How to accessorise your outfits
How to accessorise is one of the biggest questions that I am asked as a Personal Stylist based in London. Accessorising is the most instant and cost effective way to update your style as well as the easiest way to update and move your look on without having to buy any new items of clothing for your wardrobe. It's most definitely the easiest style hack of them all!
From my experience as a stylist, accessorising tends to make my clients worry as it's one more thing to think about each morning when you get dressed but once you know how to accessorise, it takes away any overwhelm and gets quite addictive!
The quickest advice I can give is to start with the one item you already own or feel most comfortable with e.g. the trusty earring and add more once you build your confidence. Start with simply adding one accessory a day and building from there. You will also notice as I go through the items I suggest, will have very similar formulas to follow so that it's easy and becomes second nature to you.
I also suggest having an accessory routine so that you already know what you are going to wear each day so decision fatigue doesn't hit you before you have even left the house for the day! I suggest following something as simple as below;
Monday - Earrings
Tuesday - Headband
Wednesday - Belt
Thursday - Necklace
Friday - Shoes
Saturday - Bracelets
Sunday - Elevated bag
I'm going to talk you through head to toe with my styling tips that I use here in London as a Personal Stylist. Finding accessory brands is also hard work so I will also be sharing my fave go throughout. I always try to support independent brands as well as sustainable or second-hand/pre-loved boutiques.
How to know if a headband suits you and how to style it
Headbands tend to scare people and they are the best thing to hide a bad hair day, help you stand out on zoom and add some volume to your hair.
There are a few things you can consider to tell if a headband suits you:
Your face shape: Some headband styles are better suited for certain face shapes than others. For example, if you have a round face, you may want to choose a headband that adds length to your face, such as a headband with a knot or accent piece at the top. If you have a square face, you may want to choose a headband that softens your angles, such as a headband with a rounded shape.
Your hair type: If you have thick hair, you may want to choose a headband that is wider and has a better grip to keep it in place. If you have thin hair, you may want to choose a headband that is thinner and more delicate, so that it doesn't overwhelm your hair.
Your personal style: Headbands come in a variety of styles, from simple and understated to bold and statement-making. Choose a headband that reflects your personal style and that you feel comfortable wearing.
If you are unsure of your personal style check out my style personality blog here to give you a helping hand.
War&Drobe are my absolute go-tos for headbands. Founder Nina makes them with her very own hands and sources fabrics from vintage markets - Dreamy. I am the proud owner of 4!
I also rate anthropologie and & Other Stories for top notch headbands below are my current faves
How to wear earrings
As a stylist I think earrings are the easiest accessory to begin with and can add a pop of colour, texture and interest to your look. If you are nervous of wearing colour an earring (or any accessory tbh) will work wonders for elevating your style in no time!
There are many ways to style earrings, depending on your personal style and the occasion.
Match your earrings to your outfit. Consider the colour, style, and formality of your outfit when choosing earrings. For example, if you're wearing a casual outfit, you can choose more casual earrings, such as studs or hoops. If you're wearing a dressy outfit, you can choose more formal earrings, such as chandeliers or drop earrings.
Choose the right earrings for your face shape. If you have a round face, you may want to choose earrings that elongate your face, such as dangle earrings or drop earrings. If you have a square face, you may want to choose earrings that soften your angles, such as round earrings or hoop earrings. If you have an oval face, you're lucky! You can wear any type of earrings.
Don't be afraid to experiment. There are no rules when it comes to styling earrings. Try different combinations and see what shape/styles you prefer.
Use earrings to balance out your proportions. If you're wearing a lot of volume on top, you can choose earrings that dangle to add length to your face. If you're wearing a lot of volume on the bottom, you can choose shorter earrings to avoid overwhelming your look.
Use earrings to express your personal style. Your earrings are a great way to show off your personal style. Choose earrings that you love and that reflect your unique sense of style inspired by my style personality blog above.
Consider your hair length and style. If you have short hair, you can wear any type of earrings. If you have long hair, you may want to avoid wearing large or dangling earrings, as they can get tangled in your hair.
Be mindful of your other jewelry. If you're wearing a lot of other jewelry, such as a necklace and bracelet, you may want to choose simpler earrings. If you're not wearing a lot of other jewelry, you can make a statement with your earrings.
My current earring obsession is the indy brand EARSASS by founder Sophie. She creates colourful, high quality yet affordable earrings for us. She even has amazing clip-ons for those who haven’t pierced their ears - genius! I also have a code for 15% off for you… SIAN15 so get shopping. I know this sounds fishy but I promise you - they are gorge. Below are my fave clip-ons and colourful items for you to drool over.
How to style necklaces
You can be as subtle as you like with a necklace, lots of my personal styling clients in London have a necklace they sleep, eat and shower in that they never take off! But also it's great to know how you can alter the styles for different occasions that arent day to day. The most current way is to layer necklaces together - dreamy!
Here's how to layer necklaces:
Start with a base layer. This is the shortest necklace and will serve as the foundation for your other layers. Choose a simple, delicate chain or a chain with a small pendant.
Add a middle layer. This necklace should be slightly longer than your base layer. You can choose a chain with a larger pendant or a layered necklace with multiple chains.
Finish with a top layer. This is the longest necklace in your stack and should be the most eye-catching. You can choose a statement necklace with a large pendant or a layered necklace with multiple chains in different lengths.
My top tips for layering necklaces:
Mix and match different metals. This will create a more interesting look than wearing all gold or all silver necklaces.
Experiment with different chain styles. You can mix and match thin chains with thick chains, delicate chains with chunky chains, and smooth chains with textured chains. This is something I do and I LOVE.
Add a variety of lengths. This will help to create a more dynamic look and prevent your necklaces from tangling.
Some examples of layered necklace looks:
Simple and elegant: Layer a delicate gold chain with a small pendant with a slightly longer silver chain with a larger pendant.
Bold and edgy: Layer a chunky gold chain with a statement pendant with a long silver chain with a layered pendant.
Boho chic: Layer a variety of necklaces in different lengths, metals, and styles, such as a delicate gold chain with a pendant, a silver chain with beads, and a long bronze chain with a layered pendant.
My fave brand for necklaces whether you want to stack or wear one statement piece is Breakout Jewelry. I was kindly given two from my mum and sister for my birthday recently and I am DELIGHTED with them!
How to style bracelets
I think bracelets tend to get overlooked and forgotten about and it's such a shame because they add a gorgeous surprise element to an outfit. There are many ways to style bracelets, depending on your personal style and whatever you are up to. If you aren’t a fan of bracelets you can choose a jacket or top with sleeve detail like my feathers below! This is an oldie but a goodie from Zara. They currently have some shirts with green feathers on - amazing!
If you aren't sure how to wear colour when choosing bracelets or any accessories check out my ‘How to wear colour’ blog here
Here are a few style tips for wearing bracelets:
Match your outfit. If you're wearing a block or monochromatic colour outfit, you can add a dash of colour with your bracelets.
If you're wearing a patterned outfit, choose bracelets in complementary or contrasting colours or patterns.
Match your bracelet to the colour of your outfit.
Mix and match metals with earrings and necklaces - just don't go OTT
Layer your bracelets and use the same tips as the necklace layering above. Stacking multiple bracelets on one wrist is a great way to make a statement. You can layer different styles, colours, and widths of bracelets to create a unique look.
Chunky bracelets add a real WOW impact and if you buy a pack of bracelets you can wear them all together or just a few for a more elegant look
My current obsession and where I will get my next bracelets from is the French brand Sezane - they are to die for! They also do great jeans and knitwear.
How to Wear rings to Elevate Your Style
Gorgeous rings can make such a statement and never get boring. It's such a treat looking down at your hands over dinner and seeing them sparkling in candlelight!
There are SO many ways to style rings, obvs it depends on your style personality, and the day.
Rings that match your outfit
Stack your rings. Stacking multiple rings on one finger is a great way to make a statement. You can stack different styles, colors, and widths of rings to create a unique look. Again don’t go OTT if you have a bold outfit on.
Rings stacked on one finger
Wear rings on different fingers. You don't have to just wear rings on your ring fingers. You can wear rings on any finger you want, including your index fingers, middle fingers, and pinky fingers.
Here are some additional tips for styling rings:
Consider your hand size. If you have small hands, you may want to choose more delicate rings, so as not to overwhelm your hands. If you have large hands, you can wear bolder, statement rings.
Be mindful of your other jewelry. If you're wearing a lot of other jewelry, such as bracelets and necklaces, you may want to keep your rings simple and understated. If you're not wearing a lot of other jewelry, you can make a statement with your rings.
Don't be afraid to mix and match different styles. You can mix and match classic rings with trendy rings, or different types of rings, such as gemstone rings with band rings.
Basically, the best way to style rings is to have fun and experiment. Try different combinations until you find a look that you love and that makes you feel confident. For my birthday my girls treated me to a Monica Vinader ring and I haven’t taken it off!
How to style belts
Belts don't just look great but they do wonders for cinching in our waists, finishing off outfits that don't look quite right, and hiding elastic waistbands that can ruin a wonderful outfit.
When I'm working with my styling clients I always discuss the hacks below to get them into styling gorgeous belts with confidence!
Match your belt to your outfit (pic below)
If you're wearing a plain outfit, you can add a pop of colour or even more chic a metallic with your belt. If you're wearing a patterned outfit, choose a belt in a complementary or contrasting colour… or metallic.
Choose the right belt width for your body type. If you have a petite frame, you may want to choose a thin belt. If you have a fuller figure, you may want to choose a wider belt.
Wear your belt at the right height. Generally speaking, it's at the waist - use the belt loops!
Here are some specific belt styling ideas:
For a casual look: Wear a plain leather belt with jeans and a t-shirt.
For a dressy look: Wear a metallic belt with a dress or skirt.
For a work look: Wear a classic and subtle colour with dresses, trousers or a skirt and blouse.
For a night out: Wear a statement belt with a bold colour or pattern to add a touch of glam to your outfit. You could even wear studded belts!
My go-to place for belts is another French brand called Ba&sh the quality is next level and they ALWAYS have an interesting take on contemporary belts!
How to add a flourish to your outfit with a bag
Bags can turn into a whooooole obsession! It's super easy to get carried away with them and I'm SO here for them.
Again match your bag to your outfit. Consider the colour, style, and formality of your outfit when choosing a bag. For example, if you're wearing a casual outfit, you can choose a more casual bag, such as a side bag or backpack. If you're wearing a dressy outfit, you can choose a more formal bag, such as a clutch or crossbody bag.
Choose the right size bag for your needs. If you're going to be carrying a lot of stuff, you'll need a larger bag. If you're just carrying the essentials, you can choose a smaller bag. I need to have a bag that fits a water bottle in at all times! haha.
My specific bag styling ideas:
For a casual look: Pair a tote bag or backpack with jeans and a t-shirt.
For a dressy look: Pair a clutch or crossbody bag with a dress or skirt.
For a work look: Choose a structured handbag or a bag that can fit your laptop in without hurting your back!
Structured handbag with a floaty dress or skirt and blouse
Its no secret that I am obsessed with GANNI and their bags are my go-to for casual style. They also make the most divine bags like the one pictured above for special events and occasions. Yes, they are spenny BUT worth every penny!
How to choose the right shoe for your outfit
I regularly joke that shoes are like listening to a language you can't speak. From experience, I feel that there is a disconnect between our brains and our feet. I suggest checking out my last blog on how to wear shoes here
My top tips.
Match your shoes to your outfit. Consider the colour, style, and formality of your outfit when choosing shoes. For example, if you're wearing a casual outfit, you can choose more casual shoes, such as trainers or sandals. If you're wearing a dressy outfit, you can choose more formal shoes, such as heels or loafers.
Trainers/Converse with casual outfit - if you're going to be walking a lot, you'll want to choose comfortable shoes.
If you're going to be attending a special event, you'll want to choose dressy OTT shoes for a little something extra.
For example;
For a casual look: Pair converse with jeans and a t-shirt, or sandals with a skirt or dress.
For a dressy look: Pair heels/boots with a dress or skirt, For a work look: Pair loafers or flats with dress pants or a skirt and blouse.
For a night out: Pair heels or dress shoes with a dress or skirt, or sneakers with a more casual outfit, such as jeans and a nice top. The classic jeans and a nice top.
Use shoes to add a pop of colour or pattern to your outfit. If you're wearing a block colour outfit, you can add a pop of colour or pattern with your shoes or boots.
Use shoes to balance out your proportions. If you're wearing a lot of volume on top, you can choose shoes with a heel to add length to your legs. If you're wearing a lot of volume on the bottom, you can choose flatter shoes to avoid overwhelming your look.
Invest in a few good pairs of shoes. It's better to have a few well-made pairs of shoes than a lot of cheap pairs of shoes. A good pair of shoes will last longer and look better.
My gold boots are from Oliver Bonas of all places! I have danced in them all summer long and plan to wear them as far into autumn as I can! Im also tempted to get the ivory western boots for winter too… Ivory is a great colour for AW as it will lift the colours from your outfit instead of blending in with your look.
And there we have it, my top tips as a London stylist on how to begin accessorising. Don't forget to follow a simple routine to get you started and make it into a habit so that it becomes second nature to you.
Thank you so much for reading and I look forward to finding out what tips and tricks got your style inspo started and if you'd like to chat about how I can help you further check out my contact page here.
Stylish wishes as always and thank you for reading,
Sian
Personal Stylist, London.