Elevate Your Style with Accessories

Getting dressed can get boring if you’re not careful. There was a time that I would simply put clothes on and not worry too much about how I looked. Gone are those days. Assembling an outfit is really important to me for many reasons. First, I love fashion (and classic fashion at that). Second, when we go out into the world, people are watching. Snap judgements are made whether we like it or not, and it’s important to be cognizant of that. I agree that beauty is not skin deep in the grand scheme of life, but in split seconds of being around people, presentation matters. I didn’t make the rules. I’m just good at following them. Good news. There are easy ways to elevate your style with accessories which I will share below. They can turn any old outfit into something fun and unique, and just your style. Playing around with these things is important, so don’t be afraid if it feels weird at first. Any change does, but then you get used to it. Let’s see what our accessory closet has in store for us today.

Mardi Gras Headband

Headband

Headbands are reminiscent of my childhood. I remember the days when I’d wear a giant bow headband and think I was "all that." Nowadays, a simple headband can absolutely put a little pep in your outfit’s step. Don’t shy away from a loud color - it will only add to the fun of the whole ensemble. I’ve never been a huge fan of wearing things on my head because I get headaches if it’s too tight. However, a loose-fitting headband is exactly what it can take to elevate your style with accessories because it’s so simple. One of my favorite things to do is to wear them for different and specific occasions, like for Mardi Gras here in New Orleans. Immediately I have my color, my festive attitude, and good spirit. Small, right? Just a small thing can really make an outfit shine. Headbands are relatively inexpensive, too, so you won’t break the bank if you purchase a couple for a few occasions.

Belt from Sezane

Belt

Obsessed with belts. There were years in my 20s and possibly my 30s where I thought belts weren’t in style. My college years were riddled with utterly tacky cowboy-style belts with huge buckles covered in rhinestones. So humiliating, so not me anymore. Do I still have them? You bet. I’ve moved on to a classier belt collection for the everyday wear. A classic (and classy) belt is an easy way to elevate your style with accessories. Your dress, skirt, or pants will immediately look sharper with a little pizzaz around your waste or hips. As far as price goes, belts are all over the map, and I buy them at many price ranges. I’m not an Hermes belt wearer, so no, not ALL price ranges, but I’ll spend a few bucks on a belt I know will last me a long time. My Sezane one is probably on the top tier of wear-time. It’s a gorgeous belt and goes with a ton of options, and makes me look like I cared when I left my house that day.

Neutral on Neutral

Scarf

Scarves are probably the ultimate way to elevate your style with accessories. I’m a bit of a Francophile, and I remember the last time I went to France I forgot a scarf. I felt naked. Maybe it’s a little cliche, but a scarf says “class” all over it. You can wear it around your neck or in your hair, possibly even as a belt. I am in love with how a scarf looks, especially if you know how to tie it around your neck. It’s still a bit of a struggle for me, so when I go to wear one, I usually am watching a YouTube video on how to tie it. There are so many wonderful scarves to be had. I’ll give you a price hack: buy one from an estate sale or a consignment or second hand shop. That’s where I got my most favorite one with the zodiac signs all over it. Soon enough, you’ll be a scarf-wearing person if you get the right fit. One that I really want is from Alexander McQueen, but I’m not ready to spend hundreds of dollars on it. Maybe I’ll find one in a second hand store - you never know!

Perfect for any occasion

Hat

My relationship with hats is on and off. I love them so much one day and don’t want anything touching my head another. Alas, I own several and occasionally break them out. Whenever I do, I get a bunch of compliments, which inspires me to wear them more. I’ve collected hats as I’ve traveled, which is kind of a fun purchase. When we went to London and Paris, my brother-in-law bought a classic newsboy hat and (in my opinion) rocks the look. It is such a great way to elevate your style with accessories. Your outfit could be plain as anything, but throw on a hat and you’ve got a whole different look. Don’t be afraid to get yourself a hat and wear it. Most people will think you look amazing, even if you feel a little out of sorts. It’s natural. Just think of all those country singers and how they wear a cowboy hat all the time. If they think they look good, you got this. Hats never go out of style, so invest in some good ones.

Hudson Jean Jacket Worn 1M Times

Jean Jacket

If I had to guess how many times I’ve worn my jean jacket, I couldn’t. When I bought it, I thought I paid way too much for it. Years later, the average price per wear is probably around $.01 or less. There is nothing that can elevate your style with accessories like a blue jean jacket. It goes with just about anything. The best part is that it’s utilitarian, too. It actually serves a purpose of keeping you warm, which is unbeatable. For someone who is frequently cold or cool, the jean jacket I tote around is my savior. Who wants to be in a venue and be freezing, unable to enjoy your event because the AC is kicked down to arctic temperatures? No me! It’s not only an investment piece, it’s a great accessory. If you don’t have one, time for a splurge. I’m telling you - it’s worth it.

Those Metallic Tennis Shoes FTW!

Metallic Shoes

Metallic shoes are the best. They are so much fun, and they also are great way to spruce up a boring outfit. I have a few pairs of metallic shoes: loafers, tennis shoes, and sandals. My loafers are typically the ones I travel with and use as my “dressy” shoe for outings. They are not only cute, they are super comfortable. The brand I bought, Arche, is a French brand. While they aren’t inexpensive, I have gotten a ton of milage out of them and feel like they were worth the money I paid. Good shoes are not cheap, friends. Again, I didn’t make the rules; I just follow them. To elevate your style with accessories, it’s important to think outside your current box and get outside of your comfort zone. Metallic shoes are just one way of doing that. It also expresses your fun side, and I know you have one no matter how much you want to fight it.

Mr. Boho Sunglasses from Relish in New Orleans

Stylish and Fun Sunglasses

I remember when I lived in Las Vegas years ago, I had a friend who was a sunglasses fanatic. Now, she loved specifically designer sunglasses, but I never forgot that interest and wondered if one day I would share this sentiment. I’m here to say that I do share it, but not in the designer sunglasses world. You won’t see me attempting to elevate my style with accessories of status symbols. It will mostly be with fun and functionality. When I travel to Paris, there is a glasses shop called Jimmy Fairly, and I was more than happy to be a patron of this brand. My first and only pair that I currently own will not be my last. Another brand I adore is called Mr. Boho. They are extremely reasonably priced and sassy as all get out. I own 2-3 pairs. The nice thing about not spending a fortune on sunglasses is you can buy a couple more and not feel guilty. They do add such drama to an outfit, which is a great way to speak your fashion.

Beautiful red clutch that is perfect for a night out

Statement Purse/Clutch

Some people love purses. Purses are the quintessential way for you to elevate your style with accessories. Although, I use my purses in such a utilitarian way that I don’t know if it’s an accessory or just something I genuinely need. Where else would I store my gum, 4 lipsticks, and tissue? While I am famous for having good intentions about changing out purses, I often done. So I have to decide which purse is going to represent me the best and match the most outfits. Over the years I’ve collected so many purses, clutches, handbags…whatever you want to call them. I’ve also ended up giving many away because they sit and sit and get weird stains that came from out of nowhere. Once in a while I’ll purchase a new purse, but gone are the days of Prada and Fendi impulse buys. I like a cute bag, but I want to not worry about everything else that might come along with it. And frankly, I don’t need LV all over my bag to make me know I’m fabulous. But that’s just me. I’m not a big status chick.

Which Accessory Will It Be?

Time to make some decisions about which items you can choose to elevate your style with accessories. Like me, you don’t have to spend a fortune. Just be on the lookout when you go to a store and see something you like, maybe pick it up and commit to wearing it. Shaking it up in the personal fashion department is fun and keeps things fresh. Feeling stale when you enter your closet is not a wonderful feeling, but adding a little je ne sais quoi that people don’t expect is the perfect way to feel fabulous. Happy accessory wearing, my friends. Let’s take this season by storm with something a little different and make the world a more colorful place.

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