One of the things I’ve noticed about fashionable women is that it’s not just their clothes that look great, their outfits are always punctuated with great accessories. Often great style is in the details.
Like fashion itself, the shapes, silhouettes and colors of accessories change with the times. Usually the coolest new looks are the hardest to find, but that trendy handbag or fresh from the runway necklace style can be combined with older clothes to create an outfit that looks new and fresh. For instance, emerald green is the color of 2013, but a pretty green stone necklace is a lot easier to wear than bright green trousers. Investing in some fun, new, trendy accessories can update your wardrobe for the season even if the current crop of fashion trends aren’t to your taste.
Handbags That Do More Than Hold Your Money
Purses don’t just hold the things you need, they complete your look. During the week I usually carry a basic black leather purse, but on the weekend I choose a purse based on what I’m wearing. A fun purse with interesting details can add some excitement to a simple outfit. A chic clutch bag can make jeans and a t-shirt look daring.
Shoes, Sandals and Boots
No, your shoes do not have to match your handbag. In fact, the coolest shoes these days are really wild and crazy. Spikes, studs, straps, color blocking, mesh, and jewels have all found their way to our feet. Personally I have a thing for cut-outs, multi-straps and kitten heels.
Scarves Are For All Ages
It seems that every one has their own ideas about how to use scarves. Some people wear them as belts. Some people tie them around the strap of their handbag. Others drape them casually around their shoulders and some wear them only as outerwear for warmth. Any way you wear them scarves are great accessories. I like to add a scarf to an otherwise simple outfit to give it some some color and pattern.
Jewelry
Most women agree that jewelry should be a part of every outfit. I wear a lot of costume jewelry, but fine jewelry can be a statement as well. Some of the newer trends for early 2013 include black gold jewelry and black diamonds. Examples of these trends can be found at Front Jewelers. Personally I don’t have much black jewelry, but I’d like more. Black goes with almost everything, and it’s so mysterious.
*Consideration was received for the editing and publishing of this post.
Women should always choose carefully the “accessories” they wear: they are the miracle touch which will enhance the simplest outfit and bring harmony to it.
No need to say the SCARF is a major one !
xo
Anne Touraine (Playing with Scarves)
I can’t think scarf without thinking of you! Also love the photos of yourself that you’re sharing on your blog. Keep it up! It’s totally inspirational.
Twitter: over50feeling40
January 23, 2013 at 4:41 am #
I have to admit to being a bit of an accessory addict. It is a great way to add personal style and creative flair to a wardrobe for reasonable costs. But I also will confess, that I reacently purchased a pair of emerald green pants during the after Christmas sales…I had a great coupon!!
Cupon and emerald green pants sound great to me! I do have an emerald green jacket that I got at the Goodwill for around $5. I wear it almost like an accessory. It’s a statement into itself.
This is a great post and I totally agree. Accessories can really bring out the best in an outfit. As long as they are not overdone.
That’s very true. You do have to choose your accessories to balance the outfit.
With you 100%. levis and a hanes tshirt with killer accessories can be editorial. Love this post.
amanda
http://thingstoholdandstir.blogspot.com/
amanda recently posted..she’s is a full-on monet.
Thanks Amanda!
Oh yes…. accessories are the things I NEED. Personally I am a big necklace fan. But really everything to adorn me is good. Bags, jewellery, scarfs, belts,… you name it.
I saw some fine examples in your photos. And my magpie-eyes saw your beautiful ring in the last photo…. lovely!
nofearoffashion recently posted..Black poncho, cream trousers
Thank you Greetje. My father gave me that ring. I love it. (:
Twitter: fashion_Frwd40
January 23, 2013 at 11:32 am #
Great piece. I have always been someone who likes to play with accessories. Although I will be the first to admit I didn’t come around to “purses” until my late 20s. I have always been a lover of scarves, broaches, necklaces, etc. I am relying more and more on thrift, vintage or local artisans lately. I like adding a bit of a vintage feel to my outfits, and find accessories is an easy way to do that.
Hi Tracey, so glad you like the article. I have been into fashion for as long as I can remember, with purses and shoes high on the list, but I don’t remember there being such a focus on accessories in the past. It feels like the accents to the outfit become more and more important every year.
Twitter: annembray
January 23, 2013 at 12:11 pm #
I am a scarf addict. And my silver rings never come off.
Speaking of black diamonds, my good friend, Chloe Bernbach, designs really cool pieces with the diamonds set in reverse, so they look spiky.
bernbachstudio.com/
anne the SpyGirl recently posted..Granny Squared, Doubled Down
Anne, that sounds very cool! I have to check those out.
I really like this post. Accessories are an amazing way to make your outfit pop. I really like what you did with this post. The pix are amazing.
Kat
http://lifeasathriftygurl.blogspot.com/
ThriftyGurl Boutique recently posted..Today is Inauguration Day – Why Not be Chic
Hi Thrifty Gurl! Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment. I’m so glad you like the post!
Twitter: citizenrosebudz
January 24, 2013 at 11:00 am #
Scarves are the new it bag.
Bella Q, The Citizen Rosebud recently posted..Picture Perfect: Local Color
LOL. Is it OK if I totally steal your quote?
I’ve always really respected the power of accessories to make a look more personal! And there are so many options out there! Lately I have been playing with a lot of hair accessories….
Alexis Grace recently posted..Chanel Spring 2013 Couture Collection
Hair accessories were so hot when I was young. Then they all but disappeared, and now they’re coming back. If you like them do them now!
Hi there- a great post and accessories really do make an outfit, I am into red at the moment so any future buys will be this colour to fit in with existing pieces!
Hi Mystyle! Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment. I too LOVE red, and am wearing a lot of lipstick in that color right now. It would be nice to have a red purse too.
Couldn’t agree with you more, accessories make or break an outfit! love your jewels with the plaid shirt, and those black sandals are amazing! I also love hats, I’m wearing a neat vintage hat in my latest outfit post
I’m so behind on my blog reading Shanti! But I’ll check out your hat soon. I’m sure it’s very fab. (:
Twitter: triplyksis
January 26, 2013 at 4:20 pm #
I couldn’t agree more. A great accessory can make or break an outfit!
Adiel recently posted..Sneaker Surprise
Thanks Adiel!
Twitter: arashmazinani
January 27, 2013 at 4:25 am #
I posted this on Google+ because I agree that a lot of people fail to take accessories seriously. They’ll spend money on clothes and just fail to accessorise. But good accessories can transform your outfit and are an easy way to dabble in trends. The example about emerald green is a perfect one; if it’s only going to be hot for one season then why spend $100 on an Emerald jacket or piece of clothing that may last you one season?
Grab a scarf for $20 and then it doesn’t matter if you keep it for 12 months.
I do think though that in the last couple of season there is a trend for everyone, whether it’s one of the key trends or a micro-trend it’s almost at the point of ‘anything goes’ now.
Arash Mazinani recently posted..The Definitive Ladies Spring Summer 2013 Trend Report
It feels like it’s “anything goes”, but I don’t think that’s really true. There are always shapes that are “in” and shapes that are “out”. Having said that I do think women have more options now than maybe ever before. In terms of accessories it really is anything goes. High heels, low heels (if you can find them) or flats, they’re all perfectly acceptable. As are scarves in all colors and all kinds of jewelry. I’m so glad you like the post Arash! Thanks so much for sharing it on Google.
Twitter: totalcitygirl
January 27, 2013 at 4:44 pm #
I love the color green but not sure if emerald is a shade I really love. I have seen that this is a hot color for Spring. I may have to try something I like your accessory ideas to ease into it.
Stacey – Total City Girl recently posted..52 Week Photo Challenge – Week 4 – Disgusting
I hope you find something wonderful in Emerald to test the waters. It’s supposed to be THE color for 2013.
Your post really helps me to work easily. Thanks for providing such important information.
You’re welcome.
I can’t live without earrings. I wear earrings everyday.
And your ideal of wearing green stone necklace instead of bright green trousers is great!!!
Thanks Jenny.