3 Keys to Successful Accessories

Accessories.  They're like the frosting on the cake.  What would carrot cake be without a rich cream cheese frosting?  Or a moist chocolate cake with chocolate ganache icing?  The frosting makes the cake sublime!  Accessories do the same for you.  Here are three ways to sweeten your look with your style of accessories.   

1. UNIQUELY YOU! Well chosen accessories give even the most common "assembly line" clothing a look of distinction.  Using the same basic dress above, we have created a dramatically different look with the addition of a few accessories.  Your accessories are pieces that signal your personal style.  Are you classic/dramatic (above left) or romantic/sportive (above right)?  Or something entirely different?  The accessories you choose and their line, shape, color, texture and pattern all coincide with your unique taste, your physical attributes and the garment they are added to.  If there is a floral pattern in the clothing, repeat it with rounded or floral shapes in the accessories.  If you have black or brown hair,  accessories are a wonderful way to add a touch of "you" to the outfit.  Accessories are a fabulous way to reinforce the best in you.  
2. HIGHLIGHT the POSITIVE.   A well-placed accessory can divert the observer's gaze away from areas on your face or figure where you don't want attention and direct it to an area where you do.  We've all had those days when Mount St. Helens decided to erupt on our face.  Yes, make-up or a large bandaid is an option.  But the make-up never tends to wear off too soon and the bandaid looks nearly as bad as the volcano you're trying to hide.  Instead try adding a dazzling scarf or necklace to draw attention down slightly.  Add blue/green earrings (above right) to draw attention to your blue/green eyes.  Love your slim waist?  Play it up with a fabulous belt!  In a recent presentation, I asked audience members what their favorite attribute was.  One person said that she loves her wrists because they are slender and beautiful.  Her wrists are screaming for a lovely bracelet or bangle.  Accessories can take the attention away from the negative and accentuate the positive.  
3. INSTANT PANACHE, the finishing touch.  A harmonious accessory can be a "completer piece" that pulls together the look of a new outfit coordinating separates and creating a finished appearance.  It's amazing what a few accessories can do to enhance even leggings and t-shirt.  There have been times  when I've been knee deep in housework, with little time to change before going out.  By throwing a ruana on over my t-shirt and jeans, and adding a boot with a heal, I look as polished as ever.  See more on ruanas here.  A nice pattern in the accessories that combines the colors of the basic solid colored pieces is a fabulous way to pull everything together, (pictured above right).  

Well chosen accessories that enhance your PERSONAL STYLE will NEVER BE OUT OF STYLE. Want to delve deeper to discover the details of your personal style?  Join me at the Style Studio in Draper for the ELEVATED PERSONAL STYLE workshop series.  

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