How to Accessorize

In this video, I wanted to talk about accessories. So we’ve all had those moments where we put together an outfit but when we put it on we feel meh. The possible solution could have been a lack of accessories. I feel like accessories are a superpower for our style. They can show our personality, upgrade any outfit and they can make you look expensive. So I wanted to give a few tips and show you how many options you have when it comes to accessories.

Before we dive in, I’ll give you a quick introduction, I’m Emmaline Chappell and I’m a certified personal stylist. I have my own business here in Richmond. I help busy women elevate their style by discovering a new way of dressing to look luxe for less.

So let’s start with waist belts. This is definitely an accessory most women forget about. Even for more me as a stylist, I still overlook them but they’re really a perfect piece to highlight your waist. It can break up an outfit and they’re great to cinch a more boxy or oversized silhouette. Try not to stick with just your typical, basic neutral belt with a simple buckle. Try out different textured belts like velvet, faux leathers, try different colors or even printed belts with chunky, unique buckles.

Next we have bags. This is one the best accessories that can really dress up an outfit, especially structured bags because of their sharp, boxy lines. For the past few fashion seasons, there’s been a lot more retailers coming out with unique bags in geometric shapes, puffy silhouettes so there’s a lot to choose from. You can do a crossbody, a clutch, a chain link, a tote bag the list really goes on. Try to really experiment with your purse game. I find for me that I really like handbags because there’s something about when I include one with my outfit that makes me feel more girly.

Then we have headwear so hats, headscarves or head wraps. This a great element to include in your outfit when you want a little drama. Headwear is that piece you add when you want just a little extra and it’s unexpected. Try different styles to see which ones flatter your face. There’s baker boys, fedoras, ball caps, berets, straw sun hats, and printed headscarves. My only tip with hats is to be cautious when styling them in your outfit, sometimes they can make a busy outfit look busier. So when you add it, check in the mirror to make sure it’s complimenting and not competing with the outfit.

Next are sunglasses. Lets say you’re not a jewelry girl, not a hat girl or a purse girl. My tip to you is try sunglasses. There’s just something about them, when you put on a pair of sleek sunnies, it transforms a look so easily. My tip is don’t be afraid to go for shapes that contrast a little with your facial shape. So go more geometric if you have rounder features and vice versa. A little juxtaposition can create a cool visual.

Then we have scarves. Scarves are great because they had some fluidity and movement and they’re really versatile, you can tie them around your neck in 101 ways, use them as a headscarf, tie them around your bag or even around your wrist with a stack of bracelets. They’re also good if your outfit is showing a lot of skin and you want to lessen the exposure, just loosely tie it around your neck to add another focal point.

Now lets talk jewelry. For me, I don’t believe in strict rules when playing with jewelry in your outfits. Like that whole, not mixing metals thing, don’t limit yourself. But I do have a few tips that can be helpful if styling jewelry can be a little confusing. Tip one: layering necklaces is best with open necklines so it’s not creating a cluttered look at the neckline. Top two: let one powerful piece be the focal point and let the other jewelry complement. If you want to make you outfit go more luxe, try all metals, all silver accessories or all gold or mix them. And if you want to have a pop of color or a statement, try chunkier and bolder accessories to really inject that element in your outfit. At the end of the day though, I feel that jewelry is there to be played with so if you want to layer chunky necklaces and pair it with a busy headscarf and statement earrings, do it! It’s about what makes you feel fierce and fabulous.

With accessories go as bold or as minimal as you want, but I would say to try to incorporate at least one accessory into each your outfits. Accessories can complete a look or be the base of what you want to style around it. Just have fun with it!

If you have any questions about this video please leave a comment or send me a direct message and I’ll answer you asap or if would like any help with your personal style or your wardrobe, reach out through my website.

Work with me! I’m a certified personal stylist who helps busy women elevate their style by discovering a new way of dressing to look luxe for less.