Accessorizing Your Outfit – Style Tips for Over 50s

Do you worry about having the right accessories for your outfit? Do you see women on the street or in magazines and wonder how you’ll ever achieve something so put together?  Let’s look at a few tips that will help you accessorize like a professional.

Accessories aren’t just necklaces and earrings.  Hats, hair pieces, glasses, sunglasses, scarves, belts, tights, socks and shoes are all included under the accessory category.  Any of these items can help define your own personal style or personality.

When you are choosing which accessories you want to add to an outfit, it is very important to think about the type of clothes you’re going to be wearing, where you’re going to wear them and what look you want to create. Accessories can change the whole look of the outfit and take it from chic to trendy, business to casual, or day to evening dress. You can also use them to update an outfit from a previous season by adding a trendy accessory.

In addition to making the best of your outfit, accessories can also bring attention to things you want and distract from things you don’t want people to notice. They create a focal point that draws the eye towards them. An accessory near the top of your outfit can draw the eye upwards, making you appear taller and slimmer. The opposite is true also, adding an accessory lower draws the eye down which may make you look heavier or shorter.

Less is more when it comes to accessories, if you get carried away you might start to resemble a Christmas tree. Keep it to one focal point, a big statement piece like a necklace or earrings, just don’t try both.

It is also important to remember to keep your accessories in proportion to the outfit.  If you are wearing a baggy, voluminous outfit you want to keep your accessories smaller and simpler.  You can go with a bigger handbag or larger jewelry when you’re wearing something tighter or clingy.

You can use your accessories to bring in additional colors and textures.  For example, if you’re wearing a black suit, you can add a brightly colored handbag, scarf or shoes. Accessories that are on the opposite side of the color wheel from your outfit will really draw attention.

Glasses or sunglasses can be used as an accessory as well but there are a few things to keep in mind to keep them in proportion to your face. The width of the glasses should not exceed your temples.  The top should be in line with your eyebrows and the bottom should just touch your cheeks.

Scarves are a very versatile accessory.  They aren’t just for around your neck either.  You can wear a scarf over your shoulders, in your hair, around your wrist or tied on your handbag for an extra focal point. Try making a knot or bow with a long belt.

Hopefully, this information has demystified how you can use accessories and you feel a little bit braver about adding them to your outfits.  For more information, join us every Friday at 10:00 on Clubhouse in the Rich Woman Room.