Accessorising is an art. Marrying together clothes with the right necklace or earrings or scarf is a creative process; you can create countless outfits to express your individual style and mood by mixing up your accessories. When chosen well accessories are just as important – and hardworking – as any item of clothes in your wardrobe. They will maximise the mileage from your existing wardrobe as a different combination can effectively create a whole new outfit.
Choosing the best earrings, necklace, scarves and shoes can be fun but it can also be daunting. These are 5 rules for choosing the right accessories for any occasion.
- Match the pieces to the event
Just like clothing, certain accessories are better suited for certain occasions. A weekend breakfast or trip to the markets requires practical relaxed pieces. A stylish sun hat and an oversized straw clutch bag or carry-all basket are perfect. Add colourful earrings and bangles to dial up the fun factor. A black- tie event, a wedding or a cocktail function justifies something a little more dazzling. Magnificent pieces such as a statement necklace will draw attention to your face/neckline while crystal-encrusted oversized earrings will steal the show. A small evening clutch in a luxurious material – Tortoiseshell or leather for example – hits the right note for a more formal look.
- Restraint is key
Petite earrings with a knockout necklace; spectacular jewelled shoes with a simple clutch; show-stopping earrings with a bare neckline; all of these are winning combinations and they’re winning because they’re restrained. Resist the urge to wear everything at once. Some pieces are so spectacular that you need little else.
- Bold Bangles
Colourful bracelets, cuffs and bangles are an easy accessory to update any outfit. Experiment by mixing colours, textures and styles to add interest. Bold colourful bangles make a basic outfit appear fashion forward and are a quick and stylish addition.
- Statement pieces
Special, standout modern accessories can add life to the clothes you already own. For example statement jewellery or an interesting clutch or scarf can be added to everyday clothing items to create an entirely different look. Vintage inspired accessories, for example, large 1950’s style flower earrings can be worn with a modern outfit to give a special nod to nostalgia. Knockout shoes can transform what might otherwise be a boring ensemble into something fabulous.
- Mix it up
It’s easy to get trapped into an ‘outfit routine’ where you put on the same or similar pieces every day. A fun way to experiment with different looks and trends is by adding new accessories and mixing up your pieces from day to day. Give your work look an update with tapered-toe flats, an oversized pearl necklace, deco earrings or a patent pastel leather clutch. On the weekend experiment with something a little bit more exotic. Add textured accessories such as embellished bangles, an embroidered straw clutch and a floppy sunhat to relaxed daywear or floaty summer dresses. Add bright and vibrant accessories such as orange enamel flower earrings, Pink loafers and a rainbow coloured shopping basket to an all-white weekend outfit for a high impact look.