How to use accessories to increase your style

The details are important.  You can pull together the nicest outfit but if you get the accessories wrong it can ruin the entire look.  On the other hand, you can have on the plainest outfit imaginable but add the right accessories and you just went from blah to fab!

So what are the right accessories to always have on hand?

Well, it depends on you.  I try to encourage my clients to develop a signature piece.  This is the thing that they love to shop for.  That way it is easy for them to shop for it and they don’t feel pressure because they love to shop for it.  Also, one or two key accessory pieces are enough so then they don’t have to worry about all the other trends…they can avoid them or just keep them simple.

So here are some accessories that can plus up your wardrobe and can easily become the thing you are known for or your signature:

1. Jewelry – great statement pieces like rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets can catapult your look.
   • Do consider this trend with another element from below.  If you only do one like earrings, consider also belts, hosiery or shoes.
   • Don’t do huge statement earrings and a necklace.  This can sometimes be overpowering.  Choose earrings or necklace and then add a bracelet and/or ring.  Keep the other pieces of jewelry simple but nice like the online jewelry from MyJewelryBox.com.
2. Belts – yes, belts can be statement pieces and can emphasize a small waist.
   • Do buy belts that are unique and will draw eyes to it.  Do wear belts over shirts, dresses, in pant loops, over blazers, etc.
   • Don’t make this your signature if you are trying to camouflage your stomach area.
3. Hosiery – funky tights and stockings can give your look an edge and for you all black lovers, it can give you some color too.
   • Do buy duplicates of what you love.  Unless, you are a very delicate person, unlike me, you will want to buy multiples of the styles you really love.  That way, once you stick a finger through them, get them hooked on a chair or just simply wear them out; you will have more to wear.
   • Don’t forget the shoes that you are wearing.  You will want to make sure you don’t have a reinforced toe when wearing peep-toe shoes.
4. Scarves – wrap them right and you can have multiple looks that add color, texture and print to your wardrobe.
   • Do try this accessory in multiple ways all year round. Just because it gets warm outside doesn’t mean you have to abandon the trend.  Small scarves in the summer can be wrapped around your wrist for a bracelet, folded for a pocket square, and tied around your purse strap for flair.  Yes, if you can do all of that with a small one, think about the possibilities for larger scarves…sarongs, belts, ties, etc.
   • Don’t limit yourself to the possibilities.
5. Shoes – We all know that shoes make the man but they also make the outfit.
   • Do consider something that stands out.  And don’t be afraid to mix colors.  Yes, a great pair of brown shoes can be paired with black.
   • Don’t buy them just because they are cool.  Make sure they fit well too. If you buy shoes that you can’t keep on your feet, once you kick them off, you ruin your look and your image.
6. Eyeglasses – some people consider them an accessory and you don’t even have to buy more than one pair.  Just choose something unique in shape and/or color and you’ve got a statement piece that is front and center everyday.
   • Do keep your glasses up to date.  A signature style that has gone out of style is a bad look.
   • Don’t worry about the color.  Remember Sally Jessy Raphael?  Her red eyeglasses became her signature look and she wore them with everything.

Now, remember to choose only one or two staples.  If you try wearing them all at once, you might end up looking like a clown.  I’m just saying…it makes sense to me.

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