Most of us have stood in front of the mirror, fully dressed, only to think the outfit is missing something. That “something” is usually accessories. They can take an outfit from basic to amazing, but only if you use them right.
The best thing about accessorizing is that you don’t need to be a stylist or take a professional fashion course for it. With just a few go-to pieces and some balance, you can elevate your outfit into a whole look.
Let’s break down how to do it, from layering jewelry to choosing bags and shoes that match.
Take a Look at Your Outfit
Before you throw on accessories, take a second to really look at your outfit.
Is it super casual with just jeans and a t-shirt? Is it more structured and professional? Is there a lot going on already, like patterns and bold colors?
Your base outfit will help you decide how bold or subtle your accessories should be. A simple outfit can handle a little extra pop, but a patterned dress might need softer or more neutral pieces so it doesn’t clash.
Use Appropriate Jewelry
When it comes to jewelry, balance is important. If you’re going bold with earrings, pair them with a lighter necklace with a subtle style. If you’re wearing a lot of rings, skip the chunky bracelet with nothing or a minimal one.
A bracelet is one of the easiest pieces to add to your everyday style. It’s subtle enough not to overpower anything, but it still makes you look polished. If you want a more classic look, a slim gold or silver chain works with pretty much everything.
Match Your Bags and Shoes
Matching your accessories is great, but gone are the days when your shoes and bag had to be the exact same color. In fact, mixing materials and tones is more in style now. You can add more thought and dimension to your outfits.
The key is to stay in the same mood. For example, a soft, slouchy bag goes well with sandals or sneakers, while a structured handbag looks better with loafers or heels.
If you’re wearing a neutral outfit, your bag and shoes can be your pop of color. But if you’ve already got prints or bold shades, tone the accessories down a bit.
Add Hair and Head Accessories
Hats and scarves may not be everyday accessories for most people, but they can change your look if used well.
A silk scarf around your neck or your bag can add an effortlessly elegant look, a bucket hat can elevate a casual summer outfit, and hair clips or pins are great for a minimalist fit with a messy hair bun.
Remember this one rule: The more “statement” your accessory is, the simpler the rest of your outfit should be.
Trust Your Gut
You don’t need to follow every trend or overthink every outfit. If it feels like too much, take one thing off. If it feels boring, add something that makes you stand out a bit.
Some people love plain, simple chains, while others prefer stacking chunky rings and layering bracelets for a more preppy or lively look. Both are valid. Find your style and lean into it.
