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Spice it up with accessories

By Maria Shirazi
Tue, 01, 18

Want to look fabulous even in the most basic outfits? Read on to find out how you can accessorise your look and go from boring to stunning...

beauty

Want to look fabulous even in the most basic outfits? Read on to find out how you can accessorise your look and go from boring to stunning...

Ever wondered how certain girls always appear gorgeous no matter what they wear? Be it a simple tee and jeans or a monotone kameez shalwar, they look simply stylish. You might think that it is a designer dress or a stylist has conjured up the entire look, but the fact is that there is another piece to the puzzle that can make or break an outfit. Well, the secret to looking great even in the most basic clothes, something that the world’s most stylish girls have mastered, is the art of accessorising! Your clothes can be totally basic and you will still look incredible if you add the right accessories. Yes, ‘tis true! It is just a style trick that anyone can learn. But remember, choose pieces that express your personality and don’t overdo it. Here’s how you can accessorise your look and go from boring to stunning.

Bling it up with jewels

Let’s start with jewellery. If you are opting for a straight cut, plain outfit, then the best option is to go for long necklaces. They are a hot trend these days and create long vertical lines which make you look taller and leaner. You can go for traditional stone ‘malas’ for a desi touch and for those who are more into fusion looks can wear a long chain-link necklace. Moreover, large dangling earrings can be a great way to dress up a casual or formal outfit. They draw attention to your face and add sparkle. Whether vintage kundan earrings are your thing, or you prefer chunky diamond studs, a statement earring can always add drama to an outfit. But make sure you don’t wear too many accessories at once. If you have statement earrings on, don’t add bangles and a cocktail ring. Keep it to one or two main pieces.

Mixing your metals

Accessorising has certainly come a long way. Now you don’t have to be afraid to mix metals. Rich, warm-toned jewellery pop when paired with a cool silver statement piece like a cuff or great pair of earrings. The best way to overlap metals is to choose a dominant shade. You can pick your favourite metal, make that your base, and introduce a few contrasting pieces. Mixing up your jewellery creates a fabulous vintage look, so don’t be afraid to throw things together and see what happens. You might come up with some amazing combos!

Layer up

Stacked bangles are trending this season. And the best part is that it is way easier to layer your bracelets rather than necklaces. Wear a bunch on one arm to easily add sparkle to an outfit.

Add pops of colour

Admit it or not but the more basic the outfit, the bolder your accessories can be. If your outfit is plain (let’s say black, white, grey or any other solid hue), create a pop of colour with jewellery, a scarf, a handbag, or a bright shoe. Remember that outfits don’t have to MATCH, but they have to GO. For example, pair a simple kurta and trouser with polka dot flats or you can even go for bright yellow sandals with a beige outfit. Along with that you can add a long sparkly pendant necklace and a few layered bangles in different types of metals.

Proportions matter

Be careful with proportions. If you are wearing an outfit that is big and voluminous, scale back on the accessories. If you are wearing something sleeker, you can go a little bigger and bolder with a chunky cocktail ring or big, bright handbag.

Bag it up

For a fun night out, you can wear your favourite basic dress and glam it up with a vibrant clutch. If the colour of your outfit is black, white or neutral, a clutch in a bright colour can really bring your outfit to life. If you are more into oversized bags you can go for bright coloured handbag that complements whatever you are wearing.

Pretty feet

The days of your shoes having to match your handbag perfectly are long gone. Now, you can wear a statement bag in this season’s Pantone ultraviolet colour with a different coloured shoe, if you want to make your simple attire (think earthy tones or basic tones) appear fresh and modern. Carrying a slouchy plum-coloured bag with nude or animal printed heels is totally acceptable, or maybe try a bright clutch and black peep toes to turn heads. However, when putting your best foot forward, one thing you have to take into account is to pick comfy shoes.