Clairee Belcher said it best in Steel Magnolias: “The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize.” And with that, I turn your attention to accessories and our need for them. Accessories add punch to an ensemble that might otherwise look drab. How you choose to accessorize is unlimited!
It seems as though there is nothing to look forward to at the beginning of each new year. Sure, it’s the dawn of a new year; there are resolutions to make and follow and batteries to recharge for a new outlook on work. But after a while, you’ve stopped going to the gym, patience is no longer a virtue, and work, well it’s usually the last place you want to be. So how do you add some spice to your life? Accessorize! Here’s how to accessorize for every season.
Winter. I hate winter! I complain every year about it, but that’s what I get for living in the Midwest. So, if you are anything like me and require a coat every day to shroud yourself from brisk winds, stock your closet with coats of different shapes, colors, and lengths! I find that a winter coat is just an extension of one’s outfit. I once packed five winter coats on a trip to New York several years ago! Tired of wearing that same long, black overcoat? Then don’t! Invest in a classic camel coat. I love the look of a camel peacoat. Most peacoats generally hit at your waist, but you can find them in longer lengths as well. My closest is a variable coat of many colors. Red, green, yellow, fuchsia, gray, black-and-white houndstooth, and the typical black and camel coats. Find the color, length, and shape that works for you and watch how sunny your disposition becomes even when it’s cloudy outside!
Spring. This is a time of renewal for both mood and style. You probably feel the need to shop for new pieces for your wardrobe due to all the colorless clothing you’ve worn over the past four or five months. Why not shop out of your closet for the clothes, and invest in colorful scarves, beautiful handbags, fun shoes, or pieces of statement jewelry. I adore the look of a lightweight scarf, t-shirt, jacket and pant for work. Wear a solid color turtleneck sweater, scarf, and pant as well. There are so many scarves out there and at a variety of costs. I just picked up an adorable pink scarf with pompoms that dangle from the ends. I plan to pair it with a simple black top and jeans for this upcoming weekend!
Summer. The essentials are airy—cotton dresses, the new boyfriend jean, colorful tank tops, dressy shorts, and thongs (shoes! not the undergarment…). Instead of sporting those trusty Havaianas, which I don often, why not expand your summer footwear. I purchased a darling pair of blue-and-white-stripped, flat espadrilles last weekend and will pair them with my ripped-at-the-knee boyfriend jeans, a white tee, navy cardigan, and red accents to play up their nautical appeal. I rediscovered my tan gladiator sandals, a purchase made last summer, which I’ve paired with a muted-in-tone maxi dress. They also worked with my boyfriend khakis and a sweet sleeveless top with small needlework design for a summer picnic on the lawn.
Fall. My favorite clothing time of the year, this season is all about sweaters! I love them and have two huge boxes of sweaters to prove it. They are great with jeans on the weekend, skirts and boots for work, and look decadent with lounge pants when curled up on the couch in the evening. Arm yourself with a solid wrap sweater in chocolate or black. I prefer one that is knee-length, but they come in shorter lengths as well. Remove the tie provided and pair with a chunky belt for added flare. They can take the place of a coat on a crisp afternoon; and they make a great blanket when paired with those lounge pants on cool nights in. Sweaters are the original Snuggie!
Whatever the season, there is always a need for some sort of accessory. What you have to be aware of is how many accessories you add. Play up the piece or theme you are trying to achieve. If it’s your winter coat, add fun gloves and scarf or a broach for the lapel. Your spring scarf should be the only thing around your neck. A pair of simple earrings that graze the bottom of the scarf is all you need. Summer is the most simplistic season and should be kept that way. Find that fun, flirty shoe that can be utilized with jeans, dresses and shorts. Sweaters that are chunky, solid, and utilitarian are the best investment. Again, paired with a chunky belt, they take on a whole new vibe. Coco Chanel said it best, “Before leaving the house, a lady should stop, look in the mirror, and remove one piece of jewelry.” This is true for any accessory. Keep it simple but stylish and you can’t go wrong.
No comments:
Post a Comment