Knowing how to accessorize goes beyond wearing different pieces together. It involves a strategic choice of items that enhance your outfit and bring out your best features. Each accessory plays a pivotal role, from the smallest piece of jewelry to the most functional everyday handbag.
Find out how different accessories can amplify and refine your look, highlighting styles and colors that best fit your vibe. Curate pieces that reflect your unique aesthetic while staying on-trend.
How to Accessorize: The Basics
When selecting accessories, it’s essential to consider the visual harmony between them and your outfit. Accessories should enhance your look, not compete with it. Every item of clothing you wear serves as a canvas for your accessories.
Treat your ensemble as a starting point for your accessory choices. Think of texture, weight, and the overall aesthetic. Here’s how to make smart choices:
Color Matching: Scan your outfit for its dominant color and choose coordinating accessories. If you’re wearing solid colors, add something different with accessories that introduce a complementary or contrasting hue.
Shape Synergy: Reflect the silhouette and structure of your outfit in your accessories. Flowy garments pair well with softer, rounded accessories, while structured outfits are complemented by sharp, angular pieces.
Highlight Your Features: Accessories can be strategically used to highlight your best features or draw attention to preferred aspects of your outfit. For instance, a brightly colored scarf can accentuate the face, while a striking belt can spotlight a slim waist.
To truly master the art of accessorizing your outfit, it’s essential to understand the various types available, with bags standing out as the most popular choice.
BAGS
Handbags play a crucial role in completing and enhancing an outfit. Choosing the right bag involves considering how to select the perfect bag for the occasion.
For Work: Opt for structured bags like briefcases or professional tote bags in neutral colors. A well-made leather bag provides a polished accessory to wear with a suit or fitted dress.
Casual Outings: Crossbody bags, backpacks, or hobo bags are ideal for casual wear, like a t-shirt and jeans. They offer convenience and comfort, allowing for hands-free movement while shopping or running errands.
Evening Events: Clutches or small shoulder bags with minimalistic designs and embellishments, such as metallic finishes or subtle sequins, can complement formal wear without overpowering it.
JEWELRY
When it comes to accessorizing with jewelry, the key is to choose pieces that complement your overall look without overwhelming it.
Necklaces: They frame your face and are versatile enough to complement almost any neckline. Opt for shorter chains or chokers with higher necklines and longer pendants with deeper ones. Layering several delicate necklaces can take your outfit to the next level.
Earrings: These focal points near your face should be selected to enhance your facial features and hairstyle. Studs offer a subtle sparkle suitable for daily wear, while statement earrings like extra large hoops can transform an evening outfit.
Bracelets: These can be stacked for a bohemian look or worn on their own for simplicity. A sleek watch paired with a couple of thin bracelets is suitable for both casual and formal settings.
Rings: Rings are perfect for mixing and matching metals like gold and silver. Use different sizes and styles across your fingers for a modern look, or keep it elegant with a single statement ring.
SHOES
The right pair of shoes will make you feel like a million bucks. Whether you want to add height or a pop of color, your footwear is something everyone notices.
For Professional Settings: Opt for classic styles like pumps, loafers, or sleek flats. These should be in neutral colors such as black, navy, or beige to maintain a polished look.
Casual Wear: Here, you can afford to be more expressive. Sneakers, sandals, or boots can reflect personal style while providing comfort for everyday activities. Bold colors and patterns also add a playful touch to a casual outfit.
Evening and Formal Events: Choose shoes that add an element of glamour and sophistication. Think high heels in satin, embellished flats, or elegant boots that can elevate your formal wear. Metallic tones or black are safe choices at night.
SUNGLASSES & EYEWEAR
Picking glasses or sunglasses to go with your clothing is like choosing the perfect jewelry. It can take your outfit to the next level.
Color Match: Match the color of your frames with a key piece in your outfit for a cohesive look. If you are wearing blue shoes, blue frames are a stylish touch.
Take Risks: Bold, trendy frames work well with simple, understated outfits, allowing your eyewear to stand out. So heart-shaped glasses or extreme cat eye shapes work well.
Get to Business: For a professional setting, opt for classic and subtle frames that suggest sophistication. A bold brow bar also provides a polished look.
BELTS
Belts are a functional and fashionable accessory that can redefine an outfit’s silhouette, adding structure and style.
Width and Scale: Choose a belt width that complements your body type and the outfit. Wide belts are great for cinching the waist on a loose dress, while thin belts work well with high-waisted trousers or skirts.
Material: Leather belts offer a classic look that ages well, while fabrics like suede or woven textiles can introduce texture and contrast to an outfit.
Color and Pattern: A belt in a neutral color like black, brown, or navy provides versatility, while bold colors or patterns can serve as a focal point in an ensemble.
HATS & HAIR ACCESSORIES
Before you leave the house, the last thing you should take notice of is your hair. This means pairing the best hat or hair accessory with your look.
Hats for Every Season and Style: Choose wide-brimmed sun hats or bucket hats for summer outings, stylish fedoras for spring or autumn, and cozy beanies for winter warmth. Match the hat style to the weather and your outfit for a chic look.
Statement Hats as Focal Points: Use bold hats like a bright beret or an embellished cap to make a strong style statement, ensuring the hat stands out while the rest of your outfit remains more subdued.
Functional and Fashionable Hair Accessories: Opt for elegant headbands to elevate a simple hairstyle, use scrunchies or functional hair ties for casual days, or select decorative clips and pins to add sparkle to your hairdo.
SEASONAL ACCESSORIES
Through rain or shine, the time of year affects how you accessorize your ensembles. Take note of these seasonal tips:
Spring: Embrace the transition with floral patterns, pastel scarves, and rainproof gear to navigate from April showers to sunny May days.
Summer: Opt for practicality and style with wide-brimmed hats and lightweight, breathable fabrics like lace and linen that keep you cool and sophisticated.
Autumn: Incorporate accessories like blanket scarves, woolen hats, and leather gloves that offer warmth and texture, complementing earthy wardrobe tones and bold, chunky pieces for fall’s dramatic change.
Winter: Focus on warmth and layering with beanies, thick socks, earmuffs, and statement-making coats or boots to brighten cold days.
