The Power of Accessories: How to Elevate Your Outfit with Simple Details
A great outfit doesn’t end with clothing. It begins to shine with the right accessories. You could have the perfect outfit, but the only way to elevate it, is to pair it with the perfect accessories. From bags to statement jewelry, to scarves, and even nails, the right accessories can change an outfit from clothes to an entire statement. As we’ve mentioned before, the right outfit can impact how people see you from the moment you walk into a room. Accessories have the power to transform, elevate, and personalize any look effortlessly.
Today, we’re exploring how simple details like jewelry, belts, bags, nails, and more can take your outfit from basic to bold.
Why Accessories Matter
Accessories are like punctuation at the end of a sentence. An outfit can be just the basic, a tee and jeans, but pairing it with statement jewelry or a purse can make all the difference. Not only will it bring a basic outfit to the next level, but accessories can help us express ourselves and our personal style. From junky chains, to dainty and whimsical pieces, to what color metal you prefer, there are so many ways to personalize your accessories. The best part, accessories can be switched up and mixed and matched. Pairing an outfit with different accessories depending on the occasion can turn it into an entirely different outfit. It’s like buying a new outfit without actually having to buy anything.
Essential Accessory Categories
Jewelry
This is the top thing people think of when it comes to accessories. With so many options out there with types of jewelry, metals, and designs. We’re breaking down the key things to think of when picking jewelry for your outfit.
Statement vs Minimal is up to you. Think of the aesthetic and overall look you’re going for.
You can layer bracelets, necklaces, rings, and even belts for your desired look. The key to layering is picking the right length necklaces so they’re complimenting instead of competing, craft a ring and bracelet stack that is a cohesive aesthetic and remember to find that perfect balance without overdoing it. Your pick of metals can come down to your skin tone and personal preference. Do you like silver more than gold or rose gold? Do you look great in gold but feel like silver washes you out? Or maybe you can easily mix and match metals cohesively. We’ve covered finding your undertone before, but here is a quick recap:
Bags
Bags are not only an accessory but a necessity when you want to be practical, especially considering so many clothing options for women don’t include pockets, or at least pockets big enough for everything we want to hold.
Everyday vs Statement, this decision involves what your outfit is,
Use colors and texture as conversation starters, especially when going to an event or somewhere new.
Always think of the occasion. The kind of bag you bring for a wedding is going to be different from the one you wear out to the bar.
Belts
Define your waist and achieve an instant polished look; overcoats, dresses, or pants, there are many options for how to wear a belt.
Experiment with bold buckles, textures, and more.
Scarves & Hats
For Summer & Spring, lightweight scarves are perfect, especially as light coverups on the shoulders. A mix of fashion and coverage from the sun.
For the cooler seasons, beanies, berets, and wide-brim hats keep you warm and stylish.
Shoes
Not everyone thinks of shoes as an accessory, but they are.
Anchor or Elevate: Your choice of show might drag you down. If it’s not fancy enough for the event or if it clashes, it might detract from your outfit. Like bags, remember that the occasion impacts what you wear.
Pop of color or texture can bring a pop to an otherwise basic outfit.
Keep staples in your wardrobe for every occasion.
Nails
You might not think of nails as an accessory but they can drastically change the look of an outfit. Clean nails, bright colors, or fancy design, especially paired with bracelets and rings can create a polished look.
Remember to play with color, texture, and proportion. This can alter an entire look. Contrast or coordinate to create a monochrome moment or make one accessory pop out. You can add depth and layers depending on the proportions and the shades of a color you use and pair with one another. If you’re playing with proportions, remember to find a balance. For instance, if you’re wearing big earrings, slick hair can help them stand out.
Trends Vs Timeless: It’s always fun to try out different trends, but remember to also invest in classic accessories, like gold hoops and leather bags in colors like black, tan, and brown. Create a balance of 80% timeless, and 20% trendy.
Quick Guide to Accessorizing Different Looks
Casual/Everyday Outfits: turn jeans & a tee into a styled look, along with sneakers, a crossbody, and layered gold
Workwear: structured bags, sleek jewelry, & subtle polish
Evening/Going Out: statement earrings, clutch, & bold heels
Minimalist Outfits: let accessories take center stage
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Over-accessorizing: Know when too much is too much. Trial and error and experiment to find the perfect balance.
Ignoring practicality: You know the saying beauty is pain? Well, it doesn’t have to be true. Skip the overly heavy bag and shoes that leave you with blisters, and go with something fashionable and practical. Things about what you have to carry, where you’re going, and how long you’ll be on your feet.
Forgetting to align accessories with occasion. We’ve mentioned this already, but it really is important to think about for outfits and accessories.
A Couple Final Tips
Try before you buy. Accessories are about how you feel in them as much as they are about how they look.
Don’t underestimate the power of one bald piece.
Curate a small accessory capsule wardrobe. Take time with, don’t try to create in over night.
At the end of the day, accessories are a way to elevate your existing wardrobe and show who you are. Having trouble crafting your accessory capsule wardrobe? Not sure how to mix and match metals? Or, how about you;re not sure what accessories to use? Our stylists are here to help you with that. Book a session and begin your fashion journey.
