So many items come under the word 'Accessorising.' From shoes, to hats, jewellery, belts to bags. So if someone asks you 'do you accessorise?' it can feel quite an ambiguous question. Do I put my shoes on? Well of course I do! Do I think about them in a sense of them lifting my mood? Or do I put jewellery on to enhance my look? Well now that's a different question altogether.
Accessorising can feel daunting to so many. I often get surprised when a client tells me that she thinks about her accessories - because more often than not, putting accessories with your outfit can be an after thought or it can feel like too much hard work. Well it needn't be. It doesn't have to be overcomplicated. In fact accessories are there to enhance your look and they most definately shouldn't feel awkward to wear.
How to wear jewellery.
'What jewellery should I be wearing?' or 'How do I accessorise this outfit?' are questions I get asked a lot!
The first question really addresses your face and frame. Are you petit? Do you have more of a round face than oval? If so then wear jewellery that will compliment this. Small hoop earrings over long, bigger earrings will compliment your face. If we're wearing long necklaces when we're say 5ft can make us look like we're wearing our moms jewellery. (I used to love raiding my Grans pearls up in her bedroom and wearing as many as I could all at once.) Wearing a necklace that will sit perfectly on your neckline if you are petit will look better placed and more fitting.
Style tip:
If you've ever had your colours done and you know there's a colour in your wardrobe which doesn't really compliment your colour palette then adding some jewellery, like a necklace can help bring warmth to your face.
The rule of one
Years ago in old department stores, earrings and necklaces would be sold as a set. A set that you would perhaps wear to a wedding or a posh evening dinner. But it's no longer 1982. Choosing the right accessories for an occasion, for some, can feel like a bit of a challenge. My number one rule when it comes to occassionwear is 'keep it simple.' Choose either the necklace or the earrings. Sometimes wearing both can look like we're 'trying too hard.' And yes I know you're dressing for an occasion but we all want to look like what we're wearing has been effortlessly picked.
Support small businesses
I know it can be easier and more time efficient to quickly pop to our favourite high street store and pick up a new pair of
earrings for our Friday night and that's absolutely fine. But if we have a wedding or event coming up in the next few months start thinking about the kind of accessories you'd like to wear and start doing your research. Last month my best friend got married. I knew I wanted a navy dress accessorised with gold jewellery. I started looking online and found a great independent jewellery company called Gold Lunar www.goldlunar.co.uk @gold_lunar. The brand specialise in 18k gold plated brass and sterling silver jewellery. The packaging was beautiful and personal. (It came with a hand written thank you note) Not only was it the perfect accompaniment for my navy dress but it also become my 'go to' necklace for my every day wear.
Appreciate the craftsmanship
Not only is it important to support small businesses, but many independent jewellery company's actually design and produce the pieces themselves. I first came across Ruth Mary Jewellery just before Christmas. Ruth has such a captivating presence when she talks about her work ( I found out she's even designed pieces for singer Katherine Jenkins) but I was mainly amazed at. how her jewellery is made. Each piece is first designed in hand stitched lace by using silk thread. Ruth then casts the piece into the precious metal of your choice; usually silver, gold or platinum. Not only is Ruth a member of the prestigious NAJ (National Association of Jewellers) but she can work with you to create commissioned bespoke pieces. @ruthmaryjewellery www.ruthmary.com
Not just jewellery
I could write about jewellery for the rest of this post - but there's more to accessories than sparkly jewels.
HATS
Those that know me know that I am also fond of a good hat. They can really help elevate a look, especially one that lacks in print. I'm usually slightly cautious of adding a hat to an already busy outfit as it can look a little complicated. Most of us want to look 'effortlessly' stylish. Remember the less is more rule? Don't use your accessories as an afterthought. Prep an outfit with the hat in mind.
Style tip: I personally love my hat during the Autumn / Winter months when I'm out walking with the family and just want to slightly raise my style game. Who said walking has to be all muddy boots and anoraks?
The statement shoe and bag
If jewellery just isn't for you then there are ways that your outfit can be heightened. Whether you want to feel sophisticated / elegant / fun / sassy - a statement shoe or bag can elevate an outfit to the next level - and no - the shoes don't have to be six inches high! A vibrant flat can be just as effective. They'll be your perfect mood enhancers.
The sustainable accessory
You know I'm a lover of a sustainable wardrobe. So when I heard about Hole and what they do to preserve the life of your tops I immediately fell in love with their product. If you've ever wondered why tiny holes can appear in the bottom of your tops then it's probably because your jean button rubs against the material. Thanks to the guys at Hole there is a way that this mysterious problem can be solved. Made from soft silicone, the hole button cover simply fits over your jean button. The silicone acts as a cushion to prevent any holes appearing in your favourite tops. Each pack comes with two clear silicone buttons and two black. I cannot recommend this product enough. They're easy to fit over the top of your jean button, they're washable and durable and fit most jeans and the best thing? No more holes! https://holebuttoncover.com @holebuttoncover
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