Fashion Tips: How to Accessorise

Accessories are a vital part of any woman’s attire. From brooches and hair ornaments to bracelets and earrings, no ladies outfit is complete without that accent that only a cleverly chosen accessory can bring.

Use accessories in the right way and you can transform any old, overly worn outfit into something stunning and almost new. Give those old dresses and added edge with some vibrant pieces, or tone down for the work place with some simple, but elegant add-ons.

It’s fair to say that no outfit is complete without an accessory or two, and with our essential how to guide, you can be sure to get your clothing and accessory choices right first time.

The most obvious and most important thing to do when choosing your accessories is to consider the main colour of your outfit. If you are wearing a single block of colour that is dark such as black, grey, brown or any neutral tone then you are free to be as bold and creative as you like with your accessories. Pick out something that is more vibrant to freshen up a dark trouser suit, be it a large ornamental necklace in a vintage style or even a dainty girly pair of pendant earrings to add a delicate flair.

As one of the most basic of accessories, jewellery is also one of the most versatile. If you decide to make a statement using earrings then leave the neck bare for a bigger impact. If you chose to adorn the neck area you can feel free to load yourself with a combination chunky charms and delicate beads for a modern, on trend look. If bracelets are your thing, then you can be as eccentric or understated as you like, but don’t go over the top by wearing large or imposing dress rings at the same time. When it comes to hands, decorate either your fingers or the wrists, never do both.

Scarves are a fabulous add-on to any outfit regardless of the time of year. Simply chose colours that are in season and team it with your favourite top. If your scarf is patterned make sure your outfit is plain and vice versa; never ensemble a patterned scarf with a patterned top.

Handbags are not only practical but they can make a real accessory fashion statement if worn correctly. Choosing a matching handbag and shoe combination will effortlessly tie and outfit together, making it all the more complete. Use the colour of your handbag and shoe combination as your accent colour and work with it by picking out a small pair of earrings in the same colour.

One golden rule when it comes to accessories is to always, without exception, compliment patterns with solids. As an example, if your shirt has a pattern, even something as small as a uniformed pin stripe, make sure your chosen accessory is one solid colour. This prevents you from making any fashion faux pas when it comes to colour clashes and wearing too many dizzying patterns.