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Wearing the Style

Using accessories to enhance your outfits

I think most of us love to dress well in simple and easy ways, but at the same time want to look sophisticated and elegant. My view is that to achieve this look you need to add good matching accessories, but I recognise that this can be daunting if you are unsure about how to accessorise.

It may look as though the fashionistas in glossy magazines and on the internet have cool wardrobes, and that they somehow manage to put together things in ways you wouldn’t imagine to give an outfit a totally fresh look. However, you too can achieve this by accessorising a most basic outfit with statement pieces to create a look that’s both elegant and stylish.

Great accessories have the ability to make your outfit look amazing, but if matched poorly to your dress will at best add nothing, and at worst could ruin the look you are trying to create. But it’s not just about matching accessories to your outfit. It’s also important to consider your skin tone, hair colour, style of your outfit and, most of all, the occasion. It helps to follow certain rules for matching accessories.

Wear a well few chosen accessories at a time. Don’t wear too much jewellery at once or it will make your outfit look cluttered. Pair bold accessories with understated neutral clothing; adding a few bold accessories will transform your outfit completely. If you have a wardrobe full of neutral colours then you don’t have to worry too much about matching colours. You can add any multicoloured bold necklace, wear a bright colour scarf or shoes.

I have chosen this white Kurti top with jeans to show that adding a statement necklace highlights the embroidery and features of the top, giving a fresh sophisticated look.

 


Laality Vani kurti with Ahaana orange stone necklace

If you choose to wear a lot of different accessories, make sure the metal and colours don’t clash with your outfit and aren’t competing with each other. This black silk dress worn with a statement necklace and belt, together with metallic heels, will take your look from average to classy.

 

Laality Banhi dress with silver and blue Kashvi necklace, plus matching cuff and belt

Avoid trying to make everything look the same, as this can make your outfit look old fashioned (e.g. matching a blue dress to matching blue earrings and necklace with blue shoes). Adding a different colour to a mix will add interest, and show your outfit at it’s best.

If you are a wearing printed or strongly patterned outfit avoid wearing jewellery, as the patterned outfit already has a lot going on. Adding intricate jewellery will make the outfit look too busy. Try carrying a plain matching bag instead, as this will make your outfit standout.

 

Laality Priti Long printed dress with matching jute bag and bracelet

If you want to wear a multi-coloured item, pick an understated colour from the garment and match your accessories to that one colour. This will tie everything together. Balance the size of your accessories. If you are wearing large pair of dangling earrings don’t wear an oversized necklace. The look will be more balanced if you wear a smaller necklace. Try to avoid wearing a necklace over an embroidered neckline. To show of the neckline off properly, and accentuate your outfit, simply add a bracelet and a pair of earrings or ear cuffs.

 

Laality Lily embroidered dress with pink stone bracelet and gold coloured ear cuff

When wearing a brightly coloured outfit try not wearing jewellery at all, but instead go with just a matching handbag. If you want to wear jewellery, wear a bold item so that it will show off against the colour. This orange trouser suit with matching embroidered handbag oozes style.

 

Laality Rupa trouser suit with palm bracelets and orange embroidered bag 

Above tips are just a few of many options you can try. Experiment in front of the mirror, try different combinations. Mix it up a bit, and don’t be afraid to try something a little different to your usual look.
There are lots of accessory options – shoes, scarfs, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and hair accessories, but to start with I suggest choosing a few pieces that will match your current style (and of course your current wardrobe). You can choose accessories that enhance your features, and even use bold makeup as an accessory. Adapt your accessories to your signature style. Once you get used to accessorising, you can add a few bold and bright colours. Check fashion magazine and blogs for great ideas. Look for inspirations from people who have similar tastes to your own.

We all have our own style and personality, and this should also be the case when it comes to accessories. Make your accessory style your own. Don’t be afraid to try new things or experiment with the accessories you already have. Accessorising your outfit depends entirely on your personal style.

 

Try the following simple rules below as a guide.

 

Classic look – pick pearls, diamond stud earrings or simple silk scarf.
Glamorous look – compliment your outfit with chandelier earrings, cocktail rings and an oversized necklace. Match this with a crystal or glitter embellished clutch and high heels.
Edgy look – thick cuff bracelet, choker necklace, studded handbag and black boots.
Workday look – delicate necklace, classic watch, shoulder bag and kitten heels.
Casual look – candy coloured bracelet, cross body bag, floppy hats and knee high boots or espadrille sandals.
Playful look – for summer be playful and try some chunky jewellery, or leave all the jewellery behind and go for a headband, scarf, cross body bag or boho bag and colourful flat shoes.

 

Laality Lali harem pants with black embroidered bag

 

With right accessories you can turn any outfit into something sophisticated and elegant. Accessories can also help to extend your wardrobe, because by matching different accessories to basic outfits you can achieve a different look. Anything you wear on your body can be used as an accessory. An umbrella or parasol can be used to accessorise your outfit. So could a feather boa, pins, veils, keychains hanging from your belt loops or candy necklace.

Be creative!

 

 

 

Laality Nishma Kurti with Sia Kundan genuine stone necklace

 

 

Well that’s all for this week, I hope you found it useful. Next week’s post will be about wearing scarves as accessories.

Thanks for reading!
Rita

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