We all know it doesn’t take much to ruin an otherwise great outfit with the wrong accessories. However, it is super easy to turn an ordinary outfit into something spectacular with the right accessories.
If you have lost your way in the art of accessorizing, there’s nothing to fear. Here are a few simple guidelines to follow that will complete your outfit.
Accessories are a great way to accent to your best parts and minimize your worst. You can use accessories to change the overall look to an outfit. You can take a the most basic top and add colored jewelry or the right bag to capture any style that you want. Accessories help create the illusion of your desired look such as elegant, casual, artsy, chic, sophisticated and many more.
There is a wide variety of accessories to choose from which include scarves, hats, belts, jewelry, bags, shoes, eye-wear, hair products, and hosiery or socks. The trick is not only knowing what your accessories are, but also in how you pair and wear them.
There are two important things to remember when accessorizing: always consider your body type and always harmonize.
Shopping for accessories is one of my favorite things. Sometimes I find myself building my outfits around accessories I have already purchased! But for some of you, I know it’s not that easy. Why do we shop? For events, for relief, and for fun (at least those are my reasons!) It’s super easy to get excited about the new cream lacy top you just bought for Saturday girls’ night!
But one thing to always remember to keep in mind, is how am I going to accessorize this? If you don’t think ahead, once you pull out that new top it may not work the way you had imagined because you don’t have the right shoes, or you need a little something extra like a fun printed scarf.
I personally like to take a mental note of my accessory inventory before shopping so I know exactly what I have to work with.
The same rules apply to accessory shopping. You’ll find, as with clothes, different accessories and their colors flatter different body types and complexions. It’s important to remember to choose a size that coordinates with your body type.
If you’re thin with a smaller build, choose small to medium size accessories. Anything larger will create an imbalance and leave you looking awkward.
Those of you who have a medium or average body type, any accessory size will work for you. Small to large, thin to bulky, you have an unlimited selection, but don’t over do it. If you’re shorter, stay away from larger accessories, they will tend to emphasize your lack of height.
Ladies with a larger build, medium sized accessories will be most flattering for you. Anything too small or large will place lots of emphasis on your size which in some cases, isn’t always bad! The ball is in your court, but you can bet that medium sized accessories are your safety net.
There should always be a common element between your accessories and outfit choice. Dressing ourselves is an art, and each time we pair something together we tell a story, so theme is key. You can harmonize your accessories by color, weight or texture. You want to pick out a similar hue or choose a color that will accent your outfit choice.
There should always be balance between your accessories and outfits. Bulky clothing with bulky accessories will only drag you down, where as a basic flowy top paired with a chunky beaded necklace says something totally different. Bright colored shoes are a great pair for a bright colored top, or bright colored jewelry. One motto I live by, the “Eyes-Up,” effect that when someone is looking at you they are either looking your feet or top. Not only is this a great look, it gives you more length, therefore creating a slimmer figure.
Fashion designers create focal points not only in their clothes, but also in their accessories. Remember the rule of three:
Three focal points are the maximum when accessorizing you’re outfit. Women who want to capture a taller and slender look, stick to the eyes up. If your taller and thin and want to appear shorter with a more curvy figure, stick to eyes down.
Too many accessories can be tacky and clash, where as too little accessories can come off as uninteresting.
If you’re ever in doubt, say no!
Lauren DiCrecchio is a fifth-year student majoring in liberal studies with minors in journalism and Spanish. She can be reached at LD658004@wcupa.edu.