How to Elevate Your Look With Accessories

Accessories are the unsung heroes of any wardrobe. While clothing often gets the most attention when it comes to style, it’s the right accessories that can truly take an outfit from basic to fabulous.

The perfect accessories inject interest, personality and polish into any look. They have the power to pull together an outfit, make a statement, and express your personal flair. Accessories are also an affordable way to update your existing wardrobe so it always feels fresh and modern.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into how to build an accessory collection that elevates your outfits. You’ll discover tips for choosing statement pieces that speak to your personal style, learn how to seamlessly integrate accessories into any look, and get seasonal inspiration to keep your wardrobe feeling new.

Why Thoughtfully Chosen Accessories Are Key

Great accessories serve many invaluable purposes. Here’s a closer look at some of the ways they boost your style when chosen thoughtfully:

They Add Visual Interest

Accessories introduce extra details – colors, textures, shapes, sheen – that clothing alone can’t provide. This added visual flair naturally draws the eye in.

For example, a shiny brooch will stand out against a neutral sweater. A colorful patterned scarf amplifies a solid colored coat. Interesting accessories keep outfits from falling flat.

They Update Existing Wardrobe Staples

Carefully chosen new accessories like bags, shoes, jewelry are an affordable way to keep your wardrobe looking fresh, current and modern.

Swapping last season’s go-to tote for this season’s must-have bag shape instantly gives your outfits a 2023 upgrade without buying new clothes. The same goes for trying modern jewelry shapes like hoops and statement earrings.

They Pull Looks Together

Some accessories serve the important purpose of completing an outfit. Think the perfect necklace that brings harmony to an eclectic top and bottom. Or the designer heels that instantly elevate a basic dress into eveningwear.

The right accessories often have the power to “make” an outfit by pulling all the elements together into a polished, put-together look. Like the belt that cinches a loose dress, giving it shape and structure.

They Let You Show Off Your Personal Style

Accessories often serve as the best outlet for expressing your personal style. The types of bags, jewelry and other accessories you gravitate toward demonstrate your tastes and flair.

Do you love vintage? Pick unique antique jewelry finds. Have an edgy street style? Layer on chains and spikes. Lean feminine? Opt for silk scarves and pearls. Accessories telegraph style subtleties clothing alone can’t convey.

How to Choose Elevating Accessories That Work For You

Now that you know the power of accessories, it’s time to start building your arsenal. Follow these tips to choose pieces you’ll actually wear that gracefully elevate your look:

Consider Your Lifestyle and Needs

Active moms need practical accessories like crossbody bags that can carry snacks, wipes and toys. Fashion editors may go bold with the latest runway statement pieces. Professionals keep it subtle with traditional shapes and natural materials.

Whatever your lifestyle, choose accessories that make sense and serve your daily needs. If you’ll really wear something often, it’s worth the investment. Trendy seasonal pieces can fill occasional needs.

Seek Out Versatile, Classic Shapes

Versatile accessories with classic shapes transcend seasonal trends. They coordinate seamlessly with multiple outfits in your wardrobe for cost-per-wear value.

For example, stud earrings, hoops, pendant and paperclip necklaces, watches with simple faces, structured handbags like top handle satchels and totes easily transition between casual, work and evening wear.

Invest In Quality for Longevity

Quality designer accessories often retain or increase value over fast fashion trend pieces. Metals won’t tarnish. Leathers develop a patina. And they’ll elevate your look for decades rather than seasons.

Do your research to find brands known for excelling in timeless accessories made to last through years of wear. Pay attention to materials, hardware and craftsmanship. Treat investment accessories with care for longevity.

Coordinate With Your Wardrobe’s Color Palette

Pay attention to the color palette already present in your wardrobe, and choose handbags, shoes, jewelry and other accessories that coordinate.

If you gravitate toward neutrals, seek accessories in complementary tan, black, ivory, metallics and blush tones. Love brights? Pick accessories in your go-to hues. Contrasting colors can make fun statements.

Matching metals to corresponding colors is another way to achieve cohesion. Like wearing gold jewelry with camel, beige and brown. Or silver with black, white, cool blues.

Consider Scale and Proportions

The size, shape and visual weight of accessories affects how seamlessly they’ll integrate into your look. Overly large or prominent accessories can overpower petite frames and silhouettes.

To balance proportions, pair smaller accessories with oversized, voluminous garments. Or anchor an expansive coat with a prominent statement bag. Contrast slim and wide straps and hardware.

Follow your eye to see what looks balanced or off-kilter. Proper proportions allow accessories to elevate rather than overwhelm.

Using Accessories to Elevate Different Outfits

Now for the fun part – let’s explore how to use accessories to elevate some of the main staples in your wardrobe!

Elevating Casual Everyday Looks

Your daily jeans/tee/sneakers uniform craves accessories to give it that “wow” factor. Elevate casual ensembles with:

• Statement necklaces: Oversize pendants, clusters of chains, sculptural shapes
• Cuff bracelets: Wide sculptural bangles add flair to a basic tee or button-down
• Bag upgrade: Trade basic totes for an interesting shaped crossbody or leather bucket bag
• Jewelry layering: Stack dainty and bold chains, rings for visual interest

Elevating Work & Professional Looks

Keep it professional but polished by accessorizing with:

• Leather briefcase or laptop bag: Carry your essentials in sophisticated full-grain leather
• A great work tote: Roomy structured totes project confidence
• Sleek watch: An elegant timepiece proves you’re serious about your work
• Simple studs or drop earrings: Polished touches like pearls, gold, gemstone

Elevating Evening & Going Out Looks

Make your party outfit truly shine with:

• Bold cocktail ring: Make a colorful jewel or sparkler the focal point
• Shoulder-grazing statement earrings: Command attention with some dramatic dazzle
• Clutch: Sleek leather or metallic minaudière pulls any look together
• Wrap or stole: Far more glamorous than a coat when temperatures drop

Elevating Relaxed Weekend Wear

Give your jeans and tee some weekend flair with:

• A great crossbody: Hands-free functionality with lots of character
• Scarf: Drape a colorful silk scarf around your neck for instant polish
• Fun sunglasses: Go bold with retro cat-eyes or colorful lens shapes
• Stacking bracelets: Layering thin metals and natural materials give off relaxed vibes

How to Style and Wear Accessories Seamlessly

Once your accessory arsenal is stocked with elevating options, it’s time to learn styling skills that help them gracefully integrate into your looks. Follow these expert tips:

Pay Attention to Overall Silhouette

Consider the total shape your accessories combined create. Too many bold, prominent pieces competing for attention looks mismatched.

If your outfit silhouette is slim, balance it out with just one or two prominent accessories like a substantial necklace or sculptural earrings. Let them shine.

On the flip side, if your look already has a lot of volume on top from an oversized sweater or coat, keep accessories petite. Too many layers and scales clash.

Follow the Color Palette

Combine accessories in the same color family for visual harmony. You want pieces to complement each other, not compete.

For example, pair a cognac leather belt with matching brown handbag and booties. Or combine different blue jewelry pieces – lighter and darker tones with unifying metallic silvers and gold.

Mix Textures and Shapes

Too much of one texture or shape looks flat. Create visual interest by combining opposing textures and shapes.

Try pairing the sleek shine of a metal watch with the nubby texture of a wool sweater. Or mix round pearl studs with the sharp lines of a geometric cocktail ring. Contrasts make accessories pop.

Consider Appropriateness To Occasion

The event or setting dictates the accessories vibe that works. Daytime occasions call for simple sophistication. Nighttime is the chance to glam it up.

For the office, choose subtle, traditional jewelry in metallics, pearls, gemstones. Save the sparkly statement pieces for evening events where making an entrance is welcome.

Professional environments call for structured bags. Weekends and travel are perfect for carefree crossbody bags or backpack styles. Adjust accordingly.

Seasonal Accessory Swaps

One of the easiest ways to transition your wardrobe between seasons is by swapping in some fresh seasonal accessories.

Here are some ideas to refresh your look each season:

Spring Accessory Inspo

Spring is time for shedding winter layers and welcoming back brighter days. Lighten up your accessory vibe:

• Pastel bags: Elle Woods would approve of flirty pink, mint or buttery yellow
• Floral pins: Mini fabric flowers on lapel or collars signal spring is here
• Brightly colored flats: Bring your neutrals to life with lime, sky blue, or coral
• Straw bags and sunhats: These natural textures say goodbye winter blues
• Statement sunglasses: Make UV protection fun in retro cat-eye or tiny lens shapes

Easy Summer Accessory Swaps

Keep your look light and breezy in summer heat with:

• Canvas tote bags: Lightweight and practical for carrying all your summer gear
• Poppy scarves or bandanas: Bright prints worn around your neck or head
• Beaded jewelry: Colorful, lightweight pieces in wood, shell and enamels
• Slides and simple sandals: Your feet deserve some air!
• Bucket hats or baseball caps: Shady staples for blocking sun

Fall Accessory Inspiration

As leaves start falling, embrace cozier textures paired with seasonal brights:

• Oversized circle scarf: Cozy up in a chunky knit infinity scarf
• Rich leather handbags: Luxe leather in classic black, brown, oxblood, burgundy
• Booties: The quintessential fall ankle boot with walkable block heel
• Pendant necklaces: Layer a statement jewel for instant polish
• Blanket scarf: Stay warm at the big game or apple orchard

Winter Accessory Ideas

Fend off winter chills in style with:

• Fuzzy pom pom beanies: Playful texture keeps your head and ears toasty
• Cold weather gloves: Cashmere-lined leather gloves mean business
• Chunky knit blankets: Stay cozy traveling or retreating indoors
• Faux fur earmuffs: Plush textures with personality to brighten winter blues
• Metallic crossbody bags: Punchy golds, roses, silvers to complement winter neutrals

Key Takeaways for Elevating Any Look With Accessories

• Accessories introduce critical detail, interest and personality that clothing alone can’t achieve. Thoughtfully chosen accessories often “make” an outfit.
• Seek out versatile, classic accessories with quality and longevity over fleeting seasonal trends. Build a capsule of go-to pieces that elevate year-round.
• Choose accessories that make sense for your lifestyle needs and coordinate seamlessly with your existing wardrobe color palette.
• Follow styling guidelines like balancing proportions, mixing textures and considering occasion appropriateness.
• Refresh your look throughout the seasons by swapping seasonal accessories like scarves, jewelry, bags, hats and shoes.

Great accessories both elevate and accentuate. With the tips in this guide, you’re ready to start curating a collection of go-to pieces that lend polish, interest and self-expression to every outfit in your wardrobe!