Some outfits in and of itself need some extra spice to take them to the next level. Whether your goal is to add a subtle “extra” to your outfit or set a bold fashion statement, accessories are the right choice. We are here to discuss different ways to accessorize your outfits, from the classic “jewelry” piece to more daring ones such as hats and more.
- Jewelry
Probably the most obvious choice with a wide variety of options is jewelry. Not only does jewelry go with so many different materials and patterns, but you can also wear it all year round. I usually see two very common mistakes being made with jewelry. Firstly, mixing too many colors, especially when it comes to metals. This means avoiding wearing silver rings and golden bracelets. While it is possible to mix gold and silver, it is really hard to pull off. Secondly, you never want to wear too much jewelry. A couple of items look very elegant, especially when paired with an evening dress. But stacking multiple bracelets from different brands on one wrist is just too much. Going with simple handcrafted beaded jewelry that is only one or two colors would work just fine!
- Handbag
There is a reason we women love handbags – they are stylish and practical. What color of handbag you choose to accessorize your outfit matters. It should either match or contrast the clothing you are wearing that day. Ideally, you want the metal hardware of the bag (for example the buckle) to match the jewelry you wear that day.
- Leather Waist Belt
Another very versatile accessory is the leather waist belt. Almost anything made from authentic and quality leather will add a luxurious and elegant vibe to your outfit. Humans have been using leather for thousands of years due to its reliability and durability.
And especially in fashion and interior design, leather is used to add a timeless look. Most waist belts can be adjusted in length, making it easy to wear them with a single-layer outfit such as a summer dress or a multi-layer outfit such as a coat or suit. As a nice bonus, waist belts emphasize your figure and can add a very feminine touch to your outfit.
- Glasses
Sunglasses are the obvious choice for summer, but have you considered wearing reading glasses to accessorize your outfit? Many companies now offer reading glasses without any vision correction, purely for style. Wearing reading glasses can add that “innocent vibe” when paired with summer dresses, but will also make you look “sexy but smart” when paired with an elegant dress.
- Hats
In my opinion, the most underrated accessory is the hat. Not only can you choose from different fabrics, but hats also come in a variety of different styles.
Firstly, the classic baseball cap – perfect if you want to go for a more casual look and even better for a bad hair day. Simply tie your hair into a ponytail and let it hang through the backside of the cap.
Bucket Hats and straw hats are the ideal choice for your next summer outfit. You will be able to find them in pastel and light colors to match any summer dress or sarong.
I’ve recently seen a lot of cowboy-themed hats being worn by US influencers and am now fully on board with that trend. They match with summer dresses, jeans, cowboy boots, and of course hot pants.
You can’t go wrong with wearing a hat in summer or with a casual outfit. Chic on the other hand is a whole new ballpark. The colors and fabrics of the hat have to match or contrast the rest of your outfit. Fedora hats pair well with a winter coat, while berets look elegant in combination with a turtleneck. (As a side note, berets are perfect if you like the French aesthetic.)
- Leather Harness
An accessory that has been rising in popularity ever since mid-2022 is the leather harness. You might look at them as a new form of waist belt with stylish shoulder straps attached. Similar to the waist belt, they emphasize your waist and therefore your feminine curves, while also displaying crafted leather straps with fashionable hardware, such as rivets, eyelets, and spikes. Leather harnesses are ideal for those who like to set a statement and stand out. You can quite literally wear them with almost anything you could imagine – from T-shirts, to summer dresses, blazers and even suits.
- Scarves
Chances are high you’ve worn a scarf in winter, duh. But what about summer? Not the thick scarf that keeps you warm, I’m talking about a French silk scarf. They can be worn over your head but also around your neck. There honestly is only one way to style them – elegant. I recommend wearing them with a white blouse, a black suit or a summer dress.