Five Tips for Accessorizing and Making the Most of Any Outfit
If you’re looking for ways to make your look even more fabulous, or want to make small changes that will turn your outfit from work-related to evening-ready, here are a few tips that will draw extra (positive) attention to any outfit:
Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize.
Nothing makes an outfit stand out more than the right accessories. If you’re wearing a monochromatic outfit, a great belt, flashy necklace, or fashionable handbag will definitely get you noticed. If you’re in professional clothing most of the time, adding an accessory or two will make your outfit more interesting. However, it’s important to match the accessories with the outfit, so that your look will be both fashionable and appropriate. For instance, a big, chunky necklace may work great for evening wear, but not for the office. Accessorizing with pearls, thin belts, and brooches look wonderful with pants suits or business-like skirts and tops. Bohemian-style tassel belts, hoop earrings, and sequined handbags compliment outfits with denim or suede quite nicely. And, depending on the season, a good pair of sunglasses could add just the right touch to any outfit. Be sure to purchase glasses according to your face shape, and don’t try to match the color of your sunglasses with the color of your outfit (i.e. peach-colored shades with a peach outfit is a big no-no.) Classic lenses and frames in black and brown work well with any outfit, and the right frame shape will make you look fashion-savvy and sophisticated.
It’s all about the shoes.
Every woman knows that shoes are the foundation of any outfit. The perfect pair of shoes can turn an average outfit into a fabulous ensemble. When you’re choosing shoes for an outfit, there are a couple of things to think about: Where are you going to wear the shoe? How long will you have the shoes on? Will the shoes give your outfit a whole new look, or will they be consistent with the look of the clothes? This will help you determine what pair of shoes to match up with your clothes. For work, choose shoes that are both comfortable, but make a statement. Kitten heels or wedge heels will provide a little more comfort than a stiletto or pump, and the right flat shoes can make a pants or skirt outfit just the right touch of business-casual style. If you have an engagement right after work and don’t have time to change, simple switching out shoes can make a big difference. For instance, if you’ve been wearing flats all day, try a heel in a bright, eye-catching color if your outfit is monochromatic. Or, if you’ve worn heels in the daytime, a beautiful flat accented with sequins or embroidery will work well with just about any outfit.
Changing your hairstyle can make your outfit look completely different. If you usually wear your hair up or in a bun to work, try wearing a long ponytail, or even letting your hair all the way down. A freer, flowing hairstyle tends to compliment professional outfits well, and helps you not to look too stuffy. A new hairstyle can also make you look more approachable, and indicates that you’re not afraid to try something new every once in a while-and this can go a long way in both your social and professional life. Hair accessories are a great way to change the look of your hairstyle as well. Jeweled barrettes and flowers can help to spice up any outfit, and adding these things to your hair for the evening if you’ve got to go out right after work will give you a new, refreshed look without taking up too much time. Of course, it’s important to keep your hair well conditioned and to keep your ends trimmed so that you’ll look your best whether you’re going out with friends or preparing for a day at the office. If you color your hair often, be sure to have your roots re-colored as often as necessary. Highlights are also a good idea to give you a look that is both appropriate for the office and great for social events.
Use a splash of color.
Color is your friend. Whether you like a little or a lot, you can make your outfit unique and classy by adding the right colors in the right places. Colors and shades that work for everyone include gold, silver, and bronze, so use these to your advantage. For instance, if you’re wearing an all white outfit, a gold belt, shoes, or handbag could make all the difference. Or, if you’re wearing an all-black outfit (which most people are guilty of from time to time) try shades like turquoise, maroon or red, or even shades of green to give your suit an extra pop. Choose colors based on your skin tone to determine which colors will look best on you. If you have reddish (or warm) undertones in your skin, try peaches, reds, and oranges to spruce up your outfits. If your skin has yellow (or cool) undertones, blues or greens will work best. And, don’t be afraid to use color in your makeup, too (not too much, of course). For instance, a colorful eye shadow looks great paired with toned-down lips and cheeks. Remember, your eyelids are darker than the rest of your face, so the color you see in the package won’t look exactly that way on your face, so choose colors that are a little lighter than the shade you want. For blue eyes, blue, purple, or gray shades work best; for green or hazel eyes, try green, tan or apricot shades; and for brown eyes, copper, bronze, or green shades are complimentary. And, instead of using lipstick, try a gloss. Most lip glosses with a gold or peach tint go well with any skin tone.
Sure, people will see you looking great once you follow the guidelines for creating a great outfit, but you want to leave more than one impression when you walk away. Instead of having people simply say, “Wow, she looks good”, they’ll also be asking “What’s that fragrance?” Wearing the right fragrance with your outfit can help people to get a glimpse into your personality, and will make you feel more confident in your clothes. When you’re at work, select scents that are understated and fresh; something with vanilla or lavender accents usually works best. For the evening, jasmine, ginger, and citrus accents can make you more energetic. Matching your fragrance with the colors of your outfits will also make your look a little more consistent. For instance, if you’re wearing brown or tan, a vanilla-based scent will bring the look together. And, while you’re spritzing, try a little face spritzer that includes a toner and skin clarifying ingredients like vitamins C and E. These will wake up your face and give your skin a healthy glow while helping you to beat fatigue.
