When done well, accessorizing can elevate an outfit from basic to outstanding. Accessories define the details of an overall look. They reflect the self-expression of your style and personality.

Your choice of accessories convey a sense of confidence and self-esteem when you know that you feel and look good in the items you have chosen to incorporate a polished look.

Last but not least, it is important to remember, having a big wallet does not guarantee a cohesive style. Buying random items that reflect the latest trend and filling up the closet will not guarantee that the wearer can pull them together to create the desired effect.

Creating a Sense of Style

Often, we think of different types of looks when trying to define a sense of style. Consider some of the following themes:

Classic, bold, sporty, androgenous, timeless, casual, fun, cool, sophisticated, tailored, vintage, formal, energetic, grunge, understated, and artistic, just to name a few.

What is your style? How would you define it? How do you “create” your own style?

Using accessories is one way to create style. The choices are endless. Therefore, it is important to opt for pieces that resonate with your unique interpretation of fashion sense. Whether that includes dainty jewelry, chunky belts, or colorful handbags, choose accessories which reflect how you want to express yourself, the statement you would like to convey, and what feels second nature to you.

A starting point might be to pick neutral shades of color to provide a “safe” base on which to build more layers and points of interest. Your favorite pair of jeans, or solid colored skirt, could be that starting point. However, don't shy away from incorporating bold colors and textures to add a sense of flair.

How to Create a Cohesive Look

This can be achieved when identifying an overall theme. For example, the use of specific color combinations can create pleasing patterns for more than one area of your outfit. This creates visual interest, ties your look together, and weaves the various elements of the individual accessories together. Your ensemble will be a polished and finished look that catches the attention of, not only your eye, but also the eyes of others.

You may find yourself reaching for a favorite watch, a special colored scarf, or a certain shoe type when creating an outfit. These items are worn often and easily blend in to give you the look you desire. The look that is you. These special pieces are signature accessories. 

Accessories are plentiful and can enhance or detract from an outfit. Choose wisely and have fun experimenting with different  combinations to create a look that is truly yours.

Let’s take a step back and ask, why we accessorize in the first place? Visual interest comes to mind. When we step in-front of a mirror, the reflection we want to see is one that inspires and gives us a boost of confidence. The way we present to the world when we step out of the house every morning will have an impact on our interactions with others and the overall ease with which we move thru our day.

One major consideration when accessorizing is to identify the occasion for which we dress. Are we attending a business meeting, going for an easygoing walk in the park, meeting our friends for an evening out, getting ready for a birthday party, or preparing for a video presentation of a product launch? Each occasion will call for an ideal “look.” This means that we do make choices to dress for the occasion. However, we also bring our unique sense of style no matter the event.

Essential Accessories

When it comes to accessorizing, there truly are no rules. It’s all about what speaks to you, knowing your likes and dislikes. However, it is easy to identify a collection of the most common accessory pieces both men and women reach for time and again.

Belts

The humble belt is not only functional, serving a practical purpose of holding items in place, it also adds a touch of color, texture, and can cinch volumes of fabric at the waist for a more flattering silhouette.  

Whether you opt for a classic leather belt for a more timeless touch or choose a bold statement piece to add some flair to your outfit, the right belt can tie everything together and make a lasting impression.

Many people do not realize how to wear a belt in a manner that truly enhances their appearance. It's important to be mindful of how one uses a belt. A common mishap is when the belt divides a silhouette in half, resulting in an unflattering appearance. To avoid this, it is recommended to wear the belt slightly above the waistline. A 1/3 to 2/3 placement creates an overall proportion visually more pleasing to the eye.  This creates a more balanced and elongated appearance, especially for those with shorter torsos.

Additionally, it is important to consider the weight of the belt material and match it with the weight of the fabric of an outfit. This creates a sense of ease and flow, ensuring an outfit is cohesive and well put together.

Lastly, be mindful not to bring unnecessary attention to areas you may want to downplay, such as a thick waistline. Choose belts that complement your body shape rather than drawing focus where you don't want it. Wearing a thick leather belt with a soft silk dress creates a sense of dissonance, compared to wearing the same with a pair of jeans. Additionally, keeping the color of the belt a similar color of an outfit draws less attention to a heavier waist, and elasticized belts are forgiving and so much more comfortable to wear, especially if it is a wide belt.

By paying attention to these details when selecting and wearing a belt, you can create a silhouette sure to accentuate your best features while maintaining balance and proportion in your outfit.

Visionary Eyewear

What is a good fit when it comes to eye-ware?  Consider the shape of a face. A softer, rounder face is better accentuated with more angular glasses, whereas, a more angular face, is better served with softer shaped frames. In addition, skin-tone will affect the rim color one may choose.

Frames that can age your look include small round, small oval, or tiny rectangular wire rimmed glasses that are non-descript. Frames that will enhance your look will also depend on your personality. Are you bold, quiet, reserved, sporty, outgoing, or fashion forward? Your personality will indicate what you need to feel comfortable in the frames you wear.

Frames that reflect a younger look have shapes that give lift to a face, such as a pair of cat eyes. There are many variations of the cat eye frame. Take time to try them all, even if you think they might not look good. You just might be surprised. Alternatively, full-on large round, or rectangular frames also accomplish a younger look. Remember a pop of color in the choice of frames will also contribute to the look you want to achieve.

Cool looking sunglasses are fun, but we wear them primarily for protection from the harmful rays of the sun. The fun fact is, various tint of frames and unusual mirrored glasses can offer that extra punchy vibe of personal style.

Handbag Style and Utility

When it comes to handbags, striking the right balance between trendy design and usefulness is essential. From compact silhouettes to oversized carryalls, many options are available to suit every taste and need.

Duffle backpacks are the essential accessory for a weekend getaway. Packing and organization becomes manegable. Interior compartments, zip pockets, and convertible straps provide ease and versatility, ideal for busy individuals. 

Bucket handbags, closed with a drawstring, are another popular option. Their spacious design enables generous storage capacity while maintaining a stylish appearance.

Let’s add organic weave handbags, including bamboo and other bags crafted from natural fiber materials. These handbags are durable, eco-friendly, biodegradable, and perform as great carryalls.

The Raffia bag, made of raw organic fiber from the raffia palm tree, also fits into this category., These have an earthy appeal and blend easily with many color palettes. You can choose a leather strap for a more polished expression.

Woven baskets, on the other hand, offer another eco-friendly alternative that is trendy and wears well. Perfect for a day at the beach, or a casual outing, these carryalls go a long way in providing eco-friendly options to the consumer.

Beach handbags are a must-have accessory for those sunny days by the water. Crafted with sturdy, yet long-lasting materials, they provide ample space for summer gear while keeping you looking chic. Common materials used to make seaside totes include canvas, straw, and other durable grasses. These totes are large enough to hold swimwear essentials such as towels, sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, flip-flops, refreshing drinks, and more.

 Embossed handbags exude a sense of luxury, sophistication, and add a hint of elegance to any outfit. This brings to mind the clutch.

For those looking to travel light, small bags are an easy preference. The clutch must marry fashion and functionality. Compact yet practical, it offers a dash of sophistication while keeping important objects close at hand.

With detachable straps, clutches can easily transition from a handheld pouch to a small shoulder bag.  Despite their small size, they are big enough to carry essentials such as a cellphone, cards, makeup, and personal hygiene items easily, without being bulky. Heading out for a special evening or attending a formal event, the clutch bag is the perfect companion.

No matter your preference, handbags offer an ideal blend of fashion-forward design and on-the-go features to meet all functional as well as funky style statement needs you would like to personify.

Expand Your Shoe Options

With shoes, the saying “never too many shoes” frequently rings true for countless shoe enthusiasts. However, comfort is always key to choosing the right footwear.

From boots to slip-ons, loafers to futuristic ballet flats, or Mary Janes to sexy slingbacks, you can choose from endless shoe styles. Whether you prefer retro sneakers with chunky heels or opt for the simplicity of flip flops, each design offers unique possibilities.

Classic pumps, can be uncomfortable, be careful to try them on before you commit to a purchase. The 3inch pitch is much more comfortable than a 4inch pitch.

Slouchy boots can look a bit sloppy. Alternatively, a raised smooth boot conveys a classic appearance. Both designs deliver great style, depending on the desired outfit. Boots worn for longer distances are more comfortable with a mini or kitten heel.

Slip-on UGG boots are comfortable walking shoes but take into consideration the climate you live in. For warm weather, a nice pair of slip-on clogs, a pair of Birkenstock, or flip-flops, for example, might be more suitable.

When comfort is the main priority, swap out high heels for kitten heels. They are timeless, pain-free, and often have a pointed heel that can suite many outfits.

Platform loafers are still trending in 2024. Try a classic loafer with no hardware and a thick sole for a fresh preppy look.

Chunky sneakers still have a strong presence, but a slim lined design provides a light, airy alternative for summer wear.

Metallic shoes of all kinds; boots, loafers, heels, pumps, mules, and more, all seem to be trending this season. These add a splashy accent to any outfit. However, if you want to wear your new shoes for more than one season, you might want to switch them out for a faux skin option. This alternative has a more neutral color scheme.

Pointy toed boots, Chelsea boots, cowboy boots, and white boots also seem to be trending this season. Pairing white shoes with a dark outfit, produces a high contrast effect. You may want to consider a tan shoe for a more toned-down, natural statement. Nude or tan shoes can also make your legs look longer.

To ensure that you look stylish but also feel comfortable throughout the day, it is essential to choose shoes wisely. Keep colors neutral to allow for versatile pairings and long wear. Color pallets keep changing from season to season. Neutral hued shoes reduce clashing with future outfits. However, a pop of color provides a point of interest for a monotone ensemble.

By incorporating the right shoe accessories into your wardrobe, you effortlessly enhance your overall look while ensuring your feet remain both stylish and comfortable throughout the day.