Let’s Get One Thing Straight
I’m gonna say something controversial. Accessorizing isn’t about matching your shoes to your purse. It’s not about following some Pinterest board’s color scheme either. No, it’s about making a statement. A statement that says, “I’m not afraid to stand out.” And if you’re still thinking about whether your belt matches your bag, well, you’re probably doing it wrong.
I should know. I’ve been in this industry for 20+ years. I’ve seen trends come and go. I’ve watched as people blindly follow what they see on Instagram, thinking that’s what fashion is. It’s not. Fashion is personal. It’s bold. It’s… well, it’s kinda messy, honestly.
Take my friend Marcus, for example. Let’s call him Marcus because, frankly, his real name is none of your business. Anyway, Marcus is a banker. A banker! You’d think he’d be all about the boring suits and ties, right? Wrong. This guy accessorizes like a rockstar. His pocket squares? They’re works of art. His watches? They tell a story. And his belts? They’re the kind of statement pieces that make people stop and stare. Which, honestly, is what accessorizing should do.
But What About the Rules?
Oh, you mean those “rules” they teach you in fashion school? The ones about matching metals and coordinating colors? Yeah, those. Look, I’m not saying throw them out the window completely. But I am saying don’t let them hold you back. Fashion is about breaking the rules, not following them.
I remember this one time, about three months ago, I was at a conference in Austin. There was this woman, let’s call her Dave because I can’t remember her name. Dave was wearing a neon pink blazer with a black and white polka dot scarf. And you know what? It worked. It worked because she owned it. She wasn’t worried about what anyone else thought. She was just doing her thing. And that’s the kinda confidence you need when it comes to accessorizing.
But here’s the thing: accessorizing isn’t just about clothes. It’s about jewelry too. And not just any jewelry. Unique, statement pieces that say something about you. That’s why I love places like jewelrynearme.net. They’ve got this amazing collection of handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces. The kinda stuff you won’t find anywhere else. And honestly, that’s what accessorizing should be about. Finding pieces that are as unique as you are.
But What If I’m Not Bold?
Okay, so maybe you’re not the kinda person who can rock a neon pink blazer. Maybe you’re more of a “quiet” person. That’s fine. Accessorizing isn’t about being loud. It’s about being you. It’s about finding those little pieces that make you feel good. That make you feel like you.
I had a colleague named Dave — yeah, another Dave. This Dave was the kinda guy who always blended into the background. But then one day, he started wearing this old pocket watch. It was a family heirloom, something his grandpa had given him. And suddenly, Dave wasn’t just “that guy from accounting.” He was “the guy with the pocket watch.” It was a small change, but it made a big difference. And that’s the power of accessorizing.
But here’s where I’m gonna sound like a broken record. Accessorizing isn’t about following trends. It’s not about what’s “in” this season. It’s about finding pieces that speak to you. That tell your story. And if that means wearing the same necklace every day for the rest of your life, well, so be it. It’s your story, after all.
A Quick Note on Local Events
Oh, and if you’re looking for some inspo, check out Vermont local events this week. There’s always some kinda fashion show or art exhibit going on. And honestly, there’s no better place to find unique accessories than at a local event. Just sayin’.
But look, I could go on and on about this stuff. I mean, I literally wrote a book about it. But the thing is, accessorizing isn’t about rules or trends or even what I think. It’s about you. It’s about finding what makes you feel good. What makes you feel like you. So go out there and find your thing. And for the love of god, stop worrying about whether your belt matches your bag.
Which, honestly, who even cares?
About the Author: Hi, I’m Sarah. I’m a senior magazine editor with more than 20 years of experience in the fashion industry. I’ve written for some of the biggest names in the biz, and I’ve seen it all. I’m opinionated, I’m blunt, and I’m not afraid to tell it like it is. I love fashion, but I hate rules. And I’m here to tell you that accessorizing isn’t about following some arbitrary guideline. It’s about being you. So go out there and make a statement. And for god’s sake, have fun while you’re at it.
