By: Fashion Apothecary Design Co.

No outfit is complete without accessories. What was conventionally thought of as shoes belts and a purse, the world of accessories has expanded into a veritable armada of choices. We have come a long way from matching our belts with our shoes but at a price - with this freedom the world of accessories has also been booby-trapped with faux pas. Accessories are perfect for making your outfit even more fabulous, or upping the ante on a simple day outfit to take it seamlessly into the night. Accessories are a great way to personalize your outfit – think earrings, necklaces, bracelets, anklets, belts, shoes, handbags, gloves, scarves, legwarmers, headbands, hats, glasses, and the list goes on.
As global culture moves towards a universal look, we all seek individualism and one of the easiest ways to be creative with an outfit is by using accessories.

Here are just a few hints to guide you along the way:

1. Do choose accessories that will enhance your outfit. Consider colors, feel, and texture when choosing appropriate accessories. Also keep in mind that more at the waist means less at the neck and vice versa.

2. Do use current trends as a guide when accessorizing your wardrobe. Fashion magazines are a great place to start.

3. Do try to have a signature piece that accessorizes your outfit, like a silk scarf or stunning piece of jewelry.

4. Do always buy the best quality that you can afford.

And a few things you shouldn’t do:

1. Don’t choose an accessory that overpowers your outfit. Remember, it is called an accessory because you use it to work with your wardrobe. Trial and error are a very good practice using basic pieces first and adding trendy things later.

2. Don’t wear every current trend at once. Especially if you are petite, you should watch the size balance to your accessories.

3. Don’t choose the same, expected pieces each time. That silk scarf can go from headwrap, to belt, to brooch, or be fastened to your handbag to mix up the look.

What accessories will do for you:

1. They can make your wardrobe seem larger.

2. They can update your basics.

3. They can add color or splash

4. They can focus the observer’s eye for the emphasis you want.

5. They can change the outlook of your situation in a short time.

6. They can make or break an outfit.