Accessories add so much style and finishing polish to an outfit, yet this is where many women feel less confident about how to pull an outfit all together. However, if accessories are added improperly with too much or of poor quality, it can make the wrong first and lasting impression.
In Part One of this two-part series, I’ll focus on how to choose and buy accessories. In Part Two, I’ll share tips about how to wear accessories that add maximum impact to your outfit.
By following a few simple style rules to guide you through the accessory buying process, you can be armed with information and get it right every time!
Here are my best three tips to help you buy the best accessories that will enhance your style.
Tip #1: Choose accessories that match your style.
The best way to make an impactful style statement is to choose accessories that match your personality. For instance, if you are traditional and classic, your accessory choice would be the same with small-scale, high-quality fine jewelry. Oprah is an example of this with her accessory choices.
If you personality is expressive, bold and especially feminine, you would choose large scale, sparkly accessories to compliment you. Jennifer Lopez is an example of this style.
Classic versus Glam Accesory Styles
Classic Accessories
Glam/Feminine Accessories
Tip #2: Shop at stores designed for your style.
The easiest way to get accessories right is to shop at stores who design for your style. If your style is bold and feminine, a store like BCBG would be a great choice rather than the classic design at Talbots.
Make a list of the stores or brands you enjoy wearing the most and take a look at their accessory line. You could also go to your closet and take a look at the clothes you wear most often. Then take a look inside at the labels and make a list of your favorite clothing items.
Tip #3: Buy a variety of accessory categories.
You can give your wardrobe the most flexibility and interest by buying a variety of different types of accessories. By going beyond the obvious earrings and necklaces, you can express more of your personality
and add fun to getting dressed. A few expanded accessory categories to consider adding to your wardrobe:
- Hats
- Hair accessories
- Scarves
- Belts
- Shoes
- Handbags
- Bracelets
By keeping your style in mind when choosing stores to shop for your accessories and adding a little variety to your collection, you can maximize your entire wardrobe. One outfit can look completely different just by changing the accessories! Next week I’ll be discussing how to wear your accessories!