How to Accessorize a Simple Wardrobe
Do you find yourself always wearing the same jeans and teeshirts? Would you ever use the word "dull" to describe your wardrobe? Accessorizing is a great way to add excitement and variety to your outfits. With a little creativity and self-confidence, you'll soon be getting dozens of compliments on your impeccable style.
[edit] Steps
- Start with one of your basic outfits, preferably something you feel confident and attractive in. Jeans and a solid shirt is a great blank canvas.
- Consider your shirt. Is there anything you can do to make it more interesting? Layering shirts is a good way to start. Try one of the following techniques:
- Wear a long tanktop under a second, slightly shorter shirt. This allows the tanktop to peek out under the bottom, and at the top if the second shirt is low-cut. V-neck shirts look great over a tank top.
- Layer two longsleeved shirts, and cuff the sleeves of the bottom shirt over the top one.
- Wear an unbuttoned or partially unbuttoned blouse over a complementary tanktop.
- Wear a tanktop or shortsleeved shirt over a longsleeved shirt. This look is funky and youthful, but make sure the shirt underneath is not too baggy, or it will wrinkle weirdly.
- Take a look at your pants. For a different look, cuff them once or twice into capris and wear a pair of bright knee-socks underneath. If you want to permanently make your jeans more exciting, try embellishing them. Use fabric scraps, silk-screening, or embroidery to make them look chic and handmade.
- Find some pieces of complementary jewelry. If you want to look trendy, go with something bold -- try a chunky beaded necklace. (Bigger beads are slimming and instantly spice up any outfit.) Pick a pair of matching earrings and throw on some bangly bracelets. Jewelry is easy and makes any outfit look more thought-out and stylish.
- Try a belt or a pair of interesting socks. These will be subtle, but when they peek out it will pleasantly surprise people.
- Do something nice with your hair. Put in a few matching clips, or wear a cute headband with a bun or ponytail.
- Put on shoes and a jacket. Flats or boots are a comfortable way to add style to any outfit. A slightly cropped hoodie looks great over layered shirts, or under a hoodless jacket. If you want to look a little more classy, a blazer is perfect. Now you're ready to go!
[edit] Tips
- Remember that fashion is subjective, and not everyone will agree with what you wear. Especially if you're wearing a bold statement, be confident about it. If you feel good, you'll look good, and people will admire you regardless of their personal opinions.
- If you're new to accessorizing, start out slowly. Pay attention to what other people are wearing, and see if you can mimic the general style. Of course, don't copy them exactly. Add your own twist to make it original.
- As you begin to feel more confident broadening your fashion horizon, try a skirt with cool patterned tights, or a tunic top over jeans or leggings. The possibilities are limitless!
- Check out second hand stores, your sister's closet, or your grandmother's attic for fresh accessories. You might be able to find chic retro staples for a lot less!
[edit] Warnings
- Be careful with overly loud colors and styles. If you want to wear something wild -- like a big plastic necklace or a yellow and purple striped shirt -- wear plain clothes with it. You don't want to give the people who look at you a headache.
- Don't be afraid to try something new! The whole point of accessorizing is to add excitement to your wardrobe. There is no point in wearing some small, subtle thing that no one will notice. If you want to be fashionable, you are going to have to take a few risks.
[edit] Things You'll Need
- Jeans and some shirts
- Accessories: jewelry, belts, socks, hairclips, jackets, shoes, etc.










