Accessorize: How to do it Right

Accessorizing is the fashion world’s way of referring to a look, including jewellery, shoes, handbag, and similar things. Fashion accessories, apart from serving practical functions in some cases, complement the rest of an outfit. 

Accessorizing can transform the whole mood of a look or help one reinvent their old clothes through a new vision. Be it a piece of sterling silver jewellery or an artistic purse, the right accessory can elevate any basic outfit. 

Some popular accessorizing hacks include:

• Do not wear more than 2-3 large accessories.
• Wear full-set matching jewellery only when all the pieces are small in size.
• The handbag need not always be the same colour as one’s shoes.
• Wear either bright, colourful clothes or chunky attention-grabbing accessories. Never combine both.

BALANCE IS VITAL

The key to a good look is accessorizing in balance. Do not overdo or underplay as one might lose the effect. The right combination of accessories can even make the dullest costume look glam. 

Choose a statement piece that will grab attention and balance it with minimal pieces. The rest of the outfit should workaround drawing attention to that one piece of accessory or jewellery. A stacked ring available in a sterling silver jewellery collection can work as an eye-catching piece.

Pay attention to colours and patterns, and make sure there is never too much of either. If the outfit is too monotonous or simple, one could always add a bit of colour or bling with a colourful pendant or bracelet. Accessorizing is the easiest way to change a colourless look. 

Bright colours and striking prints may be difficult to put together, but a fashionable touch of a shoe or a belt can set a different vibe. Australians love eco-friendly accessories like a faux leather bag, which can add a touch-of-chic to a boring outfit. 

One can turn a classic LBD into workwear by pairing it with a formal blazer and black shoes. Take off the blazer, change the sandals for stilettos and add statement earrings or rings to be ready for a night out. Have a few accessories prepared for moments when it is not possible to do a full costume change. 

No rule says accessories have to match. By matching accessories, one might look more conservative than fashion-forward. If one faces a dilemma of choosing between colours, start by adding just one accessory to a neutral base. 

Balance the size of the pieces. While wearing a pair of large hoop earrings, do not pair them again with an oversized necklace. The look will appear more balanced if one wears a small neckpiece. The face should not become overshadowed by too many large pieces. So keep the size of the different accessories one has in mind before putting the look together. 

For example, if one wears a heavily decorated blouse near the nape or collar, there is no need for overpowering jewellery. Instead, go for a thin chain that will draw attention to the details in a subtle way but not hide it.

Allow one item to be the star of a look. If the hat looks excitingly big, resist the urge to pair it with a large belt. 

QUICK LESSONS

• Choose accessories that complement one’s best features. The right choice of jewellery will make the eyes appear more prominent, the neck looks long and slender, or the collar bone more attractive.
• Hoop earrings benefit the wearer by accenting the cheekbones.
• Shoes with some height elongate the legs.
• Wear a scarf that matches the eye colour to draw attention to them.