Accessorizing Your Wardrobe

Having a nicely curated collection of accessories is just as important as having a great wardrobe. The right scarf, piece of jewelry, belt or purse can often help to tie an outfit together or allow it to stand out. When shopping for accessories, we often tend to make the same mistakes we do when shopping for clothes, and are left with pieces that are worn only once or left with the tags still on them. 

To avoid making some bad decisions, follow these simple steps to find your best accessories without breaking the bank!  

________________________________________________

1) One of my biggest rules: NEVER shop for anything until you know what you HAVE and what you NEED. Take a few minutes to go through your collection of jewelry and review your wardrobe so that you have a clear picture of what it is that you are looking for. Make a list of the key pieces that need to be accessorized and require a more special look. Create a Pinterest board or take some photos of styles you have in mind and bring with you when you are ready to shop.  

 

2)Determine your accessory "color palette".  Will gold or silver look best on you? Do you need a pop of color, and if so which color(s)? Be sure to consider which colors will help to enhance your skin tone and complexion. Take the time to pull out the clothes you wear most frequently, and also any special outfits you want to accessorize. Either hang your clothes on a rack (shower bar works great!) or lay them out on your bed. Take a photograph with your phone or camera of all the pieces and your color story will unfold! If the image reveals a rainbow of colors, then consider scarves and jewels in complimentary or analogous color harmony. If your wardrobe consists of mostly neutrals or only muted colors, then consider some bolder colors to brighten up your skin tone and change up the look of your outfits. If all neutral is your game, then utilize your best metallics to keep a streamlined look. Click here to view a color wheel and learn more about color theory.

3)Bring your key outfits with you and try on the accessories before you make the purchase.  Enlist help when available! If you are attending a designer trunk show, like one of my favorites, Aquinnah, or an accessories party, like Stella & Dot, speak one on one with the Designer or Stylist who will surely pass on their expertise, especially if you are looking for something very unique and planning to spend a bit more money. When assessing the accessories, be sure to consider if it is the correct length and size, and if it hits at your correct focal point. This will avoid having to go back and make returns, or getting stuck with jewelry that isn't the right fit or look for you. 

4) And last but not least, keep your accessories organized to ensure ease of access and avoid any damage. A standing jewelry case is a great investment and takes up minimal space. A wall unit consisting of bars and hooks can also do the trick for displaying your jewels and reminding you of all that you have in your stock pile. A ringed scarf hanger is also great for keeping organized and costs less than $5 at Walmart!  

Happy Accessorizing!

Interested in overhauling your wardrobe and accessories, or learning what your best colors are?

  Contact CG Consulting today! 

Earrings and necklace in top photo is by Stella & Dot, styled by CG Image Consulting.