The most stylish people understand that the accessories make an outfit. Jewelry, belts or handbags can look great no matter if they are cheap or incredibly expensive, or if they are from a well known designer or handmade. If you love to make jewelry or other accessories, or just like to support local independent artists, here are a few tips to use handmade items to look fabulous.
- Make the accessories the star of your outfit, by starting with clothing that is simple and casual. A good place to find comfortable and casual clothing is Boden. They have a great selection of solid-colored clothing items and ones with simple patterns, which will not clash with a complicated necklace or set of earrings.
- If your outfit has bold patterns or graphics, keep the accessories simple. Wear small jewelry in single colors. As an example, if you have a black and white dress with a bold stripe or houndstooth pattern, try a wide black belt with small onyx earrings and a silver chain with an onyx pendant. If your outfit is quite colorful, match your accessories to only one or two colors in the outfit. The next time you wear that item, change the accessories and it will have an entirely different look.
- Show off special items with rich fabrics. For example, if you have an amazing necklace that you want to show off, pair it with a shirt or dress made from silk or velvet.Choose an outfit that will visually contrast with the piece. Wear darker clothing with lighter-colored pieces and lighter clothing with darker-colored pieces. You can also pair bright outfits with handmade wooden jewelry (perhaps purchased from a store like Sticks & Stones Jewelry), that can give you a chic yet subtle look.
- Don’t forget to accessorize your hats and jackets. Don’t let a little rain dampen your sense of style. Dress up a simple hat or jacket with pins or scarves. Just because the weather is dreary, it doesn’t mean you need to look dreary. A little sparkle or whimsy will brighten your day.
- Go vintage for classic beauty. Try using vintage-looking pieces to emulate the looks of classic beauties, such as Hollywood movie stars of the 1940’s-1960s. Watch old classic movies or find examples in old fashion magazines. True classic beauty will never go out of style.
Follow these tips and embrace your own sense of creativity. You will find that accessorizing can be quite fun and you will never tire of the compliments you will get from others.
