Ways to go from day to night
Shoes – Switch from flat shoes to heels, as high or low as you choose for a dressier look.
Jewellery – Add a statement necklace and /or bold earrings or wear multiple bangles.
Belts & wraps – Use a wrap or stylish belt to add layers and dimensions to your outfit.
Handbags – Switch to a small bag or clutch to remove clutter and refine your overall look.
Coordinate your accessories with your outfit, but avoid being too “matchy-matchy”
Ways to use accessories to complete an outfit
Complementary colours sit opposite each other on the colour wheel and when they’re placed together they can highlight each other. For example a necklace or earrings with blue tones worn with a yellow dress creates a striking contrast.
Another approach is to coordinate your accessories with your outfit, but avoid being too matchy-matchy. For example a hint of color in your earrings or handbag that picks up a colour in your dress can be very effective.
Tips for women with bigger busts
- Wear long necklaces that sit well below your bust line to avoid drawing attention to your bust.
- Avoid short necklaces that sit just above your bust line as they’ll tend to emphasise your bust size.
- Use a loosely worn lightweight scarf to add interest without adding bulk.
- Wear statement earrings to draw attention upwards, away from your bust area.
Tips for helping you look taller
- Wear longer necklaces as they create a vertical line that can elongate your figure.
- Heels or wedges naturally add height, but make comfort the top priority.
- Monochrome accessories that are in similar shades to your outfit can create a longer, leaner look.
- Accessories with vertical designs or patterns can help to elongate your body.
In any given situation the right accessories can enhance your look
Tips for looking slimmer
- A well-placed belt can define your waist and create an hourglass shape.
- Necklaces that create a V-shape can draw the eye downward, and give the illusion of a longer, slimmer torso.
- Dark-coloured accessories can have a slimming effect, much like dark clothing.
Ways to complement grey hair
- Silver jewellery and pearls can both complement grey hair beautifully.
- Vibrant colours can contrast nicely with grey hair, adding a refreshing lift.
- Yellow hues can clash with grey hair, so it’s best to avoid yellow toned accessories.
By thoughtfully selecting and combining accessories, you can transform any outfit, express your personality, and highlight your best features!
Love You. Love Life.
