If you’re looking to upgrade any outfit in mere seconds, then there’s nothing that will do it like the right accessory. But this doesn’t mean you should overload every outfit with all the bangles, scarves, watches, bags, and fancy footwear that you own. It’s all about being selective and making those few choices that make the most difference.
The right shoes
We all make footwear choices every day, but how often do you think about the impact they have as an accessory? Some of the most versatile footwear are those good leather boots, the kind of which is shown at The Cut, that are versatile and trendy enough to last you through multiple seasons. Use neutral colors and they’re a lot more likely to go with a wider variety of outfits, as well, making even more casual outfits look a little more confident.
The right bag
Succesful accessorizing should put your “signature” on your outfit, making it look a lot more “you.” A good way to do that is to use a versatile addition, such as a white bag, that can be styled to your outfit in a variety of ways. It’s a consistent throughline that unifies your sense of style but can be used in multiple looks, be it by adding a keychain, tying it with a scarf or bandana, or simply wearing it differently on your body.
The right wristwear
Watches have a particular history and some connotations to them that immediately make them a communicative piece to add to any ensemble. As you can see at WatchBox, specific brands can be even more specific in what kind of qualities they add to an outfit. Watches, in general, however, add a sense of prestige, worth, and practicality that make them especially well suited to women who want outfits to communicate their competence and confidence.
The right hair accessories
Personal style is a thing that you communicate with your whole body but, often, people don’t do much more with their hair than styling it. Take a look at the wealth of hair accessories that can elevate your look, as shown at Vogue. Wear a silk scrunchie instead of a regular hair tie and look at some of the more elaborate and creative hair clips out there instead of the plain ones. If you’re wearing hair accessories for practicality, start wearing them for style, as well.
The right belt
If your outfit looks a little underdone, but you don’t think jewelry is understated enough, then that’s when you’re going to need a belt. Aside from helping to pull an outfit together literally to better fit your body, it gives a sense of cohesion between top and bottom. Statement belts with things like elaborate buckles or studs can help enliven an outfit that’s a little low on detail, too.
Hopefully, the tips above give you the right idea that you don’t need too many accessories to add the most impact to your outfit. One or two choices are all it takes to elevate your look to the next level.