How To Choose The Right Accessories

Choosing the right accessories to complete your outfit is key to achieving the overall look you want. By changing out your accessories, you can change the entire look of your outfit. Accessories are the key to creating a more versatile wardrobe. There are so many options for accessories out there, that it can be overwhelming. You have shoes, bags, and jewelry, just to name the top categories. How do you know what colors and styles to choose from? And when do you know when enough is enough? Today I’m sharing some tips on how to choose the right accessories to enhance your personal style.

How To Choose The Right Accessories

Choose a Statement Accessory

If you are just starting out in your journey to a more effortless and curated wardrobe, choose one statement accessory to start with that you can wear with multiple outfits. For example you may want to start with a great neutral bag that you can wear with multiple pairs of shoes. Don’t worry about matching accessories. Your bags and shoes do not have to match. To keep your look polished and cohesive, match 2 accessories together. For example, wear a black bag with a black belt, neutral shoes. Alternatively you can wear a straw bag with tan shoes, and a tan belt. Is your statement accessory red shoes? Keep you bag and belt (if wearing a belt) neutral.

The shoes I’m wearing above are the Sezane Paula Babies. They fit true to size. I generally wear a size 7 or 7.5 (depending on the brand. In most American sizes and I wear a 7, and in European sizes I wear a 37.5). I take the Paula Babies in size 7 (they will arrive stamped French size 38 due to the size conversion). If you want to match your shoes with your bag, this polished camel color matches the leather Farrow bag perfectly!

Think About Color

Think about what type of outfits you normally wear. Do you prefer more neutral outfits, or do you wear lots of color? If you are looking to just add a few staples accessories into your wardrobe, I would say that you neutral loving gals should try adding some color into your looks with accessories. A pop of color in your shoes can really make a statement. For those who love color and pattern, your wardrobe needs some neutral accessories to help ground your looks.

 

Mix Textures and Materials

Mixing textures and materials gives depth to an outfit and makes it more interesting. Playing with different textures can take an outfit from ordinary to extraordinary. For example, try adding in a woven handbag to a minimal outfit, or mixing raffia and leather. Patent leather shoes add a statement shine to your look and pair great with cozy textures such as wool. Think of mixing textured raffia and smooth linen, shiny patent leather and cozy wool, and smooth leather with patterns like stripes.

 

Give Yourself Options

Having a few go-to accessories will take you far. Rather than adding new clothing items to your wardrobe, get into the habit of swapping out accessories instead. Take your black t-shirt dress and pair it with ballet flats and a scarf for the office, gold heels and a clutch for dinner out, and switch to classic sneakers and a large tote for everyday errands. Choose the right accessories to match the occasion or vibe you are going for.

 

How to Choose the Right Accessories: Create Balance

One statement piece is all you need. Whether your statement is clothing or an accessory, less is more. Wearing a bold floral dress to brunch? Keep your accessories simple and neutral. Have a great little black dress you want to wear to a casual dinner out? Wear simple gold or silver jewelry like earrings and a bracelet (to show off reaching for your drink), and a pop of color in your bag or shoes.

 

Shoes

Shoes are probably the most important accessory to consider. Having the right shoes can make or break an outfit. But it can be overwhelming deciding what shoes to wear. First, choose your shoes to match the occasion. You don’t want to wear sneakers to a dressy dinner event, just like you don’t want to wear heels to a baseball game. When in doubt, go for flat shoes like loafers, ballet flats, or mules. They can easily be paired with casual or dressy outfits.

In general for everyday style, having a go-to pair of low-profile sneakers and classic flats is ideal. For summer, aim to have a pair of flat sandals and chic flats to go with every outfit. One being open toe for more casual events and hot daytime looks. The other being closed toe such as ballet flats or mules for dressier yet still casual occasions (or rain!). In fall and winter, chic boots are a must. It’s also the time of year I like to get my leather loafers out. Sneakers are great to have all year long!

For a complete and versatile wardrobe, where you can easily find something to wear in your closet, the right shoes are key! Here are some great shoes to have as a go-to.

 

You may also be interested in my Inez shoes review. Inez is my most-worn brand for heels and boots. You can also take 15% off with TaraFHM15.

 

Bags

Shoes may be the most important fashion accessories, but bags are my favorite! I love how a great bag can elevate any look. And totally change the outfit vibe too. You can take a simple outfit from being effortlessly casual to upscale chic. Larger bags generally give off a more casual vibe, no matter the brand. Opt for slouchy leather bags for everyday fall looks, and raffia bags from spring to summer. Smaller shoulder bags and clutch bags can dress up an outfit with their sleek designs.

Save 10% on J. Lowery bags, including this cane bag, with TARA10.

 

Jewelry

Choose only one statement piece to pair with simpler jewelry pieces. If you are wearing statement earrings, you do not also need a necklace and bracelet. Keep it simple for a chic look. Statements earrings go great with a bracelet. A necklace may be too much and overwhelm the look. Alternatively, when wearing a statement necklace, opt for studs or small earrings. You can also choose to keep all of your jewelry simple and wear as much as you like! It’s important to consider how to choose the right accessories, but also how many to include!

 

Hair Accessories

Hair accessories like clips, headbands, hair bows, and barrettes can be great for comfort, as well as for adding some details to your outfit. Style your hair accessories like you would style jewelry. Keep in mind balance. A statement headband looks great with simple earrings, while wearing a large barrette can can compliment bolder earrings. Keep Coco Chanel’s general style rule in mind- “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory”. Less is more.

 

Belts

Belts are a functional and stylish accessory that can add interest to an outfit. Generally, pants with belt loops should be worn with a belt. However I do not always follow this rule. Sometimes you just want to keep it simple. However for the times where a belt is needed, or can really elevate your look, it’s great to have a go-to neutral belt, and black belt. Take a look at your wardrobe to see what type of belt you need. Slim belts make a pants outfit look polished, while wider belts can elevate even the most casual black dress. This iconic Celine belt is a timeless statement piece. I wear this in a size 75 (for reference I wear size 24 or 25 in jeans. And the same size in the Gucci belt).

 

Scarves

Scarves are a versatile accessory that can be styled so many ways. You can wear silk twill scarves around your neck, tied to a bag, or in your hair. You can even use them as a wrap for chilly summer evenings. They are a great way to add color or texture to a minimal outfit. In winter, layer your wool and cashmere scarves over your winter coat for an easy effortless vibe.

 

Hats

Hats are one accessory that took me a while to really appreciate. I love them now! I think that finding a hat you feel good in can be a challenge. You really have to try on different styles to see what you like best. Then you can search for those styles and feel confident wearing them. For summer, and for traveling to warmer climates, a straw hat is key! There are so many different styles to choose from. You can read my previous post on how to wear a straw hat for more tips and outfit inspiration. Every classic wardrobe needs a straw hat!

For colder months, a great cashmere beanie can be so chic. They are a timeless winter accessory. For a more modern and edgy look, try a wool cap. To add contrast to your winter look, choose a color opposite your hair color. For example, pair darker hair with a white or tan hat, and a black or gray hat with lighter air. If you don’t want the hat to stand out as a statement piece, choose a complimentary color to your hair.

 

For a complete and versatile wardrobe, having different types of accessories will save you the trouble of figuring out what to wear. How often do you buy clothes yet never wear them because you don’t have the right accessories to match the outfit? Start with pieces you are missing from your closet, and add from there. Remember that neutral accessories are your mot versatile options. But choosing the right accessories to match your personal style is key!