Fashion accessories to 'make the outfit'

CEBU, Philippines - Fashion gurus everywhere are one in saying that fashion accessories - or the right use of these - make up for a good percentage of the total look. It's not just the clothes that make one look fashionable.  Great outfits are always punctuated with great accessories.

Heather Fonseca writes at www.styleconfessions.com that often great style is in the details. Like fashion itself, she says, the shapes, silhouettes and colors of accessories change with the times. Usually the coolest new looks are the hardest to find, but that trendy handbag or fresh from the runway necklace style can be combined with older clothes to create an outfit that looks new and fresh, she adds.

Fonseca gives an example: Emerald green is the color of 2013. A pretty green stone necklace is a lot easier to wear than bright green trousers. She then explains that investing in some fun, new, trendy accessories can update one's wardrobe for the season even if the current crop of fashion trends is not to her taste.

For its part, the website www.youlookfab.com points out that eye-catching accessories can also make a strong style statement. It says that one who has a maximal style may sport many accessories at once, because there are no rules as to how many accessories one should sport in one outfit. The only rule, perhaps, is good taste.

Scale plays a pretty important role in accessories, www.youlookfab.com adds, saying that although this is not a strict rule, tall or larger bone structures tend to look best in chunky and oversized accessories. And that petite or smaller bone structures tend to look best in less chunky and smaller accessories. The website also cites a middle ground where accessories can be chunky and refined, as applicable with the following items:

Eyewear

With those that wear eyeglasses daily, it is their most important accessory, and this point can't be stressed enough. Gone are the days when eyeglasses were considered unstylish. Eyewear can be made part of one's look; in fact, she can flaunt it. And it goes for sunglasses too. If the specs are worn every day, then it's advisable to invest in the best affordable pair. Over time, it is even nice to invest in several pairs and build a collection, and so the specs may be swapped daily to suit one's mood and outfits.

Belts

No need to struggle to incorporate belts, there are ways to combat belt phobia. It's no longer necessary to have a defined waistline to wear a belt, thanks to the concepts of semi-tucking, faux tucking, and tops with relaxed fits. Everybody can wear belts.

Outfits may be changed up with skinny belts, or broad belt loops can be filled out with wider belts. Skinny belts can be shortened in two sects when they are too long. 

Belts can compete with necklaces, so one must keep an eye on those proportions. This is especially true if one also wear specs. Belts are an excellent way to rein in the volume of a shapeless top or frock. And it is good to learn how to tie an attractive reef or square knot for belted jackets and coats.

Scarves

Here's the skinny on the hair-neck-bust situation when one wears a big scarf. Contrary to popular belief, scarves do not need to shorten the neckline. Scarves can also be tied in vertically slimming ways.

Scarves can be worn year round in all sorts of fabrications. As bridging pieces in transitional weather, for insulation in cold weather, and to keep you cool and protected in hot weather. Regular and infinity scarf styles have their pros and cons. Messy scarf tying can look fab. The fringe may be cut off the scarf if the trim is not preferred. Slippery scarves can be kept in place with a safety pin.

Jewelry

One's metals shall be worn with pride. A strand of pearls can make for a stunning look, especially against the backdrop of the right neckline. Necklaces can absolutely be worn with a larger bust to achieve flattering proportions.

If not necklaces, there's always arm candy. Arm candy is about much more than just bracelets. Think watches, cuffs, rings, clutch handbags and fingernail polish. And there's no need to stick to one wedding ring just because one is committed to one person for life.

Earrings are also an option, but one doesn't need to wear earrings just because her ears are pierced.

Handbags

Handbags do not only function to contain money and other necessities. It's one way to get a quick fix style refresher. There is no one handbag to rule them all. There are reasons to carry a daytime clutch or flat totes or cross body bags. And casual handbags are a great way to dress down an outfit.

The bag may be matched to the shoes, belt, scarf, necklace, top or outerwear. Or the color mismatched entirely to create an extra strong statement.

Hair and a smile

Hairstyle is also an accessory. After all, one wears it every day. Those who are unsatisfied with their look shall re-evaluate their hairstyle early in the process of a style renewal. Chances are high that if one's hair feels right, the rest of her outfits will feel a whole lot better.

Finally, a smile might just be the most important accessory - it's something that can be worn as often as one likes. And it does not have to cost wearer a single cent.

Accessories can be extremely powerful because these complete a look, often taking it from nice to fabulous. For sure, there have been times when one added a belt, bag, scarf, watch, hat, bold cuff or necklace and it "makes the outfit". Those are successes to keep building on. (FREEMAN)