Accessories can either add magic to your outfit or break the harmony of your style. Although choosing the right jewelry, bags, and shoes can be daunting, the elevation it can offer your outfit makes the extra effort all worth it.
Whether you are just beginning to learn how to accessorize effectively or looking to up your game, this guide walks you through some tips and tricks to master the art of accessorizing.
Adding sparkles with jewelry
The key to choosing the perfect jewelry is picking pieces that complement your outfit without overpowering it. Less is always more when it comes to jewelry, especially when wearing bold-colored outfits or patterned fabric. On the other hand, a minimalistic outfit can accommodate an eye-catching statement piece to make it memorable.
Jewelry has always added sparkle to our appearance. Yet, have you ever wondered about the story behind some of the most precious tektites? Consider the case of Libyan Desert Glass, a unique type of tektite found only in Libya. This material has been used to craft jewelry and other decorative items for thousands of years. Dive deeper into its history and distinctive characteristics to better appreciate this incredible substance and understand how it can be incorporated into your own jewelry designs.
To start, you can begin with earrings and necklaces, two staple accessories that add a sparkle to any outfit. Whether you want to go minimalist with stud earrings or make a statement with hoop earrings, always consider if the shape of your face goes well with your chosen piece. For necklaces, your outfit’s neckline is central to your necklace choice.
Luckily, searching for the right jewelry is much easier these days. Curated online fashion boutiques like Prefontaine make it easy for you to quickly sift through high-quality accessories for both men and women: from jewelry, belts, bags, eyewear to hats.
Balancing function and style with bags
Bags are one of those accessories that are both functional and fashionable, so choosing the right bag for the right occasion and outfit doubles its benefit for you. With many bag shapes and sizes to choose from, finalizing which bag to go for boils down to these factors.
First, consider what activity you are going to. A small clutch might be the perfect choice for a casual night out where you will potentially be walking around or standing a lot, while a larger, fashionable shoulder or tote bag might be ideal for carrying laptops, water bottles, and other essentials for daily work or longer travels.
Another factor to consider is your body type. Like any accessory, your comfort while wearing it can make a huge difference in how you carry yourself. For a smaller stature, larger bags might prove too overwhelming, or they can overpower your whole look.
Lastly, consider the color of the bag you will be using. Neutral-colored bags like an all-around nude clutch, a black duffle bag, or a brown shoulder bag are versatile and can coordinate with just about anything, while an eye-catching handbag with bold colors or patterns can add a pop of personality to your getup.
Stay upright in style with shoes
Shoes can tell a lot about your style and personality, so choosing the right pair for the right occasion is critical to building a lasting first impression. While shoes serve a functional purpose just like bags, a unique advantage it has is that it usually stays worn throughout your activity.
Building on this unique advantage, choosing comfortable shoes that fit well according to your foot size and shape can make or break your day. It can also do wonders for how you carry your outfit and yourself, especially beneficial for activities where you need to bring your A game.
Aside from size, another consideration is what activity you will be going to. For instance, while work environments are now becoming more welcoming towards casual shoes, there are still a myriad of benefits why formal footwear is still advantageous. For lighter activities, however, sneakers or sliders are versatile choices that provide long-term comfort without compromising your style.
Just like any accessory, choosing the perfect pair requires considering the color and style of the rest of your outfit. If your mood for the day is wearing a dress with bold patterns or color, a more neutral-colored shoe can help balance out your look. For a more subtle, plain outfit, pairing it with a pop of color or print in your shoe can make it look more stylized.
Complete your look with eyewear
Just because you need to wear glasses does not mean your sense of style should be hampered. In fact, wearing the correct glasses or shades can provide cohesion to your entire outfit while also offering easy eye protection.
When choosing the right type of eyewear, one factor to consider is your face shape. For instance, rounder-shaped faces go well with angular or rectangular frames, while square-shaped faces can opt for more rounded or oval frames.
Once the frame is set, the next factor is coordinating it with the rest of your outfit. For sunglasses, bold frames can clash with overly-busy or patterned clothing. On the flip side, the right pair of sunglasses can elevate a neutral-palette outfit or a simple silhouette.
Final words about accessorizing
Essentially, treat accessories as an enhancer of your outfit. It lets you turn simple, minimalist getups into memorable looks with bolder accessories, and it also allows you to complete your loud outfit with subtle accessories that redirect the eye to where you want it.
While there are plenty of accessories to choose from, a golden rule that will make it easier to decide is to go with fewer pieces than over-accessorize. While the right accessories can elevate a look, it can also ruin even the most thought-out outfits if overdone.
Make each accessory count. Whether you want to look for pieces in traditional brick-and-mortar stores or curated online fashion boutiques like Prefontaine, make this wealth of choices work to your advantage in taking your next outfit of the day to the next level.