Fashion Accessories and You

If you're going to become and accessory girl, you need to start with what you put under the accessories. Focus an purchasing simple pieces in a variety of colors. Little details like gathers and puff sleeves can add interest to your outfit, but you don't want heavy patterns or over the top ruffles. If your basic outfit is too busy, adding accessories will make you look like a clown.

Purchase items that are easily layered. Mixing and matching layers of various colors will make it seem as if you have a lot more outfits than you really do. It will also enable you to match your outfit to a specific accessory. For example, if you buy a scarf in a 3 color plaid, and you layer a tank-top, long sleeved tee and tube top of the same 3 colors, your outfit will have a pulled together feel.

Now that you've got some outfit basics together, you're ready to start shopping for your accessories. Pretty much anything you can add onto an outfit will do, as long as it suits your personality. Don't buy things that are too far out of your comfort zone or you'll never wear them. On the flip side, it's OK to stretch yourself and have a bit of fun!

Keep a mental list of the colors you have in your wardrobe and purchase accessories that fit into that scheme. I like to think of my outfit repertoire in two categories: the blacks and the earth tones. I then buy accessories that fit into one of those two sets and will coordinate well with the clothes I already have.

The scarf had been gaining a lot of popularity of late. No longer is it just to protect from the elements or for Grandma to tie over her curlers. No, now scarves are seen as a vibrant fashion statement.

Scarves come in almost any shape, size and texture. Of course, there is the traditional wool knit scarf, but we also have the cowboy-inspired kerchief style scarf, the light summer scarf, the scarf headband, scarves as belts and so many more. If you're not much of a jewelry girl, a scarf might be the prefect place for you to start accessorizing.

When you go to pick out a scarf, look for colors and patterns that appeal to you. If it still makes you think of grandma, it's probably not your style. For scarves that you plan to wear around your neck, consider the length. You don't want it to be too short or it will end up looking awkward. I like my scarves to reach at least to the top of my jeans.

Ah jewelry... how we love you. Now, when I say accessorize with jewelry, I'm not talking about the locket your mom gave you when you turned sixteen. Just because jewelry has sentimental value, doesn't mean it's going to turn your simple outfit into a style statement.

I recommend accessorizing with costume jewelry. Now, I'm not exactly talking about plastic Mardi Gras beads, but don't be afraid to shop at stores geared toward preteen girls. The jewelry will be bold and even better, cheap! No one is going to get close enough to your necklace to see that it only cost you $7. You're only trying to create an overall look, which can easily be accomplished with bold, fun jewelry.

The jewelry accessories that I can't do without are big, dangly earrings. They have a way of making you look styled, even if the rest of your outfit is casual. Try them and see how they make you feel!

This is where you might want to go a little crazy. Tights, leggings and even stirrup style pants are quite the thing. They give you the ability to add some fun patterns and textures to your simplest look. They can also be used to pull the colors of your look together.

My favorite way to wear crazy tights is with boots. This balances out the craziness, leaving just a bit of the fun pattern showing between the skirt and boots.

Be forewarned, if you accessorize with crazy tights, people will notice. Be ready to be the conversation piece wherever you go. That's not exactly a bad thing, is it?

The most pulled together, perfectly accessorized look falls apart if your shoes aren't on board. It's almost impossible to have a pair of shoes to match every color scheme you create, so remember the color families when buying shoes: the blacks and the earth tones.

The beauty of buying colored shoes, is they are easier to find on clearance. Unimaginative people snap up all the browns and blacks, leaving the yellow ochre and sea foam green for you! Even a shoe that seems pretty flashy can work fabulously, if you have clothes and accessories in that same color. But if you don't own any flaming orange items already, don't invest in that shade of shoe as it will spend the rest of its life in the back of your closet.

My guilty pleasure shoe is currently the ballet flat. They are so comfy and typically inexpensive, so I can justify many, many pairs in many many colors!

Be bold and rock the accessories! If dressing up your look with some extras is a new thing for you, it may take a bit to get your sea legs. Just keep stretching your fashion abilites: add at least one accessory to every outfit. In no time, you'll be a style pro, creating stunning outfits that express your unique personality. I'm so excited for you, I could just hug you!