About The Accessories

Putting together your style, your look or even just an outfit for an occasion is about putting everything together. It is about adding the right accessories to the right outfit, to add the handbag that looks the part or the shoes that complement the outfit. When you talk about the accessories, don’t be tempted not to give them every bit as much attention as the clothes themselves.

Why accessories matter Okay, most of us love the excuse to buy a new pair of shoes or a new handbag. For some, the accessories are every bit as important as the actually clothes. However, for others, they can be something of an afterthought. You use whatever is in the wardrobe that fits the dress and off you go. Accessories speak to people about you, not just your style but also your attention to detail, your ability to see your style as a whole. How you take an item of clothing and finish it says a lot about who you are. The great thing about accessories is that you don’t have to spend huge amounts of money on them to look great. You can take a dress that cost £5 and add the right accessories to look stunning without breaking the bank. People will look at you and see your style, rather than how much you spent on the outfit. There are even sneaky ways to get expensive accessories for a bargain price – check out sites such as Pre-owned or second hand stuff on eBay because there is always a bargain to find.   Picking the pieces Take the handbag for instance. Sure, the handbag can be practical, as the place to put your purse, mobile phone, a few make up essentials or other items you can’t leave home without. But it is also one of the most noticeable of accessories. Bags can be the way to add something more to an outfit. Say you choose a brightly patterned bag with a simple top and jeans outfit – this instantly adds an edge to the look and makes it yours. Shoes or boots are another big element, not just to look after your feet. However, don’t fall into the trap of thinking that they have to match. In my outfit, both bag and boots are black but this is part of the look. You can add shoes of one colour with a bag of another and it will still work – if it is you.   Here in this picture I am wearing a dress from Want My Look while the white coat over it is made from wool and is from ASOS. To that, I have added the eye-catching accessories that finish your style. My eyewear is a St Laurent from Very Exclusive while my bag is a Louis Vuitton in matte dark brown. I have finished the look with a pair of knee-high boots from Nasty Gal, all of which work perfectly alongside the jacket and dress. So when you look at me what do you notice first? The white coat might draw your eye but the boots definitely will, and shine of the handbag also calls out for attention. Even budget fashion can achieve the look with clever shopping and a bit of inspiration! Love Ivy