Did you know that accessories top the list of most common things dug up by archaeologists? Yep, accessories have been around since the dawn of civilization (don’t @us history buffs, no one was actually there) and their importance in pulling together an outfit has never been stronger.
Indeed, us humans have been ornamenting ourselves since, well, forever. As the Conversation explains, “This use of body decorations enabled humans to continue expanding our communities, which lead to more complex behaviours and more complex minds”.
Accessories, it seems, are the perfect opportunity to define and distinguish ourselves, to stand out, and to create our own unique style in a way that clothes alone can’t.
What we’re trying to say here is that accessories are important. Which has got us thinking, how can we make the most out of accessories and wear them better….
ONLY BUY ACCESSORIES YOU LOVE
First things first, if you see an accessory that you absolutely love and are drawn to it straight away, then trust your instincts and buy it. After all, we said these little trinkets were a defining feature of your overall style.
However, if you’re only after an accessory because it’s ‘on trend’, then think twice before buying. Often the accessories we buy end up at the bottom of our jewellery box or at the back of our wardrobes, worn once then discarded, never to be seen again. We don’t need to tell you that this isn’t good for the environment or your wallet.
Unfortunately, we’re living in an age of Fast Fashion, which is contributing hugely to the environmental crisis. Accessories are cheap and often disposed of rather than cherished.
As the Guardian writes, “The fashion industry needs to fundamentally change in order to mitigate the environmental impact of fast fashion”. So too does our approach to cheap accessories, don’t you think?
Ask yourself if you really want to be contributing to the problem of Fast Fashion by only buying disposable items? Instead, only invest in pieces from jewelry stores that you love, and remember that the demand for accessories made cheaply is destroying the planet.
Read: 5 IDEAL ways to forgo fast fashion
CHOOSE A SIGNATURE ACCESSORY
If you feel overwhelmed with all the accessory options in the world and the paradox of choice grips you firmly, instead invest in a signature statement piece that you can wear with multiple outfits.
It needs to be something versatile and striking, so it’s able to stand alone. Think Bridget Bardot’s bow, Coco Chanel’s string of pearls or Grace Kelly’s headband. Or even the utterly fabulous Andi Oliver’s statement specs that she wears with beaded spectacle chains.
Even if it’s just a pair of subtle silver hoops that frame your face just right, finding a go-to signature piece can make all your outfits go from good to knockout in seconds.
SEASONAL PIECES
In the winter, we all tend to layer up. Consequently, any jewellery that you wear can get lost amongst all the other clashing components of your look.
A great way to tackle this head on is to wear some larger statement pieces. Think about investing in some bold necklaces, large rings and even bigger earrings during those colder months of the year.
With all of this bold jewellery, you can be sure that your attempt at accessorising won’t be lost. In summer, conversely, it’s all about dainty numbers; think delicate chains and shell anklets, for instance. Go with what feels right for the season, rather than what looks good in your jewellery box, we think.
Read: 7 IDEAl ways to accessorise your winter look
REDISCOVER, ORGANISE AND CARE
If you have your jewelry piled up in a tangled mess, it’s likely that you’ll be put off ever actually wearing any. Similarly, if your hats, silk scarves and headbands are out of reach or sight, they become rather close to being redundant.
Sometimes the hardest part of accessorising is actually remembering to accessorise in the first place, and you’re not going to if everything you own is a mess and difficult to access.
So, get organised. With good storage choices, you will see everything right in front of your eyes, making it easier to choose the right one for your next outfit. Moreover, by organising your accessories, you can rediscover joy in the things you already have without feeling the need to buy anything new.
HAVE MORE THAN ONE PAIR OF SUNGLASSES
Ok, we know we just told you to rediscover the joy in the things you already have. However, sometimes it just makes sense to have more than one item of certain accessories. Sunglasses, for example, make a style statement possessing the power to transform just about any outfit for the better, and therefore, merit having a few in your collection.
A pair of cheeky cat-eye sunglasses can give a summer dress a vintage edge, or alternatively, consider pairing your dress with some classic aviators, giving you a completely different look. See how transformative this simple accessory can be?
Read: 6 things we’ve learnt about fashion in the last year
IT’S ALL ABOUT PERSONAL PEICES
From your great aunt’s antique brooch to your grandmother’s pearl earrings, we’ve all got a hand-me-down or two gathering dust somewhere. Too sentimentally attached to give away, but not current enough to be in your collection, pieces like this languish at the bottom of your jewellery box or turn to rust in your dresser drawers much more than they’re actually worn. But it shouldn’t be this way. Heirloom pieces carry precious memories and emotions and shouldn’t be forgotten or discarded.
Instead, turn your heirloom piece into a beautiful new creation that you’ll love to wear not just once, but time and time again. It’s a great way to honour past pieces, giving them new life and meaning. Gold can be melted down, silver repurposed, and diamonds and gemstones salvaged and fashioned into a new orientation. The possibilities of refashioning heirloom pieces are endless. However, take caution if you’re thinking about turning it into an ‘en vogue’ item like stackable rings. Trends like this may not stand the test of time and repurposing jewellery isn’t always cheap. If you’re not sure, ask a jeweller for some ideas on how to turn it into a piece that will have an assured, enduring style.
BUILD YOUR OUTFIT AROUND AN ACCESSORY
If you feel like you have nothing to wear, here’s a trick – build your outfit around your accessory instead. If you decide to wear some oversized, shoulder grazing hoops, then pair it with that strapless or shoulderless dress, and tie your hair up to show them off. Fancy wearing that seashell necklace? Team it with a summer shirt and some denim shorts.
Remember, the bolder the accessory the simpler the outfit can be. And with that unviersal maxim, we’re off!