The Art of Accessorising

Accessories are the final ingredients that, when added to an outfit, it gives attitude and magic.

The quickest way to expand the versatility of your clothes is to add accessories. Take any basic outfit and experiment with different embellishments. You’ll quickly see that they can give even the most mundane item flair, sophistication or creativity in seconds.

They can elevate garments from the realm of casual wear to business attire, give a favourite suit a fashionable edge that will extend its life by several seasons and can transform an inexpensive garment into one which appears to carry a designer label.

A business suit can be magically transformed into an evening ensemble by exchanging day shoes for strappy high heels, business hosiery for something sheer and shiny or/and a business shirt for a low cut top. Add to these a pair of sparkling earrings, apply a bold glossy lipstick and exchange your briefcase for a beaded clutch and you’re set for a night on the town.

Discovering the art of accessorising is a valuable and fun-filled skill that will enable you to expand your wardrobe options and give the appearance that your wardrobe is at least twice its size.

Harmony of Scale

When it comes to jewellery choices, there are no firm rules of right or wrong. However, just as you consider your size and build when choosing items of clothing, likewise you should consider the same when choosing accessories. The aim is always to have you wearing the accessory not the accessory wearing you.

Height, Weight and Bone Structure

Your wrist and ankle circumference determines your bone structure. The combination of your weight, height and bone structure determines your scale.

Make sure you match your scale with your choice of size of accessories to look harmonious at all times.

Points of Interest

Where and how you wear your accessories is as important as what you wear. Accessories act as focal points that draw attention towards a distinctive piece of jewellery , eye wear, bright hair colour, a hat etc. Focal points (accessories) are embellishments that when added to an outfit or person, adds interest and focuses attention to the area to which they have been applied. The placement of focal points are critical to the aesthetics of a garment and the overall appearance of an individual. They can draw attention towards or away from figure challenges such as a bag held or carried at the widest part of the body -the hipline, waistline or bust-Iine. One of the signals of a polished presentation is a balance of focal points; not wearing too many or too few. Too many and you can appear flashy, overdone or inappropriate. Too few and the result is plain, drab or uninspired.