“[Accessories] are an essential tool to give new life to what you already have in your wardrobe. Accessories are like vitamins to fashion.”Anna della Russo
“For me the key to personal style lies in accessories. I love objects from different worlds, different eras… combined my way”. Iris Apfel
In nature it is usually the male that is flamboyant in display of color and adornment. And, for much of the history of human dressing, it has been men who embellished their clothing with status displays using ruffles, feathers, high heeled shoes, hosiery, hats, jewelry and with color, patterns and fabrics. Today, men’s accessories are generally low key and it is women who embrace and wield the status, fun and personal expression of all sorts of accessories: jewelry, scarves, handbags, shoes, belts, hats and more.
Throughout the year there are occasions for special dress such as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and reunions, but it is the year end holiday season which requires a more sustained emphasis on dressing. Holiday dressing is a time to look and feel glamorous for celebrations both casual and formal. But what to wear to all the parties? If, like so many, you want to sparkle and shine without dimming the bank account, turn to your accessories!
Accessories are fun to shop for (especially when on vacation and you have more time to browse and explore). Pins, earrings, bracelets, necklaces — modern or vintage— scarves, belts, bags, dusters and capes are what I call “Wardrobe Extenders.” They literally extend the use of your clothing by adding that extra Bling, Bang, Punch! Wardrobe Extenders also include novelty clothing pieces like sequined tops, skirts and jackets and metallic wraps, scarves or shoes. Happily, Wardrobe Extenders come at all price points, are often handmade one-of-a-kind and in all cases give “bang for the buck” impact. As an example, for pure sparkle and fun, a rhinestone ring, bracelet, brooch or necklace is just as impressive as a kept-in-the-safe-deposit-box diamond counterpart. Similarly, a big, bold faux cocktail ring takes a simple black dress (or any color dress) to retro elegance, especially if worn over elbow length gloves — big impact, no new expensive party dress required.
Gold and silver worn with sumptuous fabrics like velvets or brocades are also effective at adding holiday shine. But metallics are not limited to jewelry. The year end holidays are a perfect opportunity to unearth that little metallic cocktail clutch or step into a pair of metallic heels or sandals. Don’t have metallic shoes? Shoes in satin, silk, patent leather and even suede easily acquire holiday sparkle with the addition of clip-on brooches of stones or ribbon bows.
Scarves, capes and wraps are wonderful wardrobe extenders in fur (faux or real) or in whisper soft cashmere woven with gold or silver thread. They pair with and elevate even jeans to holiday level celebrations. The beauty of accessories is that they truly are the ‘key’ to creating your Purely Personal Style — mixed and matched ‘your way’ with your existing clothing. Use your fashion ‘vitamins’ and shine this holiday season!
