When it comes to accessories, shoes and purses get all the credit. Those are probably the two things that pop in your head first when you see the word “accessory”. Oftentimes these are also the items in our closets that we choose to spend the most money on. And I can’t say that I blame people for choosing to invest in those pieces. After all, you can carry an expensive purse everyday which makes the high price tag a little more palatable. Even in the case of shoes, you can wear those multiple times a week. And both purses and shoes can make a big statement.
As fabulous as a handbag can be, however, there’s so much more fun to have with an outfit than just those two pieces. So I wanted to talk about the ways that I use other accessories when I’m getting dressed. As with all things style-related, there are no hard and fast rules. However in this post, I’ll give you some ideas on how to enhance your looks with accessories. How you apply them to your own personal style is up to you (and that’s half the fun of getting dressed anyway 😊).
Add a layer: This is probably a more obvious step in the cooler months, but don’t forget lighter layers for summer as well. Adding a blazer, sweater, denim jacket, vest, etc. can really add interest to an outfit. Try to find layers in interesting colors and textures that contrast with clothing you already own. You can even go for a sheer jacket or blazer. If you’re wearing something tighter, you might look for a longer layering piece. This can offer a little added modesty if that’s what you’re looking for. Depending on where the jacket hits you on the waist, it can even have the function of defining your waist. It seems like a simple thing, but layering can really make a big difference.
Belts: This one really is simple. Add a belt to accentuate your waist and break up the top and bottom of your look. You can even add the belt over your layering piece for added interest. If you are considering investing in a designer belt, consider:
- Hardware color – do you wear more gold or silver?
- A reversible belt could make your investment more practical since you can wear it more ways. Which colors would be more useful in your wardrobe? Brown and black? Black and white? Something else?
- Width – do you wear a lot of dresses that need a wider belt? Trousers that prefer a thinner belt? Something in between?
Jewelry: Everyone has their own taste in jewelry of course. I personally am a big fan of pearls and like to juxtapose them with more casual looks. I also like larger earrings since I have multiple ear piercings. So I won’t know what jewelry you’re into but I’ll tell you a few ways that I approach adding it to an outfit. For tops with lower necklines, I generally go for necklaces that are thinner and more delicate. If you are into layering necklaces or choker style necklaces, I also like how those look with these types of necklines. For higher necklines, I generally choose chunkier necklaces. I really like the pop of silver or gold on top of the fabric and they don’t get lost like a thinner necklace would be.
“The Third Piece”: Now we’re getting to the nitty gritty. This is my favorite part of any look. It is that special piece that you add to an outfit that really takes it to the next level. For me, this is often hats and sunglasses. But it can also be one of the other pieces mentioned in this post. The colorful denim jacket in the picture at the start of this post is a prime example: a layering piece that makes a statement. The Third Piece brings the look together and makes you look like you spent forever pulling together your outfit when you really didn’t. I guarantee if you invest in a few of these pieces, keeping in mind your own wardrobe and style, you will be impressing yourself in no time. A few examples are scarves, hats, sunglasses, pins and headbands.
Next time you are putting together an outfit and feel like something is missing, consider adding “the third piece”. If you don’t have any in your closet yet, make a note of these outfits for the next time you go shopping. Then keep an eye out for accessories that would complement those outfits. If you are into neutral clothing, try colorful accessories. If you have an edgier style, maybe try playing with softer accessories. Note that you don’t want to be buying outfits just to go with your new accessories. You want accessories to go with the outfits you already own. That might not sound as exciting as buying a new outfit but adding a small thing like a scarf or hat can truly breath new life into an otherwise low key outfit. Try it!
If you’re interested, I also did a video on this. Feel free to check it out here: