I Hate When People Say ‘Accessories Are Just Extras’
Look, I get it. You’re in a hurry. You throw on some jeans, a top, and call it a day. But let me tell you something—accessories aren’t just extras. They’re the punctuation in the sentence of your outfit. And if you’re not using them, you’re basically writing in all caps. No one wants to read that.
I learned this the hard way. Back in 2005, I was working at a tiny boutique in Portland. My boss, let’s call her Marcus, was this incredible stylist. She had this knack for taking the most basic outfits and making them pop with the right accessories. One day, she took a look at my outfit—a plain black dress—and said, ‘Hon, this is like a blank canvas. You need to add some color, some texture, some life.’
And she was right. She handed me a vibrant scarf, a pair of statement earrings, and a bracelet that was basically a work of art. I felt like a completely different person. It was like Marcus had unlocked some secret door to fashion I didn’t even know existed.
But What If You’re Not Into Bold Statements?
I get it. Not everyone is into bold, in-your-face accessories. And that’s fine. But even if you’re more of a minimalist, there are still ways to make accessories work for you. It’s all about finding the right balance.
Take my friend Dave, for example. He’s the kind of guy who shows up to a party in a plain white tee and dark jeans. But he always has this one ring—a simple silver band—that he wears on his pinky. It’s subtle, but it’s his thing. And it makes all the difference.
Dave told me once, ‘I don’t need a lot of stuff to feel like I’m putting my best foot forward. Just one little thing that says, ‘Hey, I put thought into this.’ And honestly, that’s all you need. A little thought goes a long way.’
Which… yeah. Fair enough.
The Power of a Good Scarf
Okay, so maybe you’re still not convinced. Let me hit you with this: scarves are the ultimate accessory. They’re versatile, they’re practical, and they can completely transform an outfit. I’m talking about taking something basic and turning it into something fabulous.
I remember this one time, I was at a conference in Austin. It was 2018, and I was wearing a simple blazer and pants combo. But then I threw on this amazing silk scarf—it had these deep blues and purples, and it just tied everything together. People were stopping me left and right, asking where I got it. It was wild.
And the best part? Scarves aren’t just for cold weather. You can wear them in the summer, draped over your shoulders or tied around your bag. They’re basically the Swiss Army knife of accessories.
Don’t Forget About Jewelry
Now, I know what you’re thinking. ‘Jewelry is expensive. I can’t afford to drop hundreds of dollars on a statement necklace.’ And you’re right—some pieces can be pricey. But you don’t have to break the bank to find something that works for you.
Check out local markets, thrift stores, or even online shops. You’d be surprised what you can find. And if you’re looking for something really unique, you might want to check out jewelrynearme.net. They’ve got a ton of options that won’t leave you feeling like you need to take out a loan.
And hey, if you’re feeling really adventurous, why not try making your own? I had a colleague named Sarah who was always crafting her own jewelry. She’d mix and match beads, charms, and stones to create these one-of-a-kind pieces. It was amazing.
She told me, ‘There’s something so satisfying about wearing something you made yourself. It’s like wearing a piece of your soul out into the world.’
Which, I mean, that’s kinda deep. But also totally true.
So, What’s the Verdict?
Look, I’m not saying you need to go out and buy a ton of accessories right this second. But I am saying that you should think about how you can use them to elevate your outfits. Whether it’s a simple scarf, a statement ring, or a piece of jewelry you made yourself, accessories have the power to transform your look.
And if you’re still not convinced, just remember what Marcus told me all those years ago: ‘Accessories are the punctuation in the sentence of your outfit.’ So go ahead, add some punctuation. Your outfits will thank you.
Oh, and if you’re in the mood for some great food after all this fashion talk, you might want to check out the latest Taiwan restaurant opening news. Trust me, it’s worth it.
Anyway, that’s all I’ve got for now. Go forth and accessorize.
About the Author: Hi, I’m Linda Thompson. I’ve been in the fashion industry for over 20 years, and I’ve seen it all. From the rise of fast fashion to the resurgence of vintage styles, I’ve written about it all. When I’m not writing, you can find me thrifting for hidden gems or experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. Follow me on Instagram @lindathompsonstyle for more fashion tips and behind-the-scenes looks at my life.
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