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Accessories are the fashion savvy woman's secret weapon to looking fabulous. Like icing on a cake, accessories add the polishing accents to take you and your outfit to Fifth Avenue chic. Women who expressively and boldly use their accessories to make a statement create a vibe that works in harmony with their wardrobe for a polished and perfectly executed look.
Scarves
1.
Choose a scarf in the right color to coordinate with your outfit while ensuring you look radiant and alive. If you know you rock fuchsia, add a scarf in that color, especially if the shades of your outfit are more neutral. To add a dose of fun to your look, a patterned or textured scarf can work wonders.
2.
Tie or drape the scarf to achieve a desired effect. For very large square scarves, fold it to make a triangular shape. Drape the scarf over your shoulders and adjust it to make sure it is even on both sides. Tie the ends of the scarf in front of your outfit with a knot. Adding a brooch at the knot, adds a feminine, upscale touch to your ensemble.
3.
Wrapping an oblong scarf around your neck at least once is an easy way to accent without much fuss. Alternatively, fold the scarf in two to shorten it. Place one hand on the fold, while beginning to wrap the scarf around your neck. But as you begin to wrap it, pull the loose ends of the scarf through the fold you created. This makes a cool knot that you can choose to wear loose and low or high and tight around your neck.
Necklaces
1.
Select a necklace that coordinates with the neckline of your outfit. If your neckline is high, a longer necklace is will create a focal point lower on your torso. Consider the color of the necklace and how it works with your ensemble. Adding a colorful, long necklace will add impact that draws attention to your face while also making your entire look more pulled together. Combine necklaces of varying lengths and styles to truly make a look your own.
2.
Add instant oomph with a bib necklace that sits neatly on your collarbone. This is an effective tactic when your neckline is plain and you want to add more drama or edge to your look. The bib necklace is statement-making by default and when it coordinates well with your outfit, blends in nicely so you look like you have created a completely new look. Choose to make a feminine statement with a flower embossed bib design or a more creative one with an abstract or architectural design.
3.
Use your creativity when deciding whether to opt for a metal- or stone-based design. Add shine and sparkle to your outfit by choosing a necklace in silver, gold, bronze or any other metallic. Get unconventional with beads and stones that add color, texture and variety to your outfit.
Belts
1.
Cinching your waist with a belt is a fabulous way to enhance your curves by creating a dramatic focal interest. Adding a skinny belt to a sheath dress or cardigan immediately takes your look from classic to edgy, depending on the color, texture and detailing of the belt.
2.
Choose a belt 2 inches or wider to instantly give you the appearance of an hourglass figure. Add waist-cinching belts to jackets, tops, dresses and skirts to enhance your waistline while creating a punctuating accent to polish off your ensemble.
3.
Make your look your own with a belt. Go western with a cowboy inspired style. Get biker chic with a black studded number. Be classic in an elegant patent leather design. Wear your belt at the hip for a funky twist when worn with a long tunic or tank.
Handbags
1.
Compliment your outfit with the right handbag for the ultimate finishing touch, whether you are dressing casually or more upscale. Choose a functional handbag that packs a lot of style punch for everyday wear. Look for details like the size of the bag, color and style -- hobo, satchel, messenger, tote -- to decide what makes most sense for your lifestyle and style.
2.
Go glam for evening. Opt for a design that dazzles for maximum bling effect. Or go understated with a black velvet clutch that is timeless and classic. Wear a small shoulder strap bag if you're out dancing so your hands are free to twirl.
3.
Select a more conservative style of handbag for work. A tote in a color that conveys your style sensibilities is an excellent choice. Look for dark colored styles with texture or unusual details to give you an understated yet still expressive flair for the office. Focus on function over style at work.
Things You'll Need
1.Scarf or Pashmina
3.Necklace
5.Handbag
2.Brooch
4.Belt
Tips & Tricks
Don't over-accessorize. Make one piece your focal point and let the rest flow from that piece. When in doubt, remove one item before you leave the house.
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