Accessories: must haves?

mm88

I believe I have mentioned once or twice that I am somewhat "challenged" in this department and I am trying to take advantage of Christmas and post-Christmas sales to build my collection.

So I would like to ask you fabulous girls, what you think are "must haves" in terms of accessories? (I saw some of angie's posts from previous years about must-haves for the season and her favs, so I guess I'm kind of looking for the clothes equivalent of a white dress shirt and black pencil skirt.)

14 years ago

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11 replies

Latest reply was from CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I think is going to vary a lot and there isn't a right answer. But I'll take a stab at what I consider the bare basics, since I'm not a big accessorizer. A bag, watch, and statement necklace. Lots of gals wear scarves, but lots don't. Same with earrings or bracelets. But I think those 3 things are pretty universal.

14 years ago

mm88

Active Member

Mo, can you elaborate on "statement necklace"? Is it something big a flashy? Or just something you like/has meaning to you?

14 years ago

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

Obi belt from elizabeth kelly on etsy, but don't wait for a sale. She will custom make a beautiful one for you.

14 years ago

rute

Veteran

For me: A fabulous leather bag, statement necklaces, scarfs, belts, bracelets!

14 years ago

(website)

Veteran

To me, it means a piece large enough to be seen, say in a WIW pic, not so dainty that one needs to be standing right next to you. It doesn't have to be HUGE or bright or gaudy, just . . . substantial. It could be a pendant, or a choker, or multi chained or colored beads, whatever tickles your fancy.

14 years ago

Diana

Veteran

Things I wear everyday: specs (can't see without 'em!), watch, engagement ring, another ring on my right hand.

Things that I think are must-haves (for me, YMMV) from a purely sartorial standpoint: scarves, pendant necklaces (in long and short lengths, or with mix and match chains), and belts.

14 years ago

Amy

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Veteran

I don't know that there are or even should be accessory equivalents of a white dress shirt and a black pencil skirt. Accessories are the bit of personality one adds to an outfit. To me, they must be something that resonate with who you are, what appeals to you, what sets you apart from others.

When you shop for accessories, indulge yourself and buy what appeals to you, what gives you a little internal shiver of excitement.

14 years ago

qfbrenda

Veteran

That really depends on your style! For me, I must have my wedding ring, glasses so I can see well, and a decent bag. I prefer having multiple bags because different ones are used for different situations. I usually wear a ring on my right hand also. I wear very simple earrings and don't have many. I alternate between simple hoops and small pearls. I use necklaces in the summer and scarves in the winter. I have decent sized collections of both and am always on the look out for more.

Others LOVE big earrings and have a huge collection. They might hate scarves and necklaces. It's all good!

What kinds of things do you love? I would start with small quantities until you figure out what types of accessories make your heart sing.

14 years ago

Kristine

Veteran

For me, it's colorful or patterned scarves. If I can't figure out what to wear, it's very easy to throw a scarf over a simple top or sweater. I also get a lot of use out of my stretchy belts, they go over nearly any dress. I have some statement jewelry, but find myself drawn to really simple styles lately like pearl studs. So it definitely depends on your style and your wardrobe.

14 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

This will vary from person to person... Hm, generally:

- A statement SOMETHING. Belt, necklace, scarf... just something with large details that really get the inner "you" across to the world.

- Something in a color that lights up your face. Doorknocker earrings? Scarf? Brooch? Neclace? Headband? Sometimes we end up with a top that isn't the best color on us, or we have an all-neutral outfit that needs a touch of cheer. An accessory near your face can change that right around.

- A belt of your choice. I don't know your body type - some gals need high contrast, some need low contrast, some like to cinch the waist, others like to add some curves to the hip line. In any case, a belt is a great way to create some optical illusions and interest in the middle of an outfit.

- IMO everyone also needs a great pair of sunglasses. They save our eyes from sun damage, so we usually wear them often. This means they should be as flattering as possible.

- I keep handbags and shoes in their own category, but if they are accessories for you, then I say at least one neutral and at least one color of each.

14 years ago

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

My top 5:

1. A watch. This is my most important accessory.

2. Then next in line: a necklace. Right now I'm like everyone else and loving pendants.

3. Belts. I wear one almost every day as I need them to keep my pants up (hourglass with back gapping here). I have really neutral belts, and statement belts. I keep my belts many years.

4. Sunglasses. They are a necessity when you live in CA.

5. Scarves. Another necessity to keep out the winter chill. I don't wear them indoors though; I wear them to coordinate with my coats.

Hope that helps! As you can see, my list is driven mostly by needs (necklace excepted). What are your needs?

14 years ago

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