When an outfit feels flat or is “missing something”, think of incorporating accessories and footwear that add colour, texture, pattern or shine. Accessories with these qualities give an outfit depth, which makes it look more interesting, eye-catching and attractive. 

There are countless ways to incorporate accessories and footwear with colour, texture, pattern and shine, into an outfit. But you don’t need to incorporate all of them at once! Choose one or two trends from a category and leave it at that. Or choose a couple of items across a few of the categories. Or choose an item from each category if you’re an outfit maximalist. It’s also possible to cover multiple trends with just one item. For example, a pair of studded animal print shoes covers pattern, texture and shine. 

I’ve chosen items that stretch the possibilities of each of the categories just a little further. Perhaps they will spark off a few more interesting outfit ideas for your own style. And as we head into the festive season you might find some holiday gift inspiration for friends and family. Accessories, in particular, are a great gift idea because they are versatile, often inexpensive and they don’t have complicated fit issues.

Colour

Try a cashmere infinity style and kiss your scarf tying and sensitive skin challenges goodbye. Use a watch face to add colour to an ensemble. Remember that you’re allowed a few pairs of less than perfectly practical shoes. If you’ve fallen in love with a pair of colourful four inch heels, enjoy them on sitting occasions.

Texture

Autumn and Winter clothing is especially texture-rich so now is the time to wear those outfits. A patent rain hat with an embossed surface is a great way to stay dry in light rain. Wear a lace collar like a necklace over a collarless top. Add a pair of studded fingerless gloves to a casual outfit to create a rocker edge.

Pattern

Patterned belts and bags have been my favourite way to lift my own outfits this year. Wear them with solids or pattern mix to your heart’s content. Umbrellas are also more than just a practical item that keeps you dry. Add a fun umbrella to your style and think about how it works with your outfits. I certainly do.

Shine

Shiny clothing is not the only way to add sparkle to your outfits. Think arm candy like big metallic cuffs and cocktail rings. Or shiny sci-fi shoes. Metallic and patent belts and footwear, or a rhinestone clutch are other effective ways to add shine to your look.

I would not be able to choose between these four “outfit depth creators” if I had to pick a favourite. I enjoy wearing solid colours as much as patterns – especially patterned footwear and belts. Texture-rich outfits are the way I prefer to wear neutral from head to toe. And shine speaks for itself when you have the magpie gene. 

Over to you. Of the four categories here, which is your favourite way to lift an outfit?

I am thankful for many things. I am healthy, happy, and blessed with fab friends and a loving family. That is as good as it gets. 

You, our YLF readers, also contribute greatly to my happiness. The wisdom, global integrity, intellect, wit, kindness and compassion that is shared within the YLF community knows no bounds. I am in awe at how respectfully and freely you share your thoughts with so much heart. Your diversity and the diversity of your viewpoints enriches my life each day. THANK YOU for helping me grow, and for supporting YLF. 

Also a huge thank you to Inge and Morgan who work with us at YLF. You know how much we appreciate your quality work, creativity, energy and exceptional attitude. We laugh as hard as we work and that’s priceless. But more importantly, thanks for being very supportive friends. 

And of course, a very special thank you to Greg who completes me like no other. Simply put, my life and YLF would be nothing without you. We are a team that works and long may it last. And last but not least, thank you Rosie for being our incomparable little stylish muse along with your sister Jasmine who is always in our hearts. 

We wish you a very happy Thanksgiving. Travel safely and enjoy the long weekend! 

There are three different definitions of correct clothing fit, namely “body con”, “oversized” and “tailored”. A body con fit is extra tight, whereas the oversized fit is roomy, boxy and sometimes slouchy. A tailored fit is structured, thereby achieving a balance between snug and roomy. 

We’ll be extra busy over the next six weeks with holiday prep, parties, finishing stuff off at work, hosting guests, and eating all sorts of yummy food. “Holiday time”, as it is known in the US might mean altering your outfit choices because it’s such a hectic, food-focused, and often dressier time of year. We have to balance being comfortable busy bees with the appropriate occasion. So this poll is holiday-specific, meaning that you’ll choose a team based on the clothing fit that you will sport the most frequently from now until New Years Day. 

I have all three fits represented in my wardrobe, although tailored and oversized fits are by far the most represented. For the next six weeks, I will still be wearing tight turtle necks and skinnies, but have no interest in wearing my body con midi dresses and skirts. My holiday outfit will not be body con either. I will be wearing the heck out of all my tailored trousers, flared skirts, jackets, coats and pullovers. I will also frequently wear my oversized trousers, jeans and knitwear. And wearing oversized clothing on Thanksgiving day is a very good idea. 

I first thought I was Team Tailored all the way. But my tailored clothing tends to be on the roomy side and I’m often combining tailored and oversized fits in one outfit these days. So I guess this poll puts me back on the bench because I can’t pick a side. We are having a feast of veggie burgers with all the fixings, sun-dried tomato and chili pasta, hot fudge sundaes and a beverage of your choice if you need to sit this one out too. I highly recommend wearing an oversized fit to our bench party. 

Over to you. Will you be batting for Team Tailored, Team Body Con or Team Oversized Fit over the next six weeks? Tell us why and no batting for both teams.

I vote yay. To me fingerless gloves are like peep toe booties and shooties for your hands. I don’t have a pair yet but plan to have a word with Father Christmas about filling this fun wardrobe gap. 

The glove itself adds an eye-catching textural element to an outfit, while the exposure of fingers adds an extra interesting dimension. Fingerless gloves come in all sorts of lengths, weights, colours, fabrications, textures and patterns. Some styles are dressy — think velvet, leather, faux fur and lace. Some styles are casual — think chunky knits, distressed leather, studs and zippers. 

Fingerless gloves are often purely decorative because they don’t keep your hands warm, although some styles provide insulation. Exposed fingers are useful for typing, opening your bag and wallet, or using your touchscreen phone, which makes the concept a very practical one too. And long fingerless gloves magically add length to a too short sleeve. But when the goal is to keep your hands warm, proper gloves are the way to go. 

There is no end to the concept of “arm candy” in fashion right now, and this borrowed from the ’80s silhouette is yet another option. Do you vote yay or nay?