Style File #1: Accessories

Style File #1: Accessories

Ever picked out a perfect outfit, tried it on, fits great.  Get it home, adore it.  A few days later, outfit on, make up done, ready to strut your stuff because you know you are bad… Look in the mirror… What the What?  Outfit just looks… #FaceFrownedUp… PLAIN.

Let me help.  It is easy to ruin a great outfit by choosing not so great or NO accessories.  On the flip, it’s just as easy to make a homely outfit great with the right finishing touches.  This is true for ensembles that you wear to work, on the weekend, or for a night out on the town.  PSA: this also holds true for men.   A coworker of mine, who dresses really nice I may add, was admiring another co-workers necklace and commented, “You all accessorize very well.  I need to learn to use accessories.”  Upon hearing this, I shared my love of accessories and my thoughts on how if done right, they make you tastefully standout-ish.  She interjected, “Yeah, but it is so high

maintenance and fussy.  Who has time to do all that matching up accessory to outfit every morning?”   Instantly it clicked for me that this was indeed a Go-Getter Girl mentoring moment.

When you present yourself, someone is ALWAYS taking your measure.   We all do it.  When a person walks into a room, instantly you know if you would date them, hire them, or even be their friend.  Your appearance means A LOT!  I am not saying you have to be a fashion diva, however, a GGG always looks polished and self-aware.  Why accessories?  They tie an outfit together in a cost conscious way.  How? Accessories can update an older outfit and make it last another season.  No need to have a million outfits, just change up your accessories.  They make it easy to change the style of an outfit – from casual to formal, chic to artsy.  Did I mention that they help bring attention to your best features and minimize the ones you don’t like? 

The Low Down

Accessorizing is an art and sometimes takes practice.   Here are some tips on getting it right.

1.       Harmonize accessories with your outfit:  Make sure there is a common theme between your outfit and accessories.  The theme could me a monochromatic color match, or complimentary color matching.  You can create a multitude of themes, just be creative!

2.       Body size and scale matters when choosing accessories: If you are…

Small framed choose small to medium size accessories

Medium framed you can choose any size accessories; just make sure you balance them out.  Pick one focal piece and scale down the rest.

Large framed choose medium to larger pieces to balance out the size, but again the rule of thumb is to pick one focal piece and scale down the rest.

3.       Shoes are accessories too: They should be considered for your body size and bone structure.  If you have small ankles, wear a shoe with slimmer heel /soles to balance your legs.  Larger ankles and calves look best with a wider or more substantial heel /sole.

4.       Make sure statement jewelry is used to make the right statement.  These focal pieces are supposed to draw attention.  They are usually of bright color or striking design.  Use them only to draw attention to your most beloved features. 

What’s Hot Right Now!!

The Über Chic Chain Strapped Bag and Scarves to keep the winter nights toasty.

The Wrap Up

Accessories are for enhancement and you should get used to using them to pull your outfit together.   But please do it right.  Here are some mistakes to avoid and some tips to remember.  If you don’t like your neck, don’t wear a statement necklace, unless it is long and you are emphasizing your breasts!!  On the same note, if you are in a professional environment, it may not be wise to wear an accessory that draws the eye down your neckline to your chest…(well if that is the look you want, GO FOR IT, but don’t get mad when your grand idea is not heard in that meeting J)  If you have big feet, Don’t wear narrow shoes, you are only drawing attention to your foot size.  Remember, balance is what you are looking for.   If you are tall and want to balance your height, where long pieces that draw the eye down to your center.  If you are short, pieces that draw the eye up make you look taller and slimmer.   A polished look is achieved through balance, accessorize well and DON’T OVER DO IT!!!

Please share you accessorizing tips with us!!

Until next time, Lipstick kisses,

Ms. Me