Accessorizing - Part 3: Elevating your wardrobe's functionality
Welcome back to our three-part series all about the fabulous world of accessories! In Part 1, we dived into the incredible power of accessories to supercharge your style, creating eye-catching and captivating looks. Then, in Part 2, we learned how to make your wardrobe work overtime, effortlessly adapting to every facet of your life. (If you missed out on the earlier chapters of our accessory adventure, don't worry, we've got you covered. Dive into the fun by checking out Part 1 and Part 2 of our accessorizing series!)
Now, let's talk about another fantastic benefit of accessories - they make your clothes more useful for you, opening up a world of possibilities! With accessories, you can follow your joy and embrace fun, impractical items, knowing they can become wearable for any occasion. They can also change the very purpose of an item, making your wardrobe smarter and more versatile. Plus, on those hectic days when you're juggling multiple activities, accessories help you transition seamlessly from one role to the next.
No more staring at your closet, feeling guilty about those pieces you love but rarely wear. With the power of accessories on your side, your clothes will work smarter and harder for you, injecting fun into your daily style. So, let's dive in and see how this magic unfolds in real life!
Unlock Your Style Freedom with Multi-Purpose Pieces
With the right accessories, you can give an item a whole new purpose. Remember that quirky dress you thought was only suitable for special occasions? Well, hold on to your hat because with an easy belt and some cool sneakers, it's ready for a casual day out with friends.
Take my client, Annelise, for instance. She has this gorgeous dress that she's head over heels for, but it mostly hung in her closet because she didn't have many fancy events to attend. Instead of letting her slip dress gather dust, we used accessories to transform it into a wear-anywhere dress. With some clever styling and the right accessories, she's now rocking this dress for date nights, work meetings, and even casual hangouts!
Upscale Elegance
An edgy statement necklace, a sleek clutch, and snakeskin print heels turn this dress from fancy-schmancy formal wear into a sexy and flirty ensemble, perfect for a night out at her favorite upscale restaurant.
Office Chic
Pairing it with a collared shirt and blazer, classic pumps, and a delicate necklace gave this dress a professional twist, to help drive home the practical use of this slip dress for a productive day in the office.
Casual Cool
With a casual crossbody bag, sneakers, and some simple jewelry, it transforms into an everyday look, just right for running errands or enjoying a laid-back weekend afternoon.
💡 Pro tip alert! 💡
Without the use of casual accessories like these sneakers and a crossbody bag, the jean jacket would feel out of place. However, by adding a layered necklace and choosing sneakers with a metallic accent detail, the casual accessories are elevated just enough to make sense with the dressy vibe of the slip dress without being overly formal for the occasion.
Transforming the Impractical into Practical
Imagine stumbling upon a fun, cool piece of clothing that you absolutely adore, but you're not sure how often you'll wear it. Don't fret! Thanks to accessories, you can follow your joy and snatch up those impractical yet oh-so-amazing items.
The right accessories can take something that might seem impractical for everyday use and turn it into a practical and versatile addition to your wardrobe. Let me share how I helped my client Karen incorporate her beloved Paige coated joggers into her daily rotation. These pants were initially a bit tricky for her to style, but with the right accessories, they became suitable for everyday wear, even at the office.
Night Out Glam
Karen loves her coated joggers, especially for a night on the town. By slipping on some strappy sandals, grabbing a fancy clutch, and piling on those gleaming gold necklaces, her joggers turn into the perfect pick for a fancy dinner date with her hubby or a stylish night out with friends.
All Business
These coated joggers can easily substitute for work trousers. All she had to do was pop on some classic pumps, sling her chic work tote over her shoulder, and slip on a sleek gold necklace, and voila! Suddenly, they're the perfect choice for her day at the office, fitting right in with the usual work attire.
Casual Chic Vibes
Completing a casual look with a crossbody bag, comfy sneakers, and just a touch of bling in the jewelry department ensures these joggers can transition from the boardroom to the grocery store, maintaining a relaxed yet stylish look for a casual weekend afternoon.
Seamless Transitions on Busy Days
Your day no longer revolves solely around going to the office and heading home. It might involve working from home, rushing to a client meeting, grabbing groceries, and cheering on your kid at a soccer match. How do you possibly keep up?! Instead of squeezing in extra time to change outfits, utilize the power of accessories. They make transitioning from one activity to another a breeze. A simple swap of accessories, and you're ready for whatever comes your way.
For example, stretchy work pants and a blouse can easily transition from a work-from-home look to a professional Zoom meeting outfit with a statement necklace and chic earrings. Swap to heels and grab your large work tote as you head out the door, and you're instantly ready for that client meeting. Then, a quick change to ballet flats, a crossbody bag, and a scarf tied around the handle prepares you for errands or the soccer match.
One of my clients, Krista, is a busy realtor whose Saturdays are a whirlwind of various events all over town. With a few extra accessories stowed in her car, she can transition seamlessly from one happening to another, skipping the hassle of heading home in between.
Ready to Sell
This outfit is oh-so-professional! Her tote carries all the necessary paperwork, while her trusty wedges keep her from sinking into the grass as she expertly explores houses, uncovering all their fantastic features to dazzle her clients.
Happy Hour Chic
With a few easy swaps, she takes things up a notch by slipping into some heels and grabbing a playful floral clutch. Ready to roll, she's off to join her pals for a fashionably late lunch, soaking up the sunshine on their favorite patio.
Date Night Fun
Krista can hang out with the girls for as long as she'd like. With a simple switch to a metallic, fancy clutch and the addition of a feminine statement necklace, she can transform her look in a snap. Now she's off to her date night, oozing chic sophistication with every step!
Say farewell to fashion rules that limit your style. With accessories as your trusty companions, you have the power to create endless looks, wear what brings you joy, and express your unique self with confidence! Get ready to revamp your wardrobe, rock your style, and embrace the fashion freedom you deserve in a world where accessories are your secret weapons of style success!
Hey there, style enthusiast! If you enjoyed this post, remember to check out Part 1 and Part 2 of our accessorizing series for even more fabulous tips!
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ABOUT:
I'm a Minneapolis personal stylist on a mission to eradicate outdated style 'rules' so women can unleash themselves in all their beautiful, authentic glory!
I offer personal styling services that empower women to wear what they love by helping them ditch any outdated style rules keeping them stuck, showing them how to dress in a way that embraces their beautiful body and, the key to it all, having fun! I believe in a liberated style approach so there are no style rules, body shapes, seasonal colors or dos and don’ts given out here. Rather, I help my clients tap into what lights them up and dress with the purpose of expressing their authentic selves rather than impressing others.
This is all done through a combination of styling services (including wardrobe edits, shopping trips and styling sessions) available in thoughtfully curated styling packages designed to help clients unleash their true self through the power of style.
When I'm not helping women take back their power style, you can find me reading (about a gazillion books at once), learning the art of pole dancing, making & decorating cakes, binging a random circa 2000's TV show with my hubby, Aaron, while playing with my adorable rescue pup or, of course, shopping! :-)