There have been days when I look at my closet full of flowing dresses, pretty blouses, and long skirts, but still have no idea how to style my outfit. I've always admired how some people have specific formulas to styling outfits, and over the past couple of years, I have slowly learned how to accessorize and style my ensembles.
At The Main Street Exchange, we believe that modest clothing can enhance your unique style when you pair your clothing with the right accessories! If you feel overwhelmed by the idea of accessorizing or aren't sure how to choose the right accessories to complement your outfit, don't worry – I'm here to help.
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THE POWER OF ACCESSORIES
We've all been here – inspired by someone's outfit that made being stylish and chic seem effortless, and having no idea how they accomplished such a beautiful look. The truth is, a lot goes into developing a personal style and curating a wardrobe that you love.
When it comes to accessories, those are the pieces that will elevate your modest outfit and give your ensemble some personality.
Here are a few ways I've discovered how accessories add a little flair to an outfit:
- Accessories help you create a new look
- Accessories balance an ensemble and create cohesion
- With accessories, you can follow trends without completely updating your wardrobe
- Accessories can either dress an outfit up or down, which allows you to wear an item of clothing to multiple events
Accessories are an effortless way to make your outfit look intentional.
For example, let's say I'm hurrying out the door and just decide to wear a simple maxi dress. My maxi dress is pretty, but it's also simple and could look incomplete. But, if I add a stylish hat, simple brown sandals, a woven clutch, and a delicate gold necklace, I suddenly look more put-together and sophisticated. Now, there is thought and intention behind my outfit, even when I had to rush.
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MY TOP SEVEN GO-TO ACCESSORIES
Accessories include anything you wear or carry besides your basic clothing. There are a wide variety of accessories, from cell phone cases, to sunglasses, to socks, to enamel pins, and more.
However, when I am accessorizing my outfits, there are seven go-to accessories I use to elevate my style.
1. Bags and Purses
Bags and purses have become essential for my wardrobe, because I always need a way to carry my belongings! Not only are they functional, but bags and purses are also a great way to add a little flair to an outfit.
I found that a solid neutral bag for everyday use is what I gravitate towards the most, and then I use a statement bag or clutch for special occasions like a wedding or date night!
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2. Shoes
Your shoe choice can dress an outfit up and down, or elevate a simple outfit. I've discovered that sometimes the wrong shoes can make my whole outfit feel a little sloppy.
For more casual looks, I lean towards basic slim sneakers, ballet flats, ankle boots, or sandals. When I want to dress up, I will wear mary jane shoes, wedges, or low heels.
Since we wear shoes daily, it is essential to have comfortable, practical, and elegant pairs to go along with our outfits.
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3. Hair Accessories
I love adding fun hair accessories to make my hairstyle look intentional, add a little color, and make my outfit fun! Some of my top hair accessories include claw clips, hair bows, and hair scarves.
Figure out what hair accessories work best for your preferred hairstyles, and then buy some in pretty colors and patterns that match your existing wardrobe.
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4. Jewelry
Jewelry is one of my favorite ways to accessorize and style my outfits. Some of my staple jewelry pieces include dainty necklaces, simple rings, and earrings that will go with a variety of outfits!
If you prefer a more sophisticated look, choose simple, delicate, and timeless pieces. If you're looking to add some more boldness to your ensemble, play around with some color!
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5. Scarves
Scarves have become a recent love of mine because I enjoy being able to layer my outfits. The most common way to wear a scarf is wrapped or knotted around the neck, but scarfs can also make a beautiful hair accessory as well!
I will always reach for knitted scarves in the cold seasons, and for spring and summer, I will choose scarves that are delicate and timeless to truly elevate a look.
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6. Belts
I have seen both wide and narrow belts have their moments, and I love seeing a leather or neutral belt paired with a top and a skirt. There is something so sophisticated and elegant about adding a belt to an ensemble!
As a general rule, I would recommend choosing a narrower belt if you are looking to dress up an outfit, and a wider belt if you're looking to dress it down.
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7. Hats
When I want to look put-together, or even when I'm just having a bad hair day, hats have been my best friend.
Since most of my looks are mostly practical and casual, I love the look that baseball caps give me so I can have a relaxed outfit. In the summer season, I love pairing straw hats with floral dresses or panama hats for a casual ensemble.
If you love neutrals, hats are a fantastic way to add a statement to your outfit without any wild colors or patterns.
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TIPS FOR USING ACCESSORIES WELL
Now that I've told you about my top seven accessories, let's explore more about which ones to purchase and how to style your outfit with them.
Investing in Accessories
Before spending money on silk scarves and designer sunglasses, stop to assess whether the pieces are just trendy or truly timeless.
I will always go towards timeless accessories such as simple gold jewelry, brown leather belts, and floral silk scarves, because they never go out of style. Since there is so much variety with the simple pieces, they have absolutely been worth investing in for me.
Why go towards timeless accessories versus trendy ones? Even over the past year, accessory trends have changed so much. At The Main Street Exchange, we update old photos regularly when we see an accessory used that is no longer in style anymore. With the way trends so much and so often, I would recommend sticking to the basics when it comes to accessorizing. Sometimes, less is truly more.
Accessorizing a Modest Look
For women who dress modestly, it's essential to embrace simplicity when accessorizing.
I saw Coco Chanel famously advise women to look in the mirror before leaving the house and remove one accessory. This was incredibly helpful for me to remember, because as I said earlier, sometimes less is more.
This is particularly good advice for modestly dressed women who already wear a lot of clothing. If you start with a long skirt or maxi dress and add a large bag, hat, cuff bracelets, wide belt, and layered necklaces, you will very quickly overwhelm the eye.
For me, when I accessorize my modest outfit, I first decide what I want the focal point to be. It may be my skirt, my hat, my jacket, or my bag. Once I've chosen my one or two focal points, I can work around those to make sure I am not overwhelming my outfit.
Accessorizing for Your Style
When accessorizing, it's essential to have a sense of your own personal style. You may like how something looks on someone else, but if you would feel uncomfortable wearing it yourself, then don't try and force it.
Something that has helped me get a good sense of what feels like "me" is going to a store and trying on a bunch of accessories. I ask myself: Are they comfortable? Do I like how they look on me? Do I feel silly wearing them?
Then, I ask myself if I'm looking to stand out, or be subtle and understated. If you enjoy standing out, I would recommend pairing a bold statement piece with a simple outfit. Since I love a subtle moment, I enjoy elevating my modest outfit by pairing it with delicate jewelry and a simple, well-made handbag.
HOW THE MAIN STREET EXCHANGE CAN HELP
Here at The Main Street Exchange, our goal is to empower women and affirm their value. We offer modest clothing and beautiful accessories to help you discover your unique style and inner confidence.
Not only do we offer beautiful accessories to complement your modest wardrobe, but we primarily offer modest dresses, modest skirts, modest tops, and layering pieces.
Shop online at mainstreetexchangeapparel.com. If you're in Lancaster County, PA, stop in and try on modest outfits in person. We'd love to have you!
