Accessories are an essential part of anyone’s wardrobe. They have the power to turn the most mundane outfit into something extraordinary – but only if you use them right. Therefore, if you are looking to spice up your looks a bit, it’s worth learning about the art of accessorizing. Accessories range from footwear through jewellery, bags, belts, scarves all the way to hair accessories. For a beginner, mixing and matching such a huge selection might pose a challenge. If you want to know more about how to choose stylish accessories and make your outfits more interesting, read on.
Have less accessories
The first and most important “rule” of accessorizing is simply not overdoing it. You might want to start with smaller, more subdued pieces that will go with any outfit. When you feel like you want to add something eye-catching, go for one or two statement pieces. Let the rest of your accessories blend in. For instance, if you wear a pair of large statement earrings, consider skipping wearing a necklace. Too many accessories will simply look messy.
When it comes to sets, it might be tempting to wear all the pieces together. However, whether that’s a good idea depends on the set to a great degree. If you pick up a set that has large pieces, you should steer clear of wearing it all together. As we just mentioned earlier, statement pieces should not be stacked. Otherwise, it will look too busy and overwhelming. However, if we’re talking about smaller pieces, wearing them together will give cohesion to your ensemble.
It’s also important to consider what looks good on you. For example, those large, chunky rings might look great on your friend, but they are not for every hand. If you have shorter fingers, try going for small rings instead that will create an optical illusion. Your face shape also plays a role in which earrings will look good on you. If you have a round face, slim drop earrings are a better choice than large hoops.
Consider colour theory
When shopping around for accessories, you might be tempted to pick all matching pieces. After all, they always say that we should match our shoes with our bag, our gloves with our belt. This is not always true, though. Take, for example, a bright-coloured bag. Not only is it difficult to match to any footwear, but the bright colour can also easily become overwhelming in your outfit. If you pick up an orange or red bag, try combining it with a muted colour in the footwear section.
Matching your accessories too much is not considered fashionable today, rather the opposite. Therefore, it’s a good idea to look into colour theory and try out bolder combinations. Start with neutral colours you can’t go wrong with and gradually introduce more colour as you get more comfortable. You can also still find details in your outfit and highlight those for colour cohesion. For instance, pick a colour from the floral details on your scarf and add a bracelet that will emphasize it.
As for your gloves, try to match them to an element in your outfit. It can be your scarf, your belt, or even a headwear item. If you have a pair of red gloves, try matching it with red lipstick!
Focus on quality
Just like when it comes to your wardrobe, quality is of crucial importance here too. It shows if your accessories are cheap and low-quality, so choose quality over quantity and invest in timeless pieces. You can do that by not falling for any trend that is popular but only getting pieces you truly like.
If you want to develop a unique style, go after one-of-a-kind pieces instead of buying off the shelf. Unique pieces have their own benefits besides being fashionable, so they can be considered an investment in your style. Artisan pieces have an innate value that will not expire like that of fleeting trends. The same is true for precious metals. A gold necklace or a pair of silver earrings adds a dose of elegance to any outfit. Your go-to piece can also become something like a trademark of yours.
Of course, when you invest in expensive jewellery pieces, you will want to take good care of them. This way, they will serve you well for a long time. It’s important to be informed about how to clean and maintain different metals. You can also invest in a handy ultra sonic cleaner that will ensure the longevity of your precious metal accessories.
Know your style
Finally, it doesn’t matter how amazing your accessories are if they simply do not go well with your outfit. Therefore, in picking the right accessories for you, knowing your wardrobe and your style well is paramount.
For instance, if you have an affinity towards a colour family, it can be of great help when choosing accessories. Choose pieces in a complementing colour and you will be able to mix and match your clothes and accessories freely. If you usually wear neutral colours, you can bring a lot of interest to your outfits with bolder accessory choices! For instance, if you want to appear more casual and playful in a black dress, add bright-coloured accessories. If you want to bring a little life into khaki clothes, add something orange or yellow! On the other hand, if you wear a lot of beige and pastels, don’t contrast your shoes too much. Steer clear of black shoes if you’re a fan of light-coloured outfits!
Besides the colours, you should also think about the shape of your clothes. If you’re looking for a classy necklace for your evening dress, it’s the neckline that you should keep in mind. Make sure your necklace is either shorter or longer than the neckline for the best result.
Picking the right accessories might look overwhelming, consider just what a huge selection there is today. However, if you keep the aforementioned tips in mind, you shouldn’t make any mistakes. Don’t forget, experimentation is the key when it comes to learning how to accessorize!