Snakes, spiders, heights; these are appropriate fears, but put a woman in a room with a scarf and terror strikes. Accessories are meant to add the finishing touch to an outfit. They are the wow factor that set a fashionista apart from someone who is wearing clothing simply to avoid an Indecent Exposure ticket.
The general rule for accessories is that wherever you add colour, texture, or your main accessory, is where you will draw the eye. If you want to minimize the bottom, accessorize and add colour to the top. If you want to draw eyes away from cleavage, put on a necklace that sits higher on your neck so people will look there or use a scarf and/or fabulous earrings, drawing the eye toward your face. Accessories can be used to distract from things like less than perfect nails. Wear a chunky, sparkly ring and no one will ever notice your nails, I can guarantee it.
Scarves:
Scarves are an inexpensive way to add colour and texture to an outfit and can be tied or draped in infinite ways. It is nearly impossible to go wrong tying a scarf, but what happens is that women over think it. They stand in the mirror for 25 minutes trying to "tie it right," only to undo it as they are about to set foot outside. This leaves the rest of the outfit bland and too boring for words. Tie it, leave it, wear it, enjoy the compliments.
Jewellery:
Bold, layered, or chunky jewellery generally makes the most impact and draws attention. A thin little chain with a tiny little pendant on it that you have worn since your sweet sixteen has got to go. I don't care how long it has been in the family. It is a fashion crutch for you that I am chucking. If you MUST wear it, then you MUST wear something else to layer with it. Vintage inspired layered necklaces are lovely together and can each have charms that are meaningful to you. BUT... change it up the next day please.
Earrings, necklace, scarf, rings, bracelets; can you wear them altogether? Yes. How much is too much? You want to wear enough so that you walk with a little power kick in your step that says, "yes, I am fabulous." I like my accessories to match in colour and general style, but they don't have to be a matching set. I will pick a theme of black and silver, for example, for my jewellery but will still wear a rich fuchsia scarf or some other colour that takes the outfit to the perfection zone.
Is it a Confidence Issue?
Some women have low self esteem which makes them want to blend into the walls. Rather than spending $5000 on a psychologist, spend $10 on a rich, teal scarf and wear it. Teal goes with every bland colour there is, and looks great with black, grey, and browns - all of the fashion basics. You will get compliments galore because teal makes most eye colours pop and is complimentary to so many skin colours. A deep raspberry fuchsia is too by the way, but one step at a time.
Is it Habit?
Some women simply forget to accessorize. Maybe they have a job where everyone looks like a beige wall, so they don't really feel the need to step it up. Well, life is too short be blah, so step it up and raise the bar for yourself and therefore others. Buy that same teal scarf that I have spoke of and keep it next to your coats - please tell me you have more than one coat. When you pick up a coat, put on the scarf. It is cheaper than a haircut and will get more compliments. Once you see how great this works, buy a few more scarves to keep it fresh.
Fashion is fun. TV shows and magazines that trash people for wearing certain things have got us feeling like we will be picked on if we choose poorly or try to stand out. Confidence is the most highly prized fashion foundation. Without it, everything looks worse. With it, anything is possible. Life is short, live in colour and sparkle.
