Accessorising your outfit can make a huge difference to how the final look comes together.
If you want to elevate your outfits, but unsure how to use them effectively to enhance your style, then this article will share with you all you need to know.
Consider the occasion
I often say to my clients that they should have a selection of their favourite accessories across different occasions, to help them know exactly what pieces to gravitate to. When you know the type of day or event you are planning to attend, this will help inspire you for the perfect accessories.
For example, a day at the office will require different accessories than heading to a black tie dinner, which will be different to a day with the kids.
Start with jewellery
The reason I tend to start with the jewellery is because it is in the same room as my wardrobe – it’s as simple as that! Depending on your personal style you may want to pick a few delicate pieces that match, or look for one statement piece that works with the outfit you have put together.
Here are a few tips for finding the right jewellery for your look:
V-necks and necklaces – if you are wearing a v-neck top, or a low neck garment, a necklace that comes a few inches above the neck line, can work well to lengthen your neck. If you prefer a choker, this may make your face look slightly rounder.
Polonecks – as with the v-necks, you can use longer necklaces to elongate your neck. A layered selection of longer necklaces can be an elegant option.
Watches – whether you prefer a more delicate watch, or a larger chunkier piece, they are a great option for work and professional attire, as well as when you are running errands. Many people are now using their phones as their time piece, but I love when I wear my favourite watch, it really adds a touch of style to my daily outfits. Consider picking a watch in a neutral tone that can work with any of the colours in your outfit, or if you prefer a more abstract style, select a piece that really reflects your personality.
Earrings – I tend to gravitate towards drop earrings when I am intending to wear my hair down, or when going to an event. For some, drop earrings can be an extension of their style, with unique creations that add personality to their outfit. Like most pieces of jewellery, the pieces you select should complement your own personal style, so they align with your wardrobe. If I am wearing my hair up, or going to meetings, I wear a simple stud in a metal that is in my season.
Rings – Recently, I have noticed that rings on every finger have become incredibly popular. Different sizes, locations (base of finger/top of finger), and metals are incredibly trendy at the moment. You could add one feature ring that stands out from the rest of the rings on your finger, or look for a set of rings if you want to stick to a budget and try out the multi-ring look. If this isn’t quite your style, consider wearing a couple of your favourite rings to add a final touch to the look. If you do have a profession where you are doing a lot of hand shaking, you may want to consider less bulky rings, for the comfort of the person you are meeting!
Bracelets – the final jewellery piece I like to consider is if I want to add on some bracelets. Whether it’s a chunky acrylic bracelet, or a more delicate metal chain, a bracelet can work well in cooler months over sleeves to add some texture to a more simple outfit. In summer, they can be layered to add definition to your wrists and some unique flair.
Layered accessories
While this may feel less like accessories and more like the outfit, layers can work as additional accessories to your outfit.
Things like a mesh top, a long-lined cardigan, or even cute socks, can add a touch of extra finishing to the outfits you create. Another layering accessory can be your belts and scarves, which are varied in their style.
One of my favourite ways to use a belt as a layering accessory is to add it over the top of a maxi dress. During the winter, when I pop an oversized jumper on top of my dress, or when I am wearing a cardigan, it can work as a way to bring me in at the waist, and adds a bit of “hardware” to my look to make it look edgier.
With regards to clothing that you layer over your outfits, you can look into different fabrics while remaining in the same colours, or using these layers as your accent colour, which you can easily remove should you be moving between more and less formal occasions.
Your bag
While bags tend to be pretty essential no matter what we are getting up to (we won’t go into the pockets debate today!), they can be an excellent accessory for your outfit. From a tiny clutch for your make-up and phone, to a big over the shoulder bag for your kid’s snacks, spare layers, and devices, picking a bag that will help you throughout the day, while also look great will be a satisfying experience.
You don’t have to have a huge collection of bags either, if you want to have a select few bags that will work across the necessary parts of your life, I’d recommend these 4 types of bag:
Over the shoulder bag:
A small yet mighty bag that works with all of your outfits, in a neutral tone or an accent colour (depending on your personal style). It should fit your phone, cards, keys, and other essentials (think tissues, lipstick, and maybe even your small travel perfume!). This could be your daily bag, that doesn’t need to serve as a work or Mum-bag.
A backpack
I love a backpack! For some this may bring back too many memories of school but hear me out. A backpack is the perfect option for when you are commuting and running between meetings. It can hold your books, notepad, water, coffee, charger, the list goes on. All this space, while also making sure you aren’t getting a sore shoulder.
Clutch bag
A clutch bag is perfect for those special occasions where you don’t need to carry much with you, but want the option to carry your essentials, without the need to wear a coat all night. Depending on the events you tend to attend, and your personal style, you can go all the way with a glitter clutch bag or an embellished clutch that will give you the wow factor, to a simple clutch that is more paired back.
Briefcase or Mum bag
Ok, so I know these are two pretty different bags, but depending on your lifestyle, you may need one or the other on different days! A briefcase is a classic – the essential for carrying your work documents and perhaps even your laptop between meetings. It tends to be in leather (but other options are now available) and can range from classic styling to more abstract styles.
A Mum-bag, for me, is one that can fit under the pram, and you can use it as Mary Poppins would. Putting all of the kids’ essentials, your own snacks and water, plus nappies, shopping, and more in this bag that is required when you go anywhere with your children. While you are being “Mum” you don’t need to change your style. You can find so many options of larger bags like this to align with your personality (even a leopard print option) that you can continue to feel fashionable and truly “you” without taking away from the functionality.
The shoes make the outfit?
I remember reading a quote that shoes are the first thing someone will look at when they meet you. While I am unsure of that being true, the shoes can often finalise the look of an outfit. Depending on the shoes you can truly transform how your outfit will look and feel. Brogues can make jeans and a t-shirt elevated to a professional-ready outfit. While stilettos can make your suit feel sexier and ready for date night.
Investing in the shoes that work for your daily needs, and make you feel confident, will be an investment well made. While more budget friendly sneakers for doing errands can work well if you want to chuck on a pair of shoes without worrying about the wear and tear, you may want to look at investing (within your budget) in a few key pairs of shoes to make your outfits feel more pulled together.
A few of my favourite shoes and their outfit inspirations can be:
Platform sneakers – great for upgrading your more casual looks. Pair with your favourite jeans, or even with your midi skirt, and you’ll feel more pulled together, without feeling too overdressed.
Ankle boots – an edgy option to add to your shoe closet. Pairing them with leather trousers and a blouse can go a long way to complementing your rocker-style; while wearing them with your favourite midi dress will add some definition to your look that’s a little more unexpected.
Pointed toed shoes – whether you prefer the killer heels, or a short heel, pointed toed shoes can work beautifully with flared jeans. The tip of the shoe pointing out under the jeans make these more casual bottoms a little more sexy.
Brogues – I’ve noticed these have become more popular once again and they are a great more androgynous look for your work wear. They pair beautifully with a suit to go all out with your androgyny, or add a touch of femininity with a pair of thick tights and a mini skirt with a turtleneck.
The beauty of shoes is that they are so varied you should be able to find the styles you find you love. I recommend having at least 3 – 4 pairs of differently styled shoes in your closet. This will give you the variety you need no matter the occasion. Think of what you do every week and how these occasions are segmented. For example – work shoes, gym shoes, errands shoes, special occasion shoes.
Try a hat (or headscarf)
The hat is the final accessory I’ll recommend in this article, and it may make you either jump with delight, or quiver with unease. It seems that hats are a “marmite” accessory, while I implore you to try them out if only once!
A hat can be an elegant or edgy accessory depending on the shape and style you select. Exploring your personal style will help you discover the hats that work for you and make you feel confident and pulled together. Whether it’s a fedora, turban, beret or the wide-brimmed hat, you have countless styles to play with.
I’d recommend going to a store and trying different hat styles to see which one feels “right” for your personal style and adding it to your look next time you feel confident enough to do so.
A headscarf is another beautiful option to protect your hair texture, while adding additional colour and patterns to your outfit. For many, it is a way to maintain their religious commitment, or harking back to their own culture, and with the plentiful textures and colours we have available, you can play with countless options to work alongside your outfit.
As you can see – the accessories available to you are endless, and these options shared in this article are just the stepping stone to giving you some excitement to dressing. An accessory can make a big difference to the end look of your pulled together outfit, so I challenge you to give these a try next time you want to elevate your look.
If you are unsure on where to start with your accessorising, you’re not alone. I’d love to help you discover how to pull together looks with confidence that align with your personal style.
