How to accessorize a basic outfit

I am a huge fan of accessories and I am not talking about only jewelry. Just to get the facts straight, let’s look first what accessories really are.

According to Wikipedia ” a fashion accessory is an item which is used to contribute, in a secondary manner, to the wearer’s outfit. The term came into use in the 19th century. Accessories are often used to complete an outfit and are chosen to specifically complement the wearer’s look. Fashion accessories can be loosely categorized into two general areas: those that are carried and those that are worn. Traditional carried accessories include purses and handbags, hand fans, parasols and umbrellas, canes, and ceremonial swords. Accessories that are worn may include jackets, boots and shoes, cravats, ties, hats, bonnets, belts and suspenders, gloves, muffs, jewelry, watches, sashes, shawls, scarves, socks, and stockings.“

To pick up on the definition above, I’d like to focus on accessories in the broader sense and include shoes and jackets apart from jewelry, scarfs, belts, hats, bags and purses.

When accessorizing a basic outfit, ask yourself first “Whats’ the occasion?”, “What’s the appropriate attire for the occasion?” and “What message I want to convey with my outfit?”

Of course other factors like season, weather, personal mood etc. come into play, but in the end it’s about what you want to communicate with your presence and whether you want to fit in or stand out.

Let’s take for example a simple pair of straight leg dark washed jeans and a fitted white button down shirt. I would assume that almost everyone has this combination in their wardrobe.

I will show you in my following style sets how I have styled this outfit with different accessories and transform this former simple combination into stunning and stylish outfits.