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How To Make Outfit Interesting Without Accessories or Black?

Imogen Morley

I'm struggling to put together interesting outfits without relying much (or even at all) on accessories or the dramatic impact of black. My toddler's grabby hands make it impossible for me to wear necklaces or pendants, I hate wearing scarves just "for style", I refuse to wear black, bracelets are impractical at my desk job etc. Seems like my accessorising phase is officialy over for now...
Every day I wear a pair of tiny crystal stud earrings, a Celtic-inspired ring, my wedding band, a silver watch, and of course my funky, two-toned glasses. Other than that, nothing - it just seems fussy, and I've never been fond of layering accessories under winter coats, it just drives me nuts! But I'd like to make sure I look put together, and besides wearing different outfits/shoes every day (I don't count my bag as an accessory since I only wear it on the street with my outerwear, not in the office), I don't know how to achieve that "styled" look. I admit it was much easier when practicality wasn't my first priority in dressing! Plus I can't do much to my hair either - I've been a devout pixie fan for years.
Could you give me a few ideas on what YOU find essential to looking polished? What should I pay attention to while shopping for new clothes and shoes? What elements make garments themselves interesting to your eyes? Is it possible to achieve minimalistic or even *gasp* soft normcore look without looking sloppy?

Dressing

21 replies

Latest reply was from Barbara Diane

always trying

Veteran

Interesting patterns and color combinations. to me interesting things like uneven hems, sleeve details, interesting necklines on dresses, sweaters and such are good ways to achieve a more dramatic look. One I particularly like are things like color block garments, and geometric color patterns. These things can have an impact even when the colors are just two shades of grey, or such.

approprio

(website)

Veteran

I wear a lot of black, but not all the time. Otherwise, things that work for me are:
- a good haircut
- eyewear (You're on it already)
- statement pieces
- distinctive color palettes
- exaggerated proportions
- details in execution

See also so called third pieces. This is not one of my strategies, but others use them very effectively. As for footwear, prioritize quality and comfort. Buy nothing that doesn't make your heart sing.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I wore tiny diamond stud earrings for years with young children. My husband had given them to me for my 25th birthday while we were engaged. I had our last child of 3 when I was 35 so they were worn for many years. I'm not much of a necklace person in my everyday life so often like a contrast or interesting neckline on my top. Necklaces are more for dress-up occasions, perhaps in your case where you might be having the toddler babysat.
There are a lot of pretty stud earrings available that could be seen with your pixie? Examples below like the pansy and yellow flower and frangipani ones? Maybe your toddler wouldn't grab too badly at studs?
Also, I'm very much known for my shoes, both in real life and on the forum. I think I started buying interesting shoes back in late teens. I admit it has intensified in the past 10 years since my mid 40s, well past the toddler stage. By mid 40s my baby was 10.

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Sal

Veteran

I agree with all the ideas so far -

Haircut
bold lipstick
Pattern or details on clothing
eyewear
funky shoes
interesting colour combinations

Anonymous

Skin and great grooming come to mind. Hair that shines, wearing the most flattering colors and silhouettes for you. Varying textures in a monochromatic outfit.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Well, if you want hair accessories, you can wear a headband or fancy bobby pin even with a pixie cut, but I think what you’re saying is you don’t want to fuss with pieces that are “extra”.

If I’m misreading and you do want jewelry, just in toddler-friendly ways, try stretchy “cuff” bracelets (like in Brooklyn’s Wonder Woman post), pins, or necklaces that come off instead of breaking when they are pulled on https://m.shop.nordstrom.com/s.....8_60144584 or clothing with some kind of trim.

I think I got more compliments on my appearance when I was carting around my baby/toddler than at any other time in my life. Part of that may have been that I went on one shopping trip and bought things that I could mix and match a few months after he was born, but I think the main thing was the smile. I lucked out and got a baby who fell right into routine and didn’t spit up or get dirty a lot, so I could just enjoy being in on his growth and discoveries.

I’m new around here, so you should take everything I say with a block of salt. Right now I’m into figuring out pattern mixing and interesting palettes, but I don’t think that’s a requirement for looking pulled-together.

I think the best way to look good is to wear things that are not a “stretch”. Shoes you can chase in (I had Clark loafers and tall boots), fabric with “give” so you can scoop up....who/whatever needs scooping. I think quality fabrics, interesting textures, good fit, and clothes that are in good shape go a long way. Choose things that look good without dry cleaning or ironing, in your best colors.

And remember to take care of you and your environment. Get your sleep, exercise, and healthy diet. Make sure your home is comfortable for you (most people say to let the housekeeping go. I found that a few years of that led to very poor results. Figure out simple routines now).

You asked about your appearance and this probably sounds like I’m going off-track, but if you think of stereotypes of parents of young children, this is what they often focus on: looking harried, frazzled, disheveled, overtired, etc. Clothes and hair can fix part of that, but they can only go so far.

Anonymous

Well, I have really short hair , and don't like wearing all black anymore, and share your dislike for a bunch of layering under coats. I'm a lot older than you, and no longer worry about baby grabbing at my jewellery but I think I can contribute something intelligent

These things make me feel pulled together, and in a minimal-type way:

1. hair - you have that taken care of with a modern short cut; how is your hair colour?
2. makeup - normcore or minimalist or not, makeup is a game-changer when everything else is going to hell in a handbasket
3. good-looking glasses
4. althleisure can be your friend, even though it's not a favourite here on the forum (sometimes I think I'm the only one who likes it, lol) - easy, but chic pieces in really good fabric (stretch) ; I find you can get really nice pieces that would work in many office situations and not have to spend a ton of money.
5. a mini wardrobe of scarves and gloves that are really interesting and of good quality that work with your winter coats
6. a signature scent

What I look for when shopping:

1. fabric /yarn/construction quality is/are number 1; don't care how much I like the look or the idea of something , if it's crap, I won't buy it.

2. I figure out what I want or what I'd like to find ahead of time - through blogs and instagram usually. That way I can scan past the racks of stuff in the stores that have nothing to do with what I'm shopping for.

Jazzy Dance

Lots of good ideas but I'm especially onboard with Sal, Lisa and Joy. I think a f-a-b hairstyle can instantly elevate your look, and especially combined with a high level of polish, I don't personally feel like much more is needed. A glorious hairstyle needn't be fussy either. My style icon is Audrey Hepburn and her style was quite minimalist- but she always looked impeccable and darling.

As to what I find helps me feel polished:

-exceptional posture, all the time

- sticking to a skincare routine that works wonders for me

-wearing only my most flattering colors

-fabulous pixie cut

-natural (but not invisible) makeup

-clothing in excellent repair and free from lint/cat hair/what-have-you

-I don't wear polish but nails are always short, tidy and clean

I hope that helps a wee bit at least!

Anonymous

Yes to nails . Excellent point . There are only two things in my life that are non- negotiable : hair and nails .

Greyscale

Veteran

Aside from the no-black stipulation (since that's all I wear), this describes my style pretty well. Very little jewelry, practical clothes, and a wardrobe made of items that could individually be described as normcore (lots of simple tops and jeans).

I have my good days and my bad days for sure. The more successful outfits usually involve clothes that are made well in good fabrics (not necessarily expensive) and just a tiny bit dressier than my surroundings. Jeans that fit really well. Buttoned shirts that are ironed (I rarely achieve this!). Nice leather shoes. I turn to the most minimal, cleanest versions (a pair of J Crew kids' oxfords are my secret weapon). I find that the simpler my wardrobe, the more I notice the little quality details.

I also add interest with a few more avant garde pieces. I've gotten a lot better at seeing something on the rack and knowing it's just 'me' somehow. They're not necessarily expensive but these are the pieces I'm more likely to buy at full price. An example that comes to mind is a boiled wool tee-style top from Banana Republic a few years ago. It's just a bit more interesting than a regular sweater.

The outfits I feel 'meh' about might involve a sweater that's more faded or pilled than I realize, bad proportions between an oversized top and less flattering jeans, that sort of thing. I could still improve my layering skills and sometimes I buy things that just aren't the right shape.

I don't know if I come across as put together, exactly, since I don't do anything by way of makeup or nails. But I do feel like the good outfits manage to shine on their own without extra details.

Gigi

Veteran

I haven't read the above comments, but my first thought is that pixies don't have to be too mainstream. Angie has a pixie but does some fun things with it as far as styling goes, and I think she might have lowlights put in, if I remember right. Maybe consider getting highlights/lowlights put in? Or if you are adventurous, you could get a streak of color put in, like purple.

As far as clothing considerations, I would look for unusual textures (faux leather, metallic, faux fur, ribbing, slub cotton) and patterns (animal print is a favorite of mine). Interesting colors, such as a dramatic cobalt or a clear raspberry, would also be very eye-catching. If you like to tuck your tops, you could also look for belts with unusual buckles or eye-catching detailing.

Of course, shoes can also change the entire mood of an outfit and can be a great place to try out some fun styles and colors. Red shoes I think would be super fun.

Maybe a nice manicure/pedicure?

rachylou

Veteran

Texture, architectural detail. Like a cable knit sweater, or a scalloped edge on a pocket. I wear zero jewelry, except the odd free day or special occasion. I’ve always worked in some kind of manufacturing environment where jewellery, scarves and makeup, including scent, are hazards...

cindysmith

Veteran

I watched entirely too much "what not to wear" and will never ever be able to forget their little mantra of
* "color
* texture
* pattern
* shine".
Matter of fact, it's probably why I have almost no basics in my closet. My job and lifestyle chew up clothes and accessories, so most days I have to resort to Stacy and Clinton's mantra to make a an outfit feel "complete" or "interesting".

In addition to those 4, I also like to play with
* proportion
* draping
* silhouette
* asymmetry
* silhouette/ fit (body con or oversized, for example)
I'd throw in distressing, but that actually probably falls under texture and/or pattern.

Playing with these elements of my 'fit help me keep from feeling like I look boring or plain or something.

Imogen Morley

Wow, so many great ideas! Thank you all so much!
You've already me realise I might have a bit of a perception problem. The vast majority of elements you mentioned has already been firmly incorporated into my personal style: great pixie cut (my natural mouse brown hair plus some very subtle high- and lowlights to add interest), modern specs in my most flattering colour, textured clothing, high-quality fabrics like wool and cashmere, funky colour combinations... Leather shoes and bags, regular haircuts, perfume, subtle make up, and perfectly manicured nails (nude, classic red, or burgundy) are non-negotiable for me. It seems like my definition of "put-togetherness" is too much influenced by Pinterest or Instagram, where jewellery, updos and high heels are touted as the ultimate ingredients that elevate any outfit. I guess I got used to the look, and it's hard for me to see myself as well-dressed (fashionably dressed?) unless those elements are also present.
always trying, I adore geometric patterns!
approprio, check, check, and check again, though exaggerated proportions may not look best on my tiny frame.
Jenni NZ, don't you think that bold eyewear with funky studs is too much? To my eye it looks messy and mismatched, but as I said, it's all a matter of perception and repeated exposure, I guess.
Sal, I think I was on to something when I started looking for burgundy shoes! I think swapping my regular cognac and navy footwear for something more colourful might be enough to convince myself I look less boring.
Joy, thanks for reminding me about textures!
fashiontern, I think I was the happiest with my limited and classic maternity wardrobe: dark denim, breton stripes, textured knits, simple silhouettes.
lisa p, all check, though I'm not fond of athleisure outside my own flat. But last spring I found a pair of quilted slip on sneakers, and was very surprised that I could wear them even with suit trousers.
Jazzy Dance, yes to posture! I'm guilty of slouching and walking with my head down, but I know it makes so much difference when I don't: the clothes fit much better, and I feel instantly happier and more energetic. Another great thing to put on my list!
Greyscale, I love oxfords, and wear them spring to autumn non stop. So comfy, and, yes, stylish.
Gigi, I'm slowly easing into leopard print. I was surprised about how well a skinny belt in that pattern fitted my existing wardrobe. Funny you mention cobalt and raspberry - I love both colours and often wear them together.
rachylou, scalloped hems seems to be really trendy right now, I do like them. I'll start looking around.

Imogen Morley

cindysmith, after reading the replies it's going to become my mantra, too, although sometimes colour doesn't do enough for me to feel adequately put together.

Carla

Veteran

When mine were young'uns I eschewed things that required high maintenance like ironing or dry cleaning since a hug from a kid with a jammy face could put a top in the laundry before I even left for work. My most expensive garment was a beautifully made navy blazer that I kept on a hanger at work and could wear over just about any outfit. Even now (with a much more casual work environment) I keep a blazer at work.

kkards

Veteran

yes to everything everyone's already said....espeically cindysmiths mantra, and runcarla's blazer....and i'd add fit and tailoring...

The Cat

Veteran

Agree with much of the advice given here, especially about
- uneven hems, scalloped edges, and other interesting details
- quality fabrics
- more colours & patterns
- visible lipstick
- well-groomed hair, skin and hands

Animal or metallic belts and/or shoes can indeed add pizzazz to an outfit.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

An updo as the ultimate way to elevate a look? Lololol. Updos are how I get my hair out of the way when I just don’t want to deal with it.

The Cat

Veteran

Would just like to point to these two blog posts by Angie:

https://youlookfab.com/2012/11.....-or-shine/

https://youlookfab.com/2008/09.....-ensemble/

Barbara Diane

Veteran

It sounds like you might be just a little bored with your look, even though it sounds very put together.

Maybe wear necklaces only at work, or when away from your toddler. And bracelets when you aren't at work or with your child. I've been known to keep jewelry in my purse.

And perhaps pick one thing you don't normally do, and try it. Different color combinations, wear a dressy blouse with jeans, etc. It might be hard to make a date with your closet, but put on some music, and have fun. And take photos or document your new creations.

Or a less time intensive idea is to take one item and try to use it in a new way. And do that once a week.

Sometimes just adding something somewhere helps. I added a multi-colored faux fur ball to my purse and I smile every time I see it. And a year or so ago I added a completely new shade of lipstick. It had the same effect.