With hordes of options and alternatives thronging the store
selves, picking accessories has become easier. Stores these days allow you to
be the Alibaba and float around in the mystical cave where treasures galore.
This however is a double-edged sword because with so many options to choose
from, it has become even easier to go wrong.
Accessorizing an outfit is entirely subjective and comes
with no baggage of rules. In magazines and catalogues you’ll see no accessories
being worn to complete over-accessorizing and everything in between. But for
someone like you and me who have classes and meetings to attend, a 9am deadline
to meet, projects to complete or maybe kids to send to school and settle for
household chores, some accessorizing basics can go a long way in making a look
stylish and tasteful.
How I accessorize my outfits completely depends on my mood
and instinct. But looking back I do feel there are some principles that I have
followed inherently and some which I have developed over the course of time.
CONTRAST
While
colour-blocking has been a huge trend over the past two years, I feel that a
stylish contrast rarely goes out of style. For those of you, who have followed
my blog long enough (Thank you for that!) you must be aware of my love or
rather my basic instinct to contrast. If you are someone who is good with
colours, this indeed comes naturally to you. So, while accessorizing combining
a red with blue, orange with navy or mint with fuchsia is easy and always seems
to work. A cobalt dress worn with an orange clutch, a white shirt with a bright
floral scarf, a green shirt and a hot-pink neckpiece are some style ideas that
help you transform your outfit into a look. However, the rule here is to keep the contrast
subtle. In-your-face, loud contrasts are best reserved for theme parties or
Halloween alone!
STATEMENT
I
am a staunch believer in statement pieces. These can be in the form of the
jewellery I wear, clothes, scarves and belts or shoes and bags. To make a
statement, you only need one piece ensuring that it remains the central focus
of your look while lending coherence to the entire ensemble. If I know my
outfit is bold enough to make a statement, I try and keep the accessories very
minimal or add underlying elements of gold or silver to my outfit. On the other
hand, if my outfit is rather basic say jeans and a T-Shirt, I would accentuate
it with my jewellery, shoes or bag. Remember, less is always more when it comes
to accessories.
STRUCTURE
I
don’t know how many of you would agree with me on this, but I was once casually
drawn into a discussion on how important belts are to an outfit. It was one
styling lesson I took very seriously and have stuck with it since then. Whether
it is my jeans, trousers, dresses, tunics or tops – whenever the need be – I do
wear a belt. Structuring your outfit with the help of a belt or a scarf not
only breaks the monotony of the garment but also allows you to reflect and hold
strong your feminine side.
TRENDS
Fashion,
trends, styling ideas all are a dynamic world in its own. They are constantly
changing and evolving. There are newer trends and variations to wear them.
However, the degree, amount and manner in which you incorporate the same in
your outfits are very subjective. For example, stacking up jewellery pieces such
as cuffs, bracelets, neck-pieces and rings has been a huge trend. Being
introduced on the Spring/Summer 2012 runways this trend has been completely
unstoppable. If you are like me and want to take baby steps with this trend
start by layering fine silver or gold chains. Keep them of varying lengths to
create maximum impact and add on different kinds of pendants to keep up the fun
element.
TEXTURES
It’s
only until recently that I discovered how impactful subtle variations in
your outfit can be. My latest affection has been to wear accessories in
the same colour and undertones as my outfit. This technique helps create
different dimensions to the outfit and is a perfect way to wear even your
boldest accessories the understated way. It also helps in keeping the look
somewhat formal and professional. Hence ideal for work wear.
I hope there is something for each one of you to take away
from these ideas. The best always is to explore your style and instincts and
follow them to rank higher on the style quotient. If that’s a task, Coco
Chanel’s, “Always remove one thing before going out the door” works without
fail.
Don't forget to join me on Instagram - @trimmingsandlace. Also, do check out the latest from The TrimmingsAndLace Collection - Limited Edition! (here)
Thank you for stopping by...
Love
Agam
