Got loads of hats, bags, belts and jewellery, but still wondering how to rock accessories properly? We’ve got 10 rules to help!
By Diane Small
It’s a fact that accessories can make or break an outfit. They can either catch the eyes of passers-by and invoke comments like: ‘love your handbag!’ or ‘where did you get that scarf?’ to looks that clearly express thoughts of: WTF?
Some people, like fashion icon Iris Apfel, are known (and loved) for their over-the-top use of accessories. But her huge personality and touches of eccentricity aren’t shared by all of us.
So, what are the rules for rocking accessories without looking too ‘done’?
Well, there really are no ‘rules.’ Your look depends so much on your vibe. And as Iris says, ‘rules are meant to be broken’. But if you’re not sure about how to really look great with accessories, we’ve got ten simple ideas to help, below.
Main image: prettydesigns.com
How To Accessorize Well
1. No, Your Handbag Does NOT Have to Match Your Shoes
Got a favourite bag in a weird color? Afraid of using it because you don’t have shoes in the same shade? Well, don’t worry. Choosing a handbag that matches your shoes isn’t all that important. In fact, it would be better to choose a handbag that contrasts your shoe color.
The most important rule to rock accessories like handbags right is that the bag and shoes have the same vibe. Think: casual, feminine, formal, or sporty, for example. This look by Stella McCartney, below, illustrates this well.
2. Don’t Wear More Than Two Big Accessories
Of course, it’s possible to combine large accessories like huge wooden beads and bangles in a single outfit without looking over-the-top. But more than three looks distracting: you become more ‘accessory tree’ than woman! And when wearing big accessories, you they should match in terms of color, material, and style.
So for example, huge tortoiseshell earrings? Check. Wood bangles? Ok. Tortoiseshell belt? Great! Now…stop and keep the bag and shoes neutral.
To illustrate, we love these statement earrings by Dinosaur Designs. They’re made of ancient resin (not mined materials). And they stand out on their own – no need more more accessories. Though we wouldn’t say no to a bangle!
3. Wear Either Eye-Catching Accessories OR Prints
Another of our rules to rock accessories right is to choose between serious prints OR large accessories. If you’re wearing something with an eye-catching print, ensure the accessories are less, well, eye-catching.
A good example is how this floral print dress by Reformation, below, is offset by a simple nude shoe.
We’d further accessorise this look with a solid olive or cream hued bag, allowing the dress to really shine.
4. Don’t Hide Collars Under Bulky Scarves
If your coat has a big collar like this faux fur number below, a huge scarf will ruin the look. And let’s face it: a scarf probably isn’t necessary with such a big, cozy collar, either! This vegan peacoat by Free People illustrates our point well. If you get cold, do the coat up, or tuck the collar inside.
However, if you are wearing a coat without a collar or with a small one, wearing a bulky scarf could just add some charm, as well as warmth!
5. Avoid Black Shoes When Wearing Pastels
For me personally, this is one of the most important ways to rock accessories right! If you’re wearing a full pastel outfit, you should opt for footwear in a lighter shade. Seriously, a black shoe will interfere with your entire look.
A good example is how this ethical pink outfit by ME+EM is offset by white sneakers. They don’t stand out too much from the pretty cotton-candy hue of the jacket and pants. That being said, if you’d rather draw attention to your shoes, go for black or red ones. But just know that the shoes would become the focus.
6. Don’t Wear A Watch With Evening Dresses
A typical day outfit featuring a vibrant silicone watch strap is great. And a wristwatch works well if you’re wearing a sporty, urban, or business outfit. But most watches (with the exception of cocktail styles) won’t match evening dress.
If you own a quality vegan watch that you wear every day (such as the Omega Speedmaster, seen on Cindy Crawford, below) and want to pair it with an evening dress, you should consider adding a formal jacket (as she did) to make your outfit look more ‘business formal’.
Image: Omega
7. Combine Ethnic Accessories with Neutral Clothes
If you are planning to wear large, beaded or multi-coloured ethnic accessories, you should stick to neutral-hued, simple clothing. Too many colours or textures can make your outfit look too busy. Which can be a good thing if you’re going for a full on Boho look, I suppose.
But if you want to rock accessories right without turning heads – potentially for all the wrong reasons – let the accessories stand out instead of the entire outfit.
8. Know That Large Jewelry Isn’t For Everyone
Here’s one of the most basic ways to rock accessories well: check your finger size. If your fingers are short, you should probably stay away from large rings. Instead, finer rings will increase the visual length of your fingers. Also, if you’re petite, huge jewelry may also ‘swallow’ you up.
Do you work in a conservative office? Understated pieces of jewelry will convey a vibe of seriousness and professionalism. On the other hand, if your workplace is more creative, you can really let loose and express yourself with your accessories. Learn what works for your body type and professional context.
9. Wear Matching Jewelry – If It’s Small
According to some stylists, wearing a matching set of earrings, rings, and necklaces is a bit too much – but it also depends on the size of the individual pieces. If the necklaces, earrings, and bracelets are small, you can wear them together. In fact, they will accentuate your entire outfit and make it look elegant.
But if it’s all the same – think: red lacquer beads, bracelets and huge red lacquer cocktail rings – well, let’s just say you should have a huge personality to pull this off.
Image: Melissa Joy Manning
10. Choose A Signature Accessory
Our final rule on how to rock accessories right is this. If you feel overwhelmed by accessory options, choose just one statement piece. One that makes you feel great and that you can wear with multiple outfits. When you’re ready to add more accessories, create balance by choosing one piece to dominate your look in terms of size or color, then layer on more subtle accessories.
Got great hair? Wear awesome headbands or clips. Got terrible hair? Rock hats well! Own a long, gorgeous neck? Go for chokers. You get the idea.
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