How to accessories a basic outfit
Coco Chanel once famously said that before you leave the house, you should look in the mirror and take off one accessory. For many, that’s become a style maxim, all about minimalism and creating a classic, laid-back look. Lovely idea, but let’s be honest: that’s not always the vibe we’re cultivating in JD.
Personally, I think accessories are what make an outfit feel like you. A plain outfit can look a bit flat until you add those personal layers. I wish I could give you one perfect rule, but like most things in style, it depends on the person.
Instagram is full of influencers going all-out with accessories, partly because they’re selling to you, and partly because maximal layering looks great in photos. Real life isn’t always the same.
For me, I’m usually an earrings-or-necklace person (normally the big statement earrings). I’ve got my everyday rings, and while I love the look of stacked rings, something always feels off when I wear loads, plus my hands get sore if I overdo it.
But then how do you know how to accessorise an outfit if there are no hard and fast rules?
One thing that I do thing is helpful is to think in layers rather than items. Once you understand the layers, you can mix and match them in whatever way feels like you.
💡FYI as with everything this is just a starting point, if you feel like you want more or less start here and then remove, add pieces until it feels good and intentional to you!
Layer 1: The Everyday Pieces
Your “no-thinking” jewellery, wedding rings, studs, a simple chain (I have one I wear everyday almost). These don’t count as styling; they’re your base layer.
👉🏻 Take a look at this previous joydrop about finding your jewellery uniform.
Layer 2: The Statement Piece
Choose one element to lead the outfit. A bold earring, a chunky necklace, a printed scarf, colourful socks, or an eye-catching bag. This is what turns a basic outfit intentional.
Layer 3: The Balance Piece
If your statement is big, keep this subtle. If your statement is small, you can add something else with a bit more personality. Think:
– big earrings + delicate necklace
– bold necklace + simple hoops
– printed scarf + clean bag
Layer 4: The Practical Layer that Also Counts
Belts, bags, hats, hairclips, sunglasses, all technically practical, but they help to visually finish your outfit. A plain jeans-and-jumper combo instantly looks styled with a belt and a textured bag.
Your Personal Signature
This is the most important bit, the “thing” that makes your outfit feel like you. It might be a pop of your fave colour in your accessories, a head band from your collection, a fun earring stack, colourful trainers you always wear, or a stack of bracelets (or your decision not to wear any). These are the details that add personality and make an outfit feel like it belongs to you. And you don’t need to limit yourself to just one, you can have a few signature looks that feel like you.
Just thinking about this now, I can clearly picture different people in the membership and accessories I would say feel very ‘them’, can’t you’?
You might not even know what your signature is yet. Look back at photos and see what feels most “you”, the patterns you repeat without even realising you are (another reason why these daily photos are such a win!)
For example, I love statement earrings in winter, large hoops when I’m wearing a bold, colourful outfit, or fun acrylic ones for a playful touch. In summer, when I’m less covered up, I tend to lean towards necklace stacks or interesting details around my neckline, and the size of earrings shrink. I don’t love to wear big and bold earrings and necklaces, my a hair always feels like its making its own statement (but there is nothing wrong at all with doing this - if it feels like you!)
The joy of accessorising a basic outfit is that you can change the feel of it in so many subtle ways. There’s no right or wrong, just combinations that feel authentic to you.
