One of the quickest ways to update your wardrobe is with accessories.
Lucky for us, bangles and baubles of all shapes and sizes are a major theme this fall season and will bring life to a wardrobe that needs a little refreshing. Let’s not forget trendy footwear to complete your outfits for a can’t-miss style effect.
Before we get to the accessories, though, let’s discuss your wardrobe.
Your base wardrobe should consist of 3-4 bottoms 4-6 tops, 1 blazer and 1 other type jacket or sweater. Make sure each of these pieces mixes and matches with the others and you’ve got yourself a basic wardrobe. Choose bottoms and tops that reflect your personal style and lifestyle. Do you spend a good amount of time in jeans? Then make sure you have a dressy pair and a casual pair. Perhaps you like skirts best, if so, have several that will work for the life you live. Whatever your preference, build a wardrobe around pieces you love and ones that love you back, meaning, make sure to wear styles that flatter your figure.
Once you have your basic wardrobe, it’s time to add the extras, as in accessories, including shoes, bags, earrings, necklaces and arm candy. Here are a few key pieces to look for to make the magic happen when you get dressed: Boots: Riding boots, Rugged looking boots and Booties (cross between a shoe and a boot). Ankle boots are also a great choice.
Awesome snake-skin bangle from Target. 16.99
Smoking Slippers in shiny, sparkly fabric OR a leopard print.
Fashion Watch: Bold, colorful, mixed metals will make you look on-trend.
Metal Collar Necklace: Bronze, Copper, Rose-Gold…this necklace is of the shorter variety and lays flat against your collarbone. Crossover Bags: For hands-free shopping and for simply doing life!
Tights: Vivid color and prints to wear with skirts and boots.
Nude, Cream, and Metallic Shoes: This higher shoe with hidden platform dresses up any outfit. Black takes a backseat to these neutrals this season.
Now for the big question; how many accessories should you wear at one time? Here’s a guideline called the 16 Point Accessory Rule. Starting at your shoes, everything you have on is worth at least one point. Try to get between 14-16 points and when you do, you’ll have a completely finished outfit on!
Shoes: 1 point each
Open toed shoes? If you have pedicure, give yourself 1 point (for all ten, not 10 points!) If your toes are not polished or are chipped, no points for you!
Tights or Socks: 1 point (total, not each)
1 point for each garment you have on; if your garment is not a solid color, but is patterned, give yourself 2 points for that. Usually you’ll end up at 2-4 points in this category.
Each ring: 1 point each
Watch: 1 point
Bracelets: 1 point each
Manicured nails: 1 point (no points for chipped, unpolished nails)
Necklace: 1 point
Earrings: 1 point each (don’t count small secondary earrings)
Makeup on: 1 point
Hair: If you’ve had a compliment on your hair in past month, give yourself 1 point. If not, maybe it’s time for an appointment for a new style or color.
Add up your points. How many did you get? If you’re under 10 points, you’ve got some work to do. Remember, the goal is to get 14-16 points. You can do it!
Finally, if you’ve been putting yourself last, or simply need an update, I’ve designed a new online course you can do in the comfort of your own home. You can even come in your pajamas. fashionmeetsfaithonline.com/enroll-now/