Jan 06 2009
The Secret to making any outfit Fabulous
Ever wonder how some girls can make the most basic outfits still look really good? It could be jeans and a t-shirt and they exude style.
While some of us would blame it on their fantastic jeans, or perhaps the color they wore- there is another factor in play.
Here’s the secret to looking great in even the most basic clothes, something that the world’s most stylish girls have mastered: the art of accessorizing.
“If Clothes make the man, Accessories make the woman.” – Anne Fogarty, Wife Dressing
Putting the right accessories together is a basic fashion skill that separates well-dressed people from the blase’. The best part? You can find incredible accessories at any budget, so it’s a great way to stretch your wardrobe and save money.
How to Accessorize
Any outfit can go from boring, to stunning with the right accoutrements. Here’s a few tips to try in 2009.
Do:
Large earrings can be a great way to dress up a casual or formal outfit. They draw attention to your face and add sparkle. Whether 80’s door knockers are your thing, or you prefer chunky faux diamond studs, a statement earring can always add drama to an outfit.
Long necklaces are a hot trend. They create long vertical lines which make you look taller and leaner! Have fun with long beaded necklaces or long chains with But beware, one chunky beaded necklace is enough. Too many and you risk looking like you just got back from Mardi Gras – not so cute.
Be careful with proportions. If you’re wearing an outfit that is big and voluminous, scale back on the accessories. If you’re wearing something sleeker, you can go a little bigger and bolder with a chunky cocktail ring or big, bright handbag.
Add a belt. Add a wide belt over a flowy dress, or use a brightly colored belt over a black cardigan and white tank to add interest to the outfit and emphasize your curves.
The more basic the outfit, the bolder your accessories can be. Amazing outfits are all about balance. For example, pair a simple tee shirt and jeans combo with a pair of polka dot flats, a long sparkly pendant necklace and a few layered bangles in different types of metals. Accessories can add complexity and interest to a plain look, balancing everything out.
Don’t wear too many accessories at once. There is such a thing as too much of a good thing, and you don’t want to resemble a kid playing dress up in mom’s closet. Exercise a little bit of restraint with accessories – if you have statement earrings on, don’t add bangles, a cocktail ring, and a scarf. Keep it to one or two main pieces.
Try layering your bracelets. Stacked bangles are a hot trend this winter. Wear a bunch on one arm to easily add sparkle to an outfit.
Buy accessories that convey a part of your personality. This is so important, and it’s also so much fun. When you buy accessories, go for pieces that you’re attracted to – even better if they have a personal meaning to you. I always tend to favor green, because they match my eyes and make me feel mischievous.
Don’t be afraid to mix materials. Mixing up your jewelry creates a fabulous vintage look, so don’t be afraid to throw things together and see what happens. Just Try it. You might come up with some amazing combos!
Add pops of color. If your outfit is plain (black and white, black and grey, etc.), create a pop of color with jewelry, a scarf, a handbag, or a bright shoe. Remember that outfits don’t have to MATCH, but they do have to GO – keep things in similar color families (warm colors or cool colors), and you’ll generally be fine.
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Sources: College Fashion
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Great tips! Thank you Christa.
Love the orchid weave dress! It’s all about the details right?
I’ve been checking out your website and love the Turquoise Cecily Embroidered Dress and the Courderoy Dress. Adorable designs. Keep up the great job!
~Cinnamon
I’ve got several of the long necklaces that I love wearing but my problem is storing the things! I’ve got a stand to hand them on but it has to be balanced – often very precariously!
Anyway, my favourite item on your website right now is the Stardust dress! I’m a teacher and I know it would look dressy enough for school but also proactical enough for working in.
I love the Swingy McBride tunic! Not sure if I could pull it off, but I love it! I have 3 young girls and I am excited to see such fun and fashion foward modest clothing! Love it!
This is a great idea! Even a zip up or vest can “accessorize” a plain outfit. They are so versitile!
It is so nice to find a place that has styles which suit me. Thank you!
Stopped by from Sarah Mae’s blog to enter her give away. You are doing such a great job!!! It was hard to choose a favorite but since I love coats, I am going to choose the pea green coat:)
I absolutely love your designs and tips. I am going to pass this on to my daughter who is a high school freshman. She will be so excited. The Kenziegirl dress is my favorite.
Hi Christa!! Im so excited that I found your page!! I absolutely love your Pickadilly Baby Doll Jacket and Winter White Wool Coat (I have a thing for coats…can ya tell??). Im looking forward to visiting your site regularly…great job and awesome style!!
Thanks for those tips. Makes me want to go buy some more fun jewelry:)
By the way, I love your Light Jersey Tunic. It’s so cute!
Thanks!
Amy
Christa-
Your clothes are amazing! I was just in J Crew, and even on sale, the prices are so high! I love your coats! The winter white wool coat is one of my favorites. One of my favorite looks is an all creamy-white outfit: sweater, pants, and fitted wool coat! I’m going to send my mom your link.
Blessings to you and your business.
Lisa
Love your clothing line! Sarah Mae sent me! : )
My favorites are the Magdelene skirts!
I said J Crew, but really meant Banana Republic!
Found you from likeawarmcupofcoffee.blogspot.com
I LOVE the Marseilles Island Dress!!!! You make amazing clothes!
Christa,
I found your website via Sara Mae at Like A Warm Cup of Coffee and I am so very happy that I did, I love everything you have available, cute and modest to boot! My 15 year old daughter sat over my shoulder looking over the whole website with me and she already ordered the Black Coat Dress, I myself love the Peruvian Dress, I hope to be able to get that soon for myself! Anyhow I am so thankful to have found your site…I do like that 5% of all purchases go to help rescue and shelter widows and orphans in Cambodia as well!!!
God bless you!
Kelly
Thank you ladies! I’m so glad you like the line. (just wait till the spring dresses come out!)
What wonderful designs you have here! I’m going to have to get something, but it will be hard to choose!
I love your clothes! If I had to choose one it would be the Peruvian dress. They are all so great, its hard to pick!
Stopping in from Sarah Mae’s blog as well! I love all of your clothing and wish you had one big closet for me to borrow from daily!
Great job in what you’re doing!
From looking around today, I’d say my favorite pieces of your are the Marseilles Island Dress {in red} and the Swingy McBride Tunic! So adorable!
Christa, I found you through Sarah Mae and I’m so glad to have found your site-your clothes are amazing! My hubby and I are youth pastors and we’ve got some girls (and their moms) who would so love your styles! I love the Kyleen Cardigan, myself (hard to pick just one)
Thanks for doing such a good work!
Gina
Well Christa, you already know that I LOVE your stuff, but I can’t resist a chance for a gift certificate!
My favorite item (other than the kimono dress which, by the way, is probably one of my favorite clothing items of all time….my husband loves it too!) is the Lily Boucle Tunic. The Black Tailored Shirtdress came in a close second. Once again, thanks for having such beautiful clothes
Almost forgot….speaking of accessories….where did the FAB red hat come from that is on your front page?
Love your clothing line! I came to you through Sarah Mae’s blog, and I will definitely visit again. Not knowing what to expect, I was really pleasantly surprised to see such high quality matched with such high standards. Kudos to you!!
Love your black paris trench coat! I would feel like Jackie O. in it!
I really like the classic marina skirt.
I came over her from Like a Warm Cup and I must say that I am in love with the Stardust dress! The shirtwaist style is my absolute favorite style of clothes, and the denim fabric would make this so versatile.
wow – I just found your website via a modesty giveaway. I LOVE the b&w Gallery Skirt! Its lovely! Keep up the good work!
Kristin- the Fabulous Red hat came from my personal hat collection. I purchased that hat in Salt Lake City Nordstroms. Here is one similar:
http://eastangelharbor.com/_wsn/page4.html (scroll down it’s 3rd on the left)
for a more reasonable price:
http://www.hatsinthebelfry.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=h&Category_Code=womens-clochet-hats&sort=&list_all=1
WOw….your stuff is so beautiful. I am so excited to find you.
I have 2 teen girls….who love lookin good and classy.
Your coats are rockin!
Love the white wool pea……classy!
My favorite is probably the Peruvian dress (I like long lines), but it’s so hard to choose! I love all your coats, but I live in Arizona so I can’t really justify investing in one.
Thanks! (And I’m looking forward to the next line … any news on the denim skirts?)
I am loving the black dress coat!! Modest meets trendy all the way
Great tips! I love the Red Double Breasted Wool Coat! I’m saving up my money to buy it.
I purchased the Cultured Cabbie, and I love it! The one thing is, it’s almost too small. Maybe I just have a big head. 
I have never worn hats before (something I want to change!), so I don’t really know what size of head I have.
i love everything! the houndstooth coat is gr8! thanks 4 all ur tips!