I'm confident that all fashion/style professionals would agree that accessories can make or break an outfit. Seriously, we've all watched Project Runway at some point and witnessed a contestant get ripped to shreds over poor "styling" choices. So I've put together a few simple points of rule for successful accessorizing.
Purpose: Accessories should reflect your personal aesthetic and are supposed to compliment or enhance your look, not overtake it. Nor should it add an element of confusion.
Accessories can pick up/highlight an understated tone/color in an outfit. Add an element of contrast to monochromatic look. Give energy to an otherwise demure look. Even transform a single outfit into a totally different look.
Proportion: For me, proportion matters. Frankly, the "statement" trend has led many to (as we say in my circle) "do the most", which by-the-way is not a good thing. If your outfit is making a statement all by itself, your accessories should not add the "?" to the "!" essentially invoking that "what type of foolishness?!?!" reaction. In this scenario the K.I.S.S (keep it simple sweetie) method should be considered.
Outside of that, choose where/how you want to make your statement. Your ears, neck, and wrist don't all need to "shout" at the same time creating an environment of competing noise. Statement earrings... simple complimenting necklace. Bold necklace.... downplay your earrings.
Bracelets however, offer a little more flexibility since your wrist isn't right up there with your other pieces. For me, size/color/style are influenced by the details of the top/jacket I'm wearing in concert with the style of my other accessories. For example...
When I wear this bib necklace (my own design) I allow it to be the focal accessory. Depending on my outfit, my earring choice is usually one of three;
- the ones designed to match
- simple wooden window pane dangles
- gold plated Aspen leaves w/lever back ear-wires
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My bracelet would likely be a cuff on one arm and a mixed stack of bracelets on the other.
If I'm dressing down, the cuff would be a 3 inch multi-strand wooden stretch.
If I'm going for something a little more upscale I'd ditch the mixed stack and wear a simple tennis bracelet on one arm and on the other a 2-3 inch polished gold metal cuff (smooth or textured depending on my mood). So now in either scenario I'm completely adorned, but not over-done.
Necklaces: Simple tops are the perfect backdrop for a great statement piece. Whether a big/bold/colorful piece, or layers of mixed metals in varied lengths.
Heavily patterned or embellished tops call for a more subtle approach. A simple bold link chain or pendant will do. In this case less really is more.
With halters, or tops will already ornate necklines I usually forgo additional neck-wear and focus more on the ears, wrist, hair & shoes.
Bracelets: Awesome displays of arm-candy are the trend. Stacked bangles, multiple layers of beads, multi-chain, and wide cuffs, with a little bling thrown in for flair.
There really aren't many rules for bracelets. My best advice is to make sure your choices are appropriate for the occasion. In other words and arm full of stacked beads/bangles might not be the best choice for a formal gown.
Earrings: Choosing earrings aren't just about your outfit, or your other styling choices. The shape of your face and the length of your neck also play a factor. For instance, dangle earrings (in my opinion) don't fair well on women with short necks. However, hoops seem to be a universal "good fit" for everyone. Hoops come in varied sizes and styles making them appropriate for virtually any face shape, neck size, outfit, and/or occasion.
I, myself, am a fan of the dramatic dangle. Yet, even I have to occasionally defer to the almighty hoop.
Last and maybe most important, your earrings should not battle with your necklace. Choose only one to be the standout, either the earrings or the necklace.
Rings: I am not a huge wearer of rings, but the trend seems to be leaning toward "anything goes". I don't subscribe to that philosophy however. I do like some of large statement pieces, and cocktail baubles. I also like the stacked look. I do not, however, support the ring on every finger look. It is ridiculously excessive.
There you have it... my two scents on how to effectively accessorize. My only other tips would be to
- carefully consult your mirror before embarking on your outing
- when in doubt, consult a REAL friend (real friends will be brutally honest)
- stay true to yourself
Now, go forth and accessorize with confidence!
