Are you tired of wearing the same old outfits day after day? Do you feel like your wardrobe needs a little extra something to take your style game to the next level? Start with your finishing touches!
One of the most common requests I get from my Personal Styling clients is to help make them feel more ‘put together’. That Pinterest / Instagram worthy look is created using finishing touches, so keep reading for ways you can achieve that easily.
Believe me when I say that you can wear sweats or loungewear out the house with the help of some careful accessorising!
Accessories are the ultimate way to elevate any outfit and add your own personal touch. From statement jewellery to trendy handbags, there are endless options to choose from. Not only do accessories add visual interest and personality to your look, but they can also be functional and practical. A belt can cinch in a loose dress, or a pair of sunglasses can protect your eyes from the sun.
But with so many accessories out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That’s why in this blog post, we’ll explore the world of accessorising and give you some tips and tricks to help you step up your style game. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right accessories for your outfit to other ways to make your look more polished.
So if you’re ready to take your fashion sense to the next level, read on for my guide to putting an outfit together like a pro!
The right shoes
Think about the shoes you wear most often, and upgrade them. If you’re always in trainers, invest in a modern versatile pair that will elevate your outfits. The same goes if you spend most of your time in boots, heels, flats, whatever! The right footwear can pull the whole look together beautifully.
Also think about complementing the colours in your outfit. If you’re wearing a neutral outfit, you can choose shoes that add a pop of colour. If your outfit already has a lot of colours, you can choose shoes that are a neutral colour.
A pair of sunglasses
Okay, not on the cloudiest days or if you’re inside all day! But don’t reserve them for holidays. They’re a great accessory for every day, and they don’t need to be expensive. In fact, I would actively encourage you to go with what you like and not overpay for a brand name.
A bold, statement pair of sunglasses can add personality and individuality to an otherwise simple outfit. You can choose sunglasses with unique frames, lenses or embellishments to make a statement.
Sunglasses can also help balance an outfit by adding visual weight to the upper part of the body. This can be particularly helpful if you are wearing a more voluminous or flowy outfit. Overall, choosing the right pair of sunglasses can help complete your outfit by adding style, personality, and practicality.
Wear jewellery daily
Chunky medium sized hoop earrings are still a really on trend way to finish your look. However, if they aren’t your thing just make sure that you’re adding a piece of jewellery no matter how casual the clothes. It will instantly make your outfit look more intentional, rather than thrown together.
Your jewellery should complement and enhance your outfit, not compete with it. If you are wearing a busy or colourful outfit, opt for more understated jewellery, while a simple outfit can be dressed up with bolder pieces.
Ultimately, wearing jewellery is about expressing your personal style and enhancing your outfit. So have fun with it and experiment with different styles and combinations to find what works best for you. Also if you’ve had a Style Discovery, you’ll know which type of jewellery suits you best.
Change your handbag
The bag you choose each day should be a part of your outfit, not an afterthought. You don’t need a huge array of bags, just a few basics such as a crossbody, a tote, a top handle, a clutch and a shoulder bag. See my list of recommendations here: https://benable.com/emmalouisestyling/handbags
Start by considering the colour of your outfit. Your handbag doesn’t need to match, but it should be complementary. Also please don’t worry about the old adage of matching your shoes and bag, it can sometimes be much more visually interesting to have unexpected accessories.
Think about the style of your outfit. If you’re wearing a casual outfit, you could choose a tote bag or a backpack to keep it casual, or add a clutch or structured bag to contrast and smarten up the look.
You don’t need to spend a lot of money on handbags. There are many affordable brands that are still stylish and well-made. Take care of your handbags. This will help them last longer. Be sure to clean them regularly and avoid storing them in damp or hot places, and please don’t throw them in the back of your wardrobe in a heap!
Do your hair
When you know your Style Personality you can think about how your hair plays a part in the whole look you’re trying to portray. You can even play around with undone hair matched with a more formal outfit, and vice versa. Hair accessories might be a good way to complete your outfit too, such as headbands or claw clips.
The right hairstyle can help you to create a specific look. For example, if you’re going for a romantic look, you could wear your hair down and let it flow freely. Or, if you’re going for a more edgy look, you could tie it back so you feel less girly.
A messy bun can give a relaxed look to a formal outfit. A sleek, straight hairstyle can create a polished look.
No matter what your hair type or style, there’s a hairstyle out there that can help you to look and feel your best. So experiment with different looks and find what works for you. I’m no hair stylist but I use it as an accessory to portray my style personality.
Add a belt
Even a simple jeans & tee outfit can be taken to the next level by adding a belt. Use waist belts to nip in your waist on dresses. Replace belts that come attached to your clothes with a nice leather one. They draw the eye to your waist, or under the bust, to create a beautiful silhouette. They can be used to add a pop of colour, or simply add a touch of style.
When choosing a belt, it’s important to consider the occasion. For a more formal event, you might want to choose a belt made from a dressier material, such as leather or suede. For a more casual event, you could choose a belt made from a more casual material, such as raffia or canvas.
I know belts can be a style cliché, but worn well they will elevate an everyday outfit to a new level.
Last but not least, makeup
You don’t need a full face of cosmetics every day, but a little colour can make such a difference. Lipstick especially will brighten your face, especially if you know which ones suit your complexion. When choosing makeup, it’s important to consider your skin type, eye colour, hair colour, and personal style. If you’re not sure what makeup would look best on you, I offer Makeup Lessons. I can help you to choose products that are right for you and teach you how to apply them properly.
Makeup can finish your look in a number of ways. It can:
- Highlight your best features. Makeup can be used to accentuate your eyes, lips, cheekbones, and other features that you want to draw attention to.
- Create a more polished look. Even if you’re not going for a full-face of makeup, a little bit of concealer, powder, and blush can help to create a more polished and put-together look.
- Change your mood. The right makeup can help you to feel more confident.
- Express your personality. Makeup is a great way to express your personal style. Whether you like to wear bright colors, smoky eyes, or a natural look, makeup can help you to look and feel your best.
No matter what your makeup goals are, there are a variety of products and techniques that can help you to achieve the look you want. So experiment with different products and looks until you find what works best for you.
I hope this helps you think about ways to complete your outfits, so they feel more put together. Let me know in the comments which ones you already do, and which you’ll be trying next!
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