Accessories, think jewelry, belts, and scarves, often play the part of last-minute outfit additions, a source of some extra eye-catching color or dimension.
This limited role inhibits their incredible ability to entirely transform an outfit (the “make” part of make or break, if you will). For most of us, capsule pieces are the go-to in busy mornings (which, let’s face it, are most), but over time the basic, simple outfit obstructs us from feeling connected to our clothes and feeling put together.
The solution: powerhouse accessories. By learning a couple of go-to rules, you’ll be able to grab a statement jewelry, silk scarf, or belt on your way out the door and achieve the “goal” of your outfit - whether it's to make a good first impression or just showcase your personal style.
The Statement Necklace
Statement necklaces are powerful, allowing you to turn a simple outfit into an elegant or even down-to-earth ensemble. However, it needs its spotlight to make its statement. Think of the statement necklace and the neckline of your top as two pieces of a puzzle - essentially, they need to “fit.” A good rule of thumb is for the necklace to lie above the neckline. However, if it is on the longer side or has a pendant, it can fall over the top, but should take up a prominent amount of space to ensure the neatness of the outfit. In general, choose a complementary neckline if you’re planning on necklace statementing.
If you really want that professionally-put together outfit look, think about the size of the necklace in relation to the outfit. A statement piece doesn’t need to be big or flashy, but rather prominent in itself. If your outfit itself is a bit on the boxier or looser side, opting for thinner, smaller jewelry will allow for your outfit to be most cohesive.
That’s not to say that the outfit and necklace should be opposite in every regard. In fact, the most important thing here: the goal of the necklace needs to match the goal of the outfit. If your clothing is starting to achieve a goal, let’s say professional elegance, the statement necklace needs to finish it.
The Silk Scarf
A highly underrated spring, summer, and even fall staple, the silk scarf is the quickest way to uplevel any outfit in a unique, eye-catching, and most importantly, understated, way. The rules are simple: the scarf should add a pop of distinct color - like the statement necklace, it too requires the spotlight. Think black on black outfit with a light blue silk around the neck - what could be more versatile yet commemorable?
However, the headband look can rival the classic around-the-neck placement, especially on those slow summer days. If you don’t feel like your top is the best canvas for a silk-scarf, the headband style is a great way to add that bit of elegance.
The Belt
For most, the belt’s purpose is functional, but it too actually falls under the category of the one-second outfit-defining accessories. For the classic leather belt, all’s fair so long as the color of the belt contrasts against the color of the pants.
Classic isn’t the only way to go, though. Taking a little bit of time to find a waist-accentuating piece with a unique color or texture could become a staple in your toolbox of outfit-curating pieces. Take the metal belt - it’s almost an outfit in itself. Over a solid, simple outfit, the metal belt is a simple, eye-turning source of color and style.