This month I want to share some of my favourite accessory styling tips to elevate any outfit.
I believe great accessories are the secret sauce to a fantastic outfit - they elevate even the most simple outfit, such as jeans and a tee, into something special.
You can really put your personal stamp on an outfit with your choice of accessories.
But it can be easy to forget about your accessories until the last minute because you're so focused on nailing your outfit.
If you tend to buy the beautiful dress but not have shoes, bags, sunnies and jewellery to complement it, then it's time your accessories game got an upgrade... let's get started.
BAGS
The 3 styles you should own to get you through every situation are:
Everyday day bag: Avoid buying lots of different colours and styles. Invest in one quality nude, tan or black bag. My personal recommendation is tan or nude as these colours are the most versatile. Leather is the best choice of material as it will be the longest wearing and make your outfit look polished. There are lots of different sizes and shapes to choose from. If you have a petite frame I would avoid an overly large bag. Choose the smallest bag you can get away with. This will save you from filling it to the brim and spare your neck and shoulders. On the flip side make sure your bag is big enough to fit in all your essentials. There's no point in having an everyday bag that doesn’t fit your glasses and other vitals!
Straw or canvas tote: It’s nice to switch out of workday mode and change your bag up for the weekend. For summertime, I love a straw bag which adds a relaxed vibe to your outfit. Another alternative would be a canvas tote in a plain or bright pattern. As it's to complete a casual outfit, have fun with it and let your personal style shine.
Clutch or smaller bag: For evenings, leave your day bag at home. Choose something more delicate to complement your going-out outfit. I recommend you look for something in either metallic, nude, neutral or black.
For your bag inspo, check out the images below.
Shop Tan Bag HERE https://liketk.it/4i38d - Shop Straw Bags HERE https://liketk.it/4kK3q
SHOES
Worn-out shoes detract from the best of outfits, so make sure you replace those favourite sandals or sneakers with a fresh pair.
My go-to colour choices are nude and tan because they go with absolutely everything, including black.
Try not to get distracted with bright colours and fussy styles. I know it’s not sexy, but the nude and tan shoes go with everything. They will be on high rotation, so make the time and set aside the budget for them.
This summer, I’ll be wearing nude chunky sandals. My own are from Hobbs Shoes from a couple of seasons ago, but there are lots of brands doing similar styles in a variety of colours.
Chunky sandals are both on trend and wonderfully comfortable. Perfect for busy women and mums on the run.
JEWELLERY
Updating your jewellery is a effective way to update any outfit.
For earrings, hoops are very on-trend. The size of your hoops comes down to personal preference with smaller thicker hoops (Huggies) being the most current. Gold is the most popular colour but if your skin tone suits silver better choose silver.
Pearl earrings are also popular and look especially great worn with business wear. Choose either a stud or a small drop for a lovely feminine feel.
Necklaces also add visual interest to your outfit. Styles to consider are a delicate chain with a simple pendant or a chunky style to wear as a statement with a dress or shirt. I've included samples below of some of the more popular styles.
This summer, I’ll be wearing a fine gold chain with a disc pendant and gold hoops and huggies. I usually favour simple and understated jewellery. I find some favourite pieces and then wear them over and over again.
SUNGLASSES
These darlings are a must-have for summer and a great all-year round to complete your outfit.
Personal preference and your face shape will play a significant role in what you choose. My suggestion? Go in-store with a trusted friend and try a few different styles until you find something you love. Then rock them all year long!
Some of my favourite style options are:
Cat-eye Sunglasses: These are characterised by their upswept outer corners giving a feminine and glamorous look.
Oversized Sunglasses: These feature large frames and come in round, square and rectangular shapes. They're sure to make a fashion statement!
Aviator Sunglasses: This popular style offers a vintage and bohemian feel.
Wayfarer Sunglasses: This iconic style suits a wide range of face shapes and also comes in many different colours.
This summer, I’ll be wearing oversized sunnies. They suit my face shape the best and I love the Jacquie O vibes, classic and elegant.
SIGNATURE LIPSTICK & PERFUME
This might seem like an odd choice for a fashion newsletter, but your outfit and YOU are viewed as a whole - think about how often you're complimented on your perfume or choice of lipstick!
I recommend finding a signature perfume if you don't already have one. This is a highly personal choice that is worth investing in as you will be wearing it most days.
It’s those final touches that will separate a simple outfit from something very special.
Lastly, a lovely shade of lipstick or lip gloss will seal the deal on a great outfit. Try to have 2 go-to shades that you absolutely love (1 for daytime and 1 for nighttime).
If you know you have a warm skin undertone, choose warm-toned lipsticks.
If your skin is cool-toned, choose cool tones lipstick or lipgloss.
If you're unsure which colours suit you, get help. In the long run, you will save money by not purchasing shades that don’t flatter your colouring.
A beautiful scent has the power to lift your spirits and adds a final interesting dimension to your outfit and presence.
My top 3 favourites are J’dore by Dior, Tobacco Vanille by Tom Ford and Rose de Chine by Tom Ford. Whether you prefer floral, woody, citrusy or oriental, take your time to select something that reflects your personality and makes you feel confident.
Subtle layers of interest through well-chosen accessories will seal the deal on your truly exceptional outfit.
Shop Outfits, Tan Bags & Shoes HERE https://liketk.it/4kK3q
Think gorgeous earrings, an intriguing scent, a divine bag and, best of all, your lovely smile highlighted by your perfect shade of lipstick or lipgloss.
Accessories rock, and they're an easy way to update an outfit, even if it's a few seasons old.
Have fun with your accessories. They are the secret sauce on EVERY great outfit.
Bel xx
Ways you can style with me:
1) Follow my shop @Department_of_Style on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!
2) If you want to add some of these fabulous spring trends to your wardrobe (and you live in Perth), you can book a Personal Shopping Session with me.
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