Fashion Accessories

Accessories are an essential part of any outfit. For many, it’s easy to overlook accessories and simply focus on clothes. But accessories refine, polish, and finish an entire look. Here are a few ideas and things to consider when accessorizing!

Understand your coloring and what looks good on you.

While this general idea is important for clothes, it’s also a key thing to remember for accessories. Consider what types of metallic look best with your skin tone. Gold may suit you best, while silver might blend in or seem too stark against your skin. Perhaps rose gold or bronze is better for you. Maybe bright colors aren’t your thing, and you prefer neutral tones for all items in your closet. There isn’t an official rule around metallics, but if you’re just building out your accessories wardrobe, it’s a good place to start. Metallics can also mix and match – don’t be afraid to wear gold, silver, and bronze together if you feel like it. If you’re really unsure, hiring a color analyst will help in this (and many other) categories since they help evaluate what looks best on you based on skin tone, eye color, and hair color.

When to wear watches.

Watches are gender-neutral and great pieces to add to any closet. Note: size matters. Most people’s wrists are six to seven inches in diameter, so understanding what size “fits” your wrist best is important. Watches elevate a professional look and improve a casual look. For everyday watches, consider metallics, black, gray, white, or blue. Other neutrals or earth tones for leather watches work well too. For men, wearing a watch is encouraged for a professional look, and watch straps can easily match the shoes being worn, although it’s not necessary. Finally, ditch the Apple Watch or Fitbit for black tie events unless you replace the strap with an appropriate look (versus the silicone band).

What about nose rings?

Nose rings are an acceptable and neat accessory, depending on the location and work environment the piece is worn in. They strike the balance between classy and edgy. But truth be told, sometimes it’s difficult to pull off a nose ring so it’s good to have the self-awareness if you’re someone who can. Since much of the world has become more casual in the past few years, nose rings are more appropriate than ever for formal settings. Asking an HR team member whether a nose ring is acceptable in your specific work environment may be a good route to take, however, if you decide to wear this piece of jewelry to work.

Rings.

Rings are an easy and affordable accessory to wear in everyday and formal settings. They can add a bold statement like a cocktail ring or can add minimalist class to any outfit. Rings are a unique way to polish an overall look without having to finick with larger jewelry like necklaces or bracelets. They can dress up or down a look, depending on the material of the ring.

Are tattoos an accessory?

Tattoos are more and more acceptable in both professional and casual environments. That being said, be cognizant of your specific workplace and know how much to show in a professional setting, depending on your industry and with whom you interact. Overall, tattoos are an exceptionally permanent accessory that ultimately reflects the style and personality of the wearer. However you fall on the tattoo spectrum, they are an interesting and dynamic “accessory” to add to most outfits.

Fun socks.

Socks can easily be an accessory for men in particular. Colorful or patterned dressy socks that match a tie are another subtle way to bring out your personality. Once again, understand your environment and what is appropriate. Socks are an extension of your pants and overall outfit so ensure the colors match or at least contrast the clothing in a tasteful way. Do not wear casual socks or cut-off socks with professional wear. The exception to this rule is wearing either dress socks or no-show socks with loafers (although it’s not always necessary).

Earrings.

Earrings are a fantastic way to add a bit of color or shine to any outfit. While earrings are appropriate for men, there are minimal options for them compared to women. For women especially, having a diverse array of earrings – from simple everyday pairs to more elaborate, dressy pairs – will add to the optionality of how to dress up or down an outfit.

Necklaces.

Necklaces are larger pieces of jewelry that can be worn with almost any outfit. They can elevate an otherwise casual look and polish a dressier outfit. For women, layering metallic necklaces is an easy way to add shine to a white tee or fancy blouse. Both short and long necklaces are key items to have in any woman’s closet. Statement necklaces are also great pieces to have on hand. They can be the “main event” of an outfit and a visually dynamic piece. Like anything else, statement necklaces can and should be reflective of the person’s style. They can range from pearl necklaces to chunky, beaded strands. An easy rule of thumb to follow is that necklaces should generally match the neckline of a top. This is not a hard and fast rule but can be helpful when purchasing new pieces. Men can also wear necklaces, but usually casual is the best look for this accessory.

Bracelets.

Similar to necklaces, both men and women can wear bracelets. Layering bangles, leather bracelets, and chains have been increasingly popular for men. Bracelets are not always necessary to add to an outfit, but they can be fun pieces to add. If choosing between a bracelet or watch, men should ideally choose a watch as the statement piece on the wrist, whereas women can choose both or either.

Handbags.

A handbag can also be a focal point of an outfit, depending on the color, texture, shine, or overall look of the item. While women definitely have more bag and purse options, there are increasingly more options for men in this realm as well. Handbags come in all shapes, colors, textures, and sizes, so choose one that will best reflect your style and match several key items in your closet. If this is a piece you’ll use every day, perhaps start off with a more neutral bag to ensure that it matches everyday wear and add more colorful bags into your closet as you begin to diversify your wardrobe.

The key element to remember for accessories is balance. Don’t go overboard with each piece. Rather, create harmony with your outfit and accessories to show intentionality and individual style. While there is no official rule to wearing accessories and not every type of accessory has been mentioned here, choose pieces that you want to be the focal point of an outfit and build in other pieces from there. Most importantly, give yourself the opportunity to have fun and explore accessories – they can often be the best part of an outfit!

Stylishly yours,

Anthony Bolognese and Leah Nalepa