How to accessorize

“Accessorize? Yeah, right. I have no idea what to do. I wear my favorite scarf the same way every day. Belts? Yep, got ‘em. But I never wear them. I’m embarrassed to say, I don’t know how to wear one. Really. Isn’t that crazy?”

Does this sound like you?

I’ve been talking to a few girls this week about style and believe it or not this was a topic of conversation. Accessorizing is frustrating for many because no one is quite sure how to wear accessories and pull them off with confidence.

I love accessories for 5 reasons:

  1. They dress up a casual outfit: Jeans and a tee isn’t very exciting (In fact they can give you the blues – pun intended!) But toss on a few accessories such as a chunky belt, a colorful scarf, and a French beret, your look is elevated from “casual” to  “Check-me-out Chic.”
  2. They take an outfit from plain-vanilla to vanilla raspberry swirl sorbet!: Bored with your boardroom basics? Nothing can put a spark in your step more than bling! Don on a statement necklace (Yes, you can!), a bold ring or two, and a colorful watch, and watch your outfit go from “Boardroom Boring” to “Bold and Brilliant!”
  3. They really help show off your personal style: Do you like bold color-blocking or florals? Are you a Boho Chick, a Modern Maven, or Classic Kelly Girl? Wear accessories* that compliment your style personality, and find ways that are unique as you.
  4. They can create a memorable “Style Signature.”: Wearing a type of accessory on a daily basis gives you a signature that people will remember you by. Think Jackie Onassis and her big sunglasses.
  5. They create a put-together look: Any outfit that doesn’t have at least a few accessories will not look complete or put-together…like there’s something missing. And there is! Put some on. 🙂

Ok..so you’re probably thinking…”Great reasons, Michelle. And I get it. But I still don’t know how. Can you give me some general rules, tips…something, please?”

Ask and you shall receive!

Here are my top 3 that I personally live by:

  1. This one is a pet peeve: If you’ve got belt loops and they are going to be seen in your outfit, make sure you’re wearing a belt. I don’t care if you’re only doing a front tuck and all I see of your pant or skirt waistband is 4” in the front, thread a belt through. Nuff said – K?
  2. Learn at least 3 ways to wear a scarf around your neck: *Then play with some other ways to wear them that shows a bit of your personality. Wrap a scarf around your head, tie a small one on your wrist and top it off with a cool bracelet or watch. Take a skinny scarf and loop it through your belt loops and finish it off in a bow. Drape a large square scarf over your shoulder and lock it in with a belt around your waist, a la ‘Out of Africa.” Get creative ladies! You can do it! And you can wear it!
  3. Learn to love jewelry: I’m always surprised when a girl tells me she doesn’t wear any. Wha’at?! That is one of the benefits about being a girl. We have soo many choices to pick from (OK if the variety of choices is the problem, get clear on your style and then find pieces to compliment.) It doesn’t have to be expensive fine jewelry or big and bold. Find a few pieces that make you smile, feel pretty, or shout out “That is soo ME!” Even if it’s just a leather wristband with a small silver surfboard charm dangling from it. 🙂

That’s it for this week.

Now, it’s your turn. I’d love to hear from you.  Your insights and inspiration are appreciated so please share your stories in the comments below. Oh…and your email address is not “required” even though it says so. 🙂 Don’t even ask.

Blog me.

Love,

~Michelle

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