How to accessorize

It’s easy to ruin an otherwise great outfit by choosing the wrong accessories. But, on the flip side, it’s easy to make an ordinary outfit look great with the right accessories.

What side would you rather be on? To look great? I thought as much. Walk with me as we learn how to accessorize correctly.

If you don’t know what to do when it comes to accessorizing, the good news is it’s easy to learn a few guidelines to stylishly accessorize and complete your outfit. It could be with the right type of jewellery, shoes, belt, hat, sunglasses or even a Fragrance.

1. Jewellery is the most basic accessory. If you’re wearing neutral, plain colours, you can wear almost any colour of jewellery. Choose a body part to focus on and stick with it. If you pick earrings, leave your neck bare (except shimmer powder if you are so inclined) ; if you choose your neck, feel free to load it with necklaces, dainty and clunky alike, but wear the tiniest, most understated earrings possible, like tiny rhinestone studs or pearls.

For the hands, don’t put on a lot of bracelets and rings at the same time. Don’t go overboard. However, you can wear a few rings for an interesting look.

2. Face it, if everything matched, life would be very boring. If you were wearing a white tank top and dove-grey trousers and really wanted to wear the white belt with silver pinstripes, you could wear the belt, but choose the blue and purple bracelets instead of the silver ones. If you’re wearing a black and white flowered top, then you could pop on an electric blue medium sized beaded necklace and some cute blue earrings (hoops work well). If you’re wearing something like a pink and green layered shirt, you could add some yellow, black, or even purple.

3. Belts are a way of accessorizing your shirts, pants and even dresses. There are different types of belts: thin ones, colourful ones or big bold ones. Ensure you pick one that compliments your outfit.

4. Sunglasses. Need I say more? With the Nigerian sun, you need at least one pair of sunglasses, which serve as both a fashion accessory and protective gear for the eyes. There are many styles to suit different facial types.

5. Handbags add character to a basic outfit. Whether it is a large oversized tote or a signature novelty bag, one should never overlook the importance of a remarkable bag. Using a large handbag instead of a clutch can transform your dress from classy to casual.

6. Shoes can instantly transform a garment into sexy or casual. Adding a pump, peep toe, or stiletto to any outfit will instantly glam it up for an evening out on the town. Platforms, sandals, and flip-flops will automatically shift your ensemble into casual mode.

In conclusion…

With harmony in mind, it’s still crucial to remember the golden rule in accessorizing: Don’t overdo it. That’s when the look falls apart and ‘ridiculous’ comes together. That means:

Choosing a focal point (only one statement piece at a time).

Choosing between large earrings and a large necklace, or any other pieces in close vicinity.

Refraining from being too ‘match matchy’ with your accessories. That gorgeous vintage owl pendant loses its charm when you pair it with an owl bracelet and owl ring.

Remember that your number one accessory should be your wonderful personality. You want people to like you, not your clothes. Shine on!