Picking out what to wear is hard enough at the best of times, but when you’re trying to elevate something you may have had on a few times before and give it a new lease of life – especially if its cost a lot to buy – that’s when things can get really difficult. Spending endless hours swapping clothes, shoes and accessories in front of your mirror, taking pictures and putting them in the group chat for a second, third and maybe fourth opinion – it’s a stress we could probably do without. Are you with me girls? Let’s accessorise!
There are plenty of options to try before your outfit stress levels reach the maximum though and in today’s post, I’m sharing my favourite ways to accessorise to take your outfit to the next level. I’m all about buying gorgeous clothes that you love and wearing them time and time again, regardless of the price tag. It doesn’t matter if its an expensive coat or a budget option like this plus size navy velvet dress, if you love it, you love it and should get as much wear out of it as you can.
Switching up your outfits with handbags, jewellery, shoes and other clothing items can really make all the difference to your look on a daily basis, while you’re still wearing the same pieces from your wardrobe; check out my WhatLauraLoves Instagram to see just how many times I’ve worn the same faux leather skirt, faux fur gilet, boots, shirts, etc all styled into different outfits and with different accessories!
HANDBAGS
A quick and easy way to switch up your outfit is with the handbag that you choose to wear. Take your outfit from day to night by swapping your big shoulder bag or backpack out for a clutch. Whether you go for an oversized clutch, if you’re someone who likes to take everything but the kitchen sink out with her, or a small and neat one that’s just big enough to fit your phone, lipstick, money and keys inside, you can easily accessorise your outfit with an evening bag.
If it’s a work outfit you’re trying to revive, or if you’ve got a big meeting, presentation or interview coming up that you’d like to look your best for, having the right bag for business with you can really set the tone. Whipping your laptop out of a premium leather handbag will give you the seriousness you desire without losing any personality. Years ago, I invested in a Mulberry Bayswater and it has been my go-to bag for interviews, meetings and anything work related ever since.
JEWELLERY
A subtle and classy way to make an outfit really stand out is with your jewellery, especially if you’re wearing an evening dress as something sparkly and dainty can really set the dress off. Together with your hair and makeup, the whole look can be pulled together so effortlessly that people wont remember that you’ve worn the dress before, they’ll simply remember how incredible you looked and the elegance your outfit was able to exude.
Jewellery that you can wear time and time again is a stylish holy grail. I have key pieces of jewellery that I can pair with any outfit and they’ll always upgrade my look. By wearing something understated but effortlessly pretty – like a set of silver earrings from F Hinds – you can really elevate your outfit for all of the right reasons, without looking too over done or try hard.
I love to complete my looks with coordinating accessories such as earrings and necklace, or with matching or complimentary metals through the watch, rings and bracelet that I choose to wear, for example. They bring the whole outfit together, without having to make excessive effort.
Similarly, when statement pieces are in, these can really take an older outfit and bring it right up to the present day.
SHOES
Shoes are one of the most fabulous ways of upgrading your outfit; think of an all black sports luxe vibe with bright white, colourful or unusually designed trainers… they instantly switch up the look, give it more swag and really make it pop. The bargain highstreet trainers I’m wearing in this post will show you just how easily the right shoes can accessorise an outfit and make it look so stylish!
Heels are an amazing way to elevate your look for a night out, especially if you’re someone who isn’t really into fancy prints. Pair an all black outfit with hot pink heels and clutch and you’ve instantly given it an upgrade, similarly take a gorgeous navy dress and add a statement sparkly heel to give it some extra WOW. I wear my sparkly rose gold heels from Curvissa so much as they suit a multitude of dresses and smart trouser options and I always get so many compliments on them!
Accessories are the final touch to your outfit and really pull a look together. I think they give me an extra sprinkle of confidence; when I feel comfortable and happy with what I’m wearing, it really boosts my confidence!
I’d love to know how you accessorise your outfits to take them to the next level! Let me know in the comments!
