A lot of stylists say that accessorizing one's wardrobe is like
putting icing on a cake. I respectfully disagree. Icing can compensate
for a cake that's lacking in quality; thereby making it taste better
than it really does.
Accessorizing is more like topping a sundae
with a cherry. A well-prepared sundae is delicious on its own; the
cherry only makes it more inviting and appealing.
Clothing accessories work the same way.
Below
you will find tips on some of the more common accessories that can help
complete an outfit, along with suggestions on how to best wear them to
add artistic flair and personality to your wardrobe.
EARRINGS: Earrings come in a wide variety of shapes and styles.
The key is to select earrings which best complement the shape of your
face, draws attention to your best features, and accentuates the color
scheme of your outfit. Most faces are oval or round. Long faces look
best in round earrings (which shorten the face). Short faces look best
in long earrings (which lengthen the face). If your face is round, avoid
earrings which stick out and appear to make your face look wider. This
includes hoops, circles, balls, and pyramid shapes. They are not good
choices for you. Straight, long, or skinny earrings are better choices
because they will elongate your face.
BELTS: Much like earrings, belts come in a variety of shapes
and styles. They can be worn conspicuously, inconspicuously, or
fashionably. Skinnier belts are usually just functional. The bigger a
belt is, the more multi-functional it becomes because it commands (or
deflects) attention as a fashion garment, not just an accessory. Wider
belts can create a waistline where one does not exist. It can also
create a slenderizing effect. Shorter women should wear belts cautiously
with dresses - they tend to visually break the body in half; making you
appear shorter. To appear taller, go for a seamless, tapered waist.
Men
who wear their shirts tucked in while in the workplace, should wear a
belt. Period. Not wearing a belt makes you look incomplete. Black is the
universal color for men's belts; however, a well-dressed man should own
- in addition to black - a brown, navy blue, and grey belt which
matches their pants.
TIES: There has been so much written about the tie as an
accessory and I must say, it's very subjective. I will attempt to reduce
the confusion through simplification: think of a tie as a means of
tying your ensemble together. The shirt, the jacket, the pants -
everything you have on. The tie should add style; not detract from it.
The tie should increase power; not diminish it.
SHOES: Amazingly, shoes are the one fashion item that most men
and women tend to get right (considering the copious options). Women
are inclined to variety and volume, and men instinctively gravitate
towards higher-end shoes when it's time to dress-up. That's a good
choice. I'm partial to my shoes matching my pants, but for most men,
black and/or brown dress shoes which are well-kept and polished, are
essential. Shoe selection should also be seasonal.
Women who wear
high heels with the toes exposed should ALWAYS have the requisite
pedicure and nail polish embellishment! Lack thereof is a serious
offense that shows lack of attention to detail. Ditto for men wearing
dress sandals. Either your toes complement the quality of the shoes you
wear, or they detract from it.
ACCOUTERMENTS: Necklaces, rings, bracelets, watches, scarves,
glasses, and hats are all accouterments. With the exception of hats
(which can be the centerpiece of an ensemble), accouterments and their
importance become magnified when you are under greater scrutiny. No one
will see the diamond ring you are wearing from across the street, but
they will notice it when they engage you in a conversation - along with
the necklace, watch, and bracelet you are wearing. The rule of thumb
with accouterments is less is ALWAYS more, and your metals should always
match. Accouterments should never be used to compensate for an outfit
that lacks flair, but should be used as a subtle tool to enhance it.
Happy accessorizing!
