Accessorizing 101
We've all been there: you've got the perfect outfit on, your hair styled, and now it's time to choose your accessories. What bag should you carry? What hat should you wear? Should you put on a necklace, a watch, earrings, or bracelets? It can be tricky to decide which pieces pair best with your overall look, so we've put together a guide to help. Here are 10 stylish ways to accessorize—and 10 not-so-great looks to avoid.
1. Statement Jewelry Piece
When accessorizing, it's best to stay minimalistic. Choosing one statement jewelry piece, like a watch, ring, or necklace, will give that pop to your outfit without overdoing it. Just make sure that the statement piece you pick matches the style you're going for.
2. Scarf
Scarves aren't only worn in the winter. Though, of course, throwing one on in the colder months will make you look and feel cozier. But you can also tie handkerchief scarves around your neck for just about any occasion—and season—to elevate your look.
3. Belt
You might think belts are only used when you have loose bottoms. But you can pair belts with dresses, cardigans, and outerwear as well. Belts are especially handy when you need to add some proportion and shape to your outfit. Plus, it'll accentuate your figure.
4. Hair Accessories
Hair clips, ties, claws—you name it, they make great accessories! Especially with how trendy hair claws are at the moment, there's never been a better time to roll your hair up into a messy bun. Don't be afraid to play around with colors—just make sure they won't clash with your overall look.
5. Bracelet
A simple bangle bracelet or a delicate chain can also bring your look together. You can choose to wear just one or to layer a few, but the key is not to go overboard. Another tip: if you're debating between gold and silver, pick the one that complements your skin tone. If you lean warmer, choose silver, and if you lean cooler, choose gold. Neutrals can choose either.
6. Hat
Hats also do wonders for elevating an outfit. In the summer, wide-brimmed sun hats go well with dresses or casual looks. But if you're going for something more relaxed, sporty, and chic, baseball caps are the way to go. Try out a few to find out which hats work best with your style.
7. Handbag
Choosing a handbag to match with your outfit can be hard, especially if you have a lot—or none at all—of options to pick from. A good rule of thumb is to make sure your bag not only matches the style of your overall fit, but to also ensure it's proportionate. Lugging around a big tote bag might not be the best look when you're all dressed up.
8. Shoes
Don't forget the shoes! Depending on the footwear you choose, they can make or break an outfit. Though your trusty pair of sneakers might go with just about any look, you definitely don't want to be wearing them when you're on a fancy date or formal occasion.
9. Socks
Socks are another great way to accessorize. You might be used to wearing ankle socks or having your socks hidden under pants and bottoms, but they can elevate looks and allow you to express your personality. Next time you wear shorts or skirts, choose a pair of socks that complement your outfit in both color and style.
10. Rings and Earrings
If you already have a ring as your statement piece, you can either pair it with another ring that complements it or add other small pieces of jewelry. Earrings, for example, can be a subtle way to add some pop and glam to your overall look. Again, just be sure you don't go overboard with the accessories or match them in odd ways that clash with your outfit, which is what we'll cover next.
1. Mismatching Metals
The biggest and simplest mistake people make is mismatching their metals. This means they'll wear both gold and silver jewelry. Though this isn't a total fashion crime—and there are times when gold and silver do work paired together—it often comes off looking disjointed.
2. Big Hoop Earrings
Hoop earrings can be a great way to elevate your outfit and add personality, but when the hoops are just a tad too big (we're talking about the ones that are the size of your head), then you might want to put them down. You could end up hurting someone with those instead of dazzling them with your looks.
3. Wrong Bag
We mentioned it earlier, but it's important to pick the right handbag to pair with your outfits. Wearing a canvas tote bag with your formal fit probably isn't the best thing to do, even if you're trying to look edgy and different. Size matters, too. Don't wear something super tiny or big—it could throw off the proportion of your entire look.
4. Outdated Accessories
Even with the '90s looks and Y2K trends coming back, nostalgia might be hitting hard, but wearing outdated accessories may not be the best idea. A vintage purse or pair of sunglasses might be chic, but if you're tempted to pull out the neon shuttered shades, you might want to wait a couple more years.
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5. Overloading Accessories
We know—accessorizing can be fun, and it should be! But sometimes too much is not better. Instead, wearing too many pieces can end up cluttering your look, making your outfit look erratic and confusing. The same goes for wearing too many different colored accessories.
6. Forgoing a Belt
Of course, not all outfits need a belt. But if your clothes are looking too loose and frumpy, forgoing a belt means you'll look... well, loose and frumpy. Belts cinch and accentuate, and they add proportion. But you also don't want to wear a belt that makes you look like a WWE champion, so choose wisely.
7. Excessive Hair Accessories
While hair accessories can be cute, overdoing the clips and claws will make you look a little crazy. So is choosing hair clips that don't match your overall style or ones that are too childish. No matter how tempting it might be, don't steal your kid's hair clips.
8. Hats That Don't Match the Occasion
A sun visor might pair great with a tennis or sporty outfit, but it's probably best to put it away otherwise. The same goes for bucket hats, straw hats, and baseball caps—choosing the wrong one can throw off your whole look. And unless you're a magician, leave the top hat at home.
9. Wrong Shoes
Believe it or not, your white sneakers aren't a match for every outfit. Sure, it might be sporty and chic to wear them with a suit, dress, or other formal attire, but sometimes, it's better to choose dress shoes and heels. Similarly, don't wear sleek leather loafers with old sweatpants, or flip-flops with tuxedos.
10. Color Clashes
Choosing the right colors to match your outfit can be challenging, but there are resources and palettes out on the internet that can help. Don't match vibrant reds with greens or neon greens with deep purples. You'll end up either looking like Santa Claus or a walking disaster.
