Many of us work to minimize the amount of clothes we purchase and hold on to long term. I encourage seasonal wardrobe shifting for everyone and buying what you love and need, and good quality secondhand whenever possible. And yet, I would be utterly LOST without accessories to punctuate outfits and create new looks around a wardrobe, even one that is a capsule of staples. Did I mention I’m an accessories SUPER FAN?

The most common accessories that get to play with our wardrobes are:

Jewelry – earrings, bracelets, necklaces, anklets etc!
Footwear – boots, sandals, slides, heels, loafers, platforms, sneakers etc!
Handbags – crossbody, tote, clutch, shoulder, belly etc!

However, don’t forget a sprinkling of what I consider the secondary (but no less fun) tier:

Belts – thin, wide, printed, leather, fabric, obi etc!
Hats – berets, fedoras, cowboy, sun, bucket, visor etc!
Scarves – silk, cotton, neckerchief, wrap, purse ornament, wrist etc!
Headbands – jeweled, skinny, wide, cloth, hard, puffy etc!
Hair Jewelry – barrette, clip, pin, comb, prong etc!
Ribbons and Bows – for hair, collar, small, large, long, short etc!
Manicures - full throttle faux, understated natural etc!

I find accessories often confound clients. Which kind? How many? Worn with what?

The key is to balance accessories twofold; first with your outfit, and second with one another. Consider a style and jewelry icon like Iris Apfel – she is unabashedly in the ‘more is more’ camp. However, notice that while she piles on the jewelry, it is often tonal and complimentary to her clothing, and creates texture and interest for the eye of the beholder. She keeps her hair simple and doesn’t also wear a scarf around her neck and a belt, etc. Like all masters of style, she tells a story and invites a kind of play in the total look so all is harmonious.

Even if you are in the ‘less is more’ camp, identify the metals (or other materials) and accessory categories you prefer. For example, yellow gold over silver and never bracelets because they get in the way of your typing. Real or vegan leather sandals with support versus flat because you know your feet hurt in the latter. Knowing this kind of thing about yourself allows you to edit down or fill in your existing collection regardless of category, price point or season. (Sidebar: YOU ARE ALLOWED TO CHANGE ‘YOUR TASTE’! It’s only natural to evolve with time, trends, and lifestyle changes. Plus, it’s fun to mix it up if you want!)

No matter your preferred poison, the accessories I always suggest are the ones that feel exciting, comfortable and pleasing FOR YOU to wear. As with all we put on, accessories are another opportunity to express your personal style, even if that is something that changes daily. (And it is a lot easier to change out shoes or earrings than a closet of clothes!) Choose the ones that fit your taste, mood and budget.

Remember, the same outfit can go from day to night, conservative to edgy, prim to sexy with something as simple as the change of even one accessory. Don’t be afraid to experiment a little and watch how these details expand your outfit options exponentially! Want help? Give me a shout.

- Stephanie Gisondi-Little

@composed_co