Earrings turquoise

The Rules on How to Accessorize
Articles By Victor Epand

The evolution of style is something that some of us may never understand. Even so, we try to manage with our own sense of accessorizing elements. With many fashion trends making their presence known, the ease of putting things all together becomes quite a blur. Here are some rules on putting it all together.

1. Find a Function. Whether it's a ring, a necklace, or a watch, imagine the item as a member of a band. You don't ever see a drummer without a drum set, so why would you add an accessory that didn't have a purpose?

While the watch on your arm functions as a timepiece, your earrings should serve as a similar purpose. Do the dangling jewels add variety and accents to your outfit or do they simply hang boringly? Pick items that will catch attention and add some flair. Think sophisticating and shiny rather than a plain old watch band.

Function also comes into play when you pick the clothing. If you choose a patterned shirt, skip the necklace. A glimmering watch band is much more fashionable (and functional) than a bright necklace on an already brightened shirt.

Go for meaning when you pick your accessories. A beautiful watch band will help your outfit go much farther than a pretty necklace will.

2. Pick your Palette. The days of one color wardrobes are long gone. Imagine that you're decorating a room in your house. You wouldn't put white furniture with white walls and white carpet, would you?

Start with the main colors of your outfit and work outwards. If you're shooting for denim with lavender, add accessories in other colors (such as turquoise earrings and a silver watch) that will add flavor and vibrancy to your wardrobe. Planning to alter your colors will not only help you vary your wardrobe but will also add a touch of class. Great color mixes include a combination of blacks, tans, whites, blues, reds, and greens. To get the best blend, try alternating shades of the same color.

In real estate, it's about location. In fashion, it's about color. Remember this when you're shopping for your next favorite accessory.

3. Eliminate Excess. Many companies offer a set of jewelry that all fits into one general theme. These usually include matching earrings, necklace, ring, and sometimes even a watch. Although these happen to be a great deal, the idea of matching is no longer a general rule when it comes to style.

Picture your wardrobe as one giant puzzle. Each accessory is a corner piece to this puzzle and essentially keeps it all together. If you added six corner pieces to your puzzle, you'd end up with an incomplete (and quite lopsided) project. So, add accessories in moderation. If the gemmed watch band adorns your arm, leave the bracelets and necklace home for the night.

So, the next time you go out and overload your wardrobe, keep the accessories to a minimum and put some function into your stylish color palette.