I’m trying to up my accessories game these days, particularly when it comes to jewelry. For quite a while, delicate layering necklaces, small hoops, and simple everyday pieces were everywhere, and those styles aligned well with my understated style preferences.
J.Crew Mixed stone and bead necklace // Madewell Textured Short Sleeve Cardigan (M) // EVEREVE Joelle Utility Pants (8) // Jenny Bird Florence Earrings // YSL sunglasses
But as jewelry trends move back toward bolder, more statement-making pieces, I’m realizing that sometimes my outfit could really use a bigger earring, a more interesting necklace, or a fun handbag to take it to the next level. That doesn’t always come naturally to me, so I’m making more of a conscious effort to think about accessories before I walk out the door and ask myself whether an outfit might benefit from one more finishing touch.
I’m not suddenly turning into a statement-jewelry person, but I am trying to be more intentional about the role accessories play in an outfit. Today I’m sharing a few recent outfits and explaining how I chose the jewelry and accessories that helped complete each look—and, in a few cases, what I could have added to make the outfit even more polished and interesting.
A Few Accessorizing Tips
These certainly aren’t hard-and-fast rules, but they are a few things I keep in mind when I’m getting dressed.
- Every outfit benefits from an element of pattern or texture. A striped bag, a woven shoe, raffia earrings, embroidered details, or even a colorful necklace can add just enough visual interest to make an outfit feel more complete.
- Something near the face almost always helps. Earrings, necklaces, a scarf, sunglasses, or even an interesting neckline can make an outfit feel more polished.
- One interesting piece is often enough. It doesn’t have to be statement jewelry—it might be a colorful necklace, a textured bag, or a fun pair of shoes.
- Bags and shoes are accessories, too. Sometimes they’re doing more of the work than the jewelry.
- Ask whether the outfit needs one more thing. Before walking out the door, I try to pause and ask myself whether the outfit would benefit from one additional or more interesting accessory.
With those ideas in mind, here are a few recent outfits and the accessories that helped bring them together. Sometimes it’s jewelry, sometimes it’s the bag or the shoes, and occasionally it’s simply one extra detail that makes the outfit feel more complete.
One Interesting Piece Can Change Everything
Wit & Wisdom tee (S) // KUT from the Kloth Kelsey (10) // Dolce Vita Laurie Wedge c/o (8) // Clare V. Stripe Flat Clutch // Baublebar Maui Charm Necklace c/o – 20% off in cart // Lele Sadoughi Triple Row Bracelet // similar hoops // YSL sunnies
One (or even two) interesting accessories can completely transform a simple outfit. The colorful charm necklace is the hero piece here, while the striped clutch adds another layer of color and pattern. Together, they make this simple outfit feel much more thoughtful and intentional.
The raffia wedges add texture for a nice finishing touch, but it’s the necklace and clutch that really make the outfit.
Baublebar Maui Charm Necklace c/o – 20% off in cart // similar hoops // YSL sunnies
A friend once told me she thinks every outfit needs one piece with pattern. I’m not sure I fully subscribe to that philosophy, but when I look back at some of my favorite outfits, they usually include one unexpected element that adds color, pattern, or visual interest. The striped clutch certainly fills that role here.
The charm necklace is from BaubleBar—a brand that really knows how to do statement jewelry—and they’re currently offering 20% off sitewide through tonight (the discount is automatically applied in your cart). I love the breezy, ocean-inspired charms on the multicolored beaded strand.
Looking back at this outfit, I think I could have taken it one step further by layering on a chunky gold link necklace for a little more impact. I think I’ll try that the next time I wear it.
Texture Makes an Outfit Feel More Finished
similar top (M) // FRAME The Lax (30) // Dolce Vita Laurie Wedge (8) // J.Crew straw clutch // Anthro bangles – 20% off with JOLYNNE20 // similar earrings // Quince sunglasses
This outfit is a good example of how texture can do a lot of the heavy lifting. The raffia hoops, straw clutch with contrast trim, and stacked resin bangles all add visual interest without any one piece stealing the show.
Quince Croissant Ring // Dolce Vita Laurie Wedge (8) // J.Crew straw clutch // Anthro bangles – 20% off with JOLYNNE20
The raffia wedges play a role here too, although they aren’t quite as noticeable as they were in the previous outfit. I especially like how they coordinate with the straw clutch and raffia hoop earrings.
None of these pieces is particularly bold on its own, but together they layer texture and visual interest to create a look that feels polished and complete.
The Bag Can Be the Statement
Madewell Jules in Foster Wash (29) // Sanctuary Manhattan Button up Tank (S) // Dolce Vita Laurie Wedge Sandal (8) // Lele Sadoughi Triple Row Bracelet // similar hoops // YSL sunnies // Dolce Vita Selene Mesh Bag
Sometimes the accessory doing the work isn’t the jewelry at all. The striped mesh bag is clearly the star here. I’m really loving the trend of transparent mesh handbags, and this one is especially nice because it has a removable pouch inside that provides a little extra security and privacy.
Lele Sadoughi Triple Row Bracelet // Dolce Vita Selene Mesh Bag
The only thing to remember when using a handbag as a hero piece is that you aren’t always carrying it. Once you set it down, your jewelry, shoes, sunglasses, or other accessories still need to hold their own.
In this case, my jewelry is fairly understated (and I do think the outfit would benefit from a bolder earring), but I like how the triple-row beaded bracelet makes a subtle statement. I’ve been reaching for it a lot lately because it’s an easy way to add a little more impact than my usual delicate bracelets, without the bulk or the constant clanking of a stack of bangles.
A Bigger Piece Can Still Feel Like You
LOFT Scalloped Floral Eyelet Mini Dress c/o (8) // Loeffler Randall Jovie Brown Jelly Flip Flop c/o (8) // Madewell Woven Bag c/o // Jane Win Grace Pendant Coin c/o // Jenny Bird Florence Earrings // Cyndi’s Bracelet Stack c/o
Larger pendants are one way I’ve been experimenting with current jewelry trends while still staying true to my personal style. I tend to reach for smaller, more delicate necklaces, but a slightly bolder pendant, like one of the Jane Win Coin Pendants, can make a simple outfit feel more intentional while still feeling like me.
In this outfit, though, the pendant isn’t doing all the work. The embroidered floral pattern on the white linen dress adds texture and visual interest, making the dress almost an accessory in its own right.
Loeffler Randall Jovie Brown Jelly Flip Flop c/o (8)
The jelly flip-flops deserve a mention too. The gold ball hardware makes them feel almost like jewelry for your feet, adding another fun detail that gives the outfit a little personality. They’re proof that accessories aren’t limited to necklaces and earrings.
So the lesson here is, if you’re looking to experiment with your accessories without stepping too far outside your comfort zone, try choosing slightly bolder versions of the styles you already love.
By the way, if you’ve had your eye on this dress, it’s currently on sale for just $42.49! I think it’s such a pretty piece, and I find the silhouette especially flattering.
Accessories Aren’t Just Jewelry
KUT from the Kloth Maya Linen Pants (M) // Madewell Textured Short Sleeve Cardigan (M) // Sam Edelman Calla 2 sandal (8) // Madewell Floral Embroidered Shopper Tote c/o // J.Crew Mixed stone and bead necklace // Jenny Bird Florence Earrings // Cyndi’s Bracelet Stack c/o // YSL sunnies
When the outfit itself is already making a statement, your accessories can play more of a supporting role. The red linen pants are the statement piece here, and the embroidered mesh bag adds personality without competing for attention. I love how it brings texture and a touch of whimsy to the look.
Then the pearl-embellished sandals reinforce that playful, feminine feel and tie everything together.
That’s probably my biggest takeaway: Accessorizing isn’t about adding more—it’s about adding the right thing.
I hope this gave you a few practical ideas for using accessories to add interest and polish to your outfits without feeling like you have to reinvent your style.
Accessories to Shop
If you’re in the mood to experiment, here are a few accessories I’ve been wearing lately, along with some newer styles that would be fun additions to any wardrobe.
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4 Responses
Thanks for all the ideas. I like how you accessorize everything. I enjoy posts like this.
Accessories are usually my favorite part of an outfit!
Great pieces! Thank you for your guidance.
Love that linen dress, and I can see myself wearing it with some of my gemstone necklaces I rarely wear.
Hi! Great post! Which chain and charm do you have pictured from Jane & Co? I wish the photo was closeup. I feel like jewelry is morphing again (which I think is wonderful) and I have been eyeing various pieces at their website.