How to Accessorize...But Not Over accessorize an Outfit

 

So, you've got on a black and white dress and white shoes...do you wear earrings? A necklace? Bracelets? This list will help you decide great ways to accessorize your outfits.

 

Instructions

1. Think about what you're wearing. If it's busy already, keep accessories limited and simple. If it's plain, you've got more freedom to accessorize - but don't go overboard!
   
   
2. Keep this in mind: less is more. A ring and matching bracelet make a nice set. A matching bracelet and necklace make a great combination. But two rings, a bracelet on each arm and three necklaces? Not so much.
   
   
3. Choose one accessory as a focal point. For example, you can wear big, glamorous earrings, but then if you wear a necklace, it needs to be subtle. Similarly, you can choose a shiny necklace, but then your earrings should be small and should not compete for attention.
   
   
4. Stick to one style of jewelry. If you want to accessorize with yellow gold, stick with that. The same goes for white gold. Mixing and matching can get messy.
   
   
5. If you're carrying a purse, make sure it looks good with your outfit. A metallic silver purse may be a gorgeous accessory for a black dress, but with a metallic dress, you may start looking like an over-accessorized mess.
    
   
6. Don't be afraid to take fashion risks. A beaded necklace can be a fantastic accessory with a simple black top and jeans. Shiny earrings can spice up a simple dress. If you like it, and it looks good with your outfit, go for it!
   
   
7. Look at yourself in the mirror before going out. Do your accessories create a cohesive look, or do they look mismatched? If they look mismatched, take them off and try again.

How to Accessorize a White Dress

 Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Silver jewelry
• Brightly colored bangles
• One each of a vintage, new, borrowed and blue accessory
• Black hat
• Black wrist gloves
• Flower hair clip
• Silk scarf
• Bold statement purse

1. Remember the rules of the most important white dress--something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. Good ideas for these include vintage rhinestone earrings, hair pins, combs and necklaces. For a very marriage-minded and modern touch, get a tiny nose piercing with a blue, red or pink stone in the left nostril, which is an indicator of fertility and relationship luck in India and Africa.
   
   
2. Pair a basic white tank dress with a fabulous black hat and short black leather gloves for retro appeal. A wide-brimmed, floppy black hat suits many women, and it makes a very strong statement for lunch and dinner engagements. The leather gloves are a sexy extra touch.
   
   
3. Wear romantic-looking accessories with silhouettes that flow. A pink or blue flower hair clip adds a spot of color while enhancing the wearer's sensuality. Alternately, try a feather hair clip.
   
   
4. Trim white business dresses with a rich-looking silk scarf. If you're feeling bold and want to convey power, favor a bright-colored square. For feminine appeal, use a softer shade like pink or violet. Tie it with a simple knot, or use a more complex method for a stronger look.
   
   
5. Look at the undertones of the white dress before wearing gold or silver jewelry. Cool shades like winter white fare better with silver, while warmer colors like ecru look great with gold.
   
   
6. Grab a bunch of brightly colored bangle bracelets. A good mix of colors and textures will work with virtually any white dress.
   
   
7. Carry a statement bag with your white dress. This can be an animal print clutch, snakeskin bag, or bright turquoise hobo. Shy away from black and brown bags when wearing white, since the "blank slate" nature of a white dress complements a bolder purse.

How to Accessorize All Black

Black Heels image by Towards Ithaca from Fotolia.com

Black clothing is a blank canvas of sorts within the fashion world. Black is a traditional, yet versatile wardrobe staple that can be accessorized in a variety of ways. A few inexpensive and stylish methods for accessorizing all black clothing include, but are certainly not limited to: adding colorful accessories like shoes and belts, wearing stylish jewelry or fashion scarves for vibrant expression.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Statement jewelry
• Wide and skinny belts
• Lightweight fashion scarf
• Trendy shoes
• Black sheath dress
• Patterned hosiery

How to Accessorize All Black

1. 1
   
   medias femeninas image by Antoni Traver from Fotolia.com
   Opt for patterned hosiery to give dimension to an all black ensemble
   Dress in all black. Add patterned hosiery to legs. Finish off the look with colorful and trendy shoes like red heels with a bow.
   
2. 2
   
   ruby necklace image by OMKAR A.V from Fotolia.com
   A bold statement piece of jewelry adds character to otherwise simple black
   Choose a flattering black silhouette like a sheath dress. Add colorful, statement jewelry like a necklace or earrings. Add dimension to the silhouette by piling on layers of necklaces of varying lengths.
   
3. 3
   
   4 foulards-2 image by Georges Lievre from Fotolia.com
   A bright lightweight scarf is a great accessory for all black
   Choose a lightweight, fashion scarf. Tie around neckline. Experiment with different ways to tie a scarf.
   
   
4. snakeskin belt image by Alison Bowden from Fotolia.com
   A snakeskin belt is a versatile neutral pattern for belting the waist
   Choose a belt that is small enough to sit at your high waist. Belt the waistline of the dress.

How to Accessorize a Black Dress

How to Accessorize a Black Dress

You're ready to go out and you're in your favorite black dress. But how do you spruce it up? Take an old favorite dress and a few dazzling accessories to create a whole new look for yourself. Try these six ideas on for size.

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Evening Handbags
• Hair Accessories
• Handbags
• Hosiery
• Little Black Dresses
• Women's Closed-toed Shoes
• Women's Dress Shoes
• Women's Suit Jackets
• Bracelets
• Diamond Earrings
• Pearl Necklaces
• Women's Watches

1. Create a serious look with the black dress by teaming it up with a suit jacket and a structured bag.
   
   
2. Spice up your dress with a Far East look: an embroidered kimono bag, an obi for a belt and platform stilettos. An obi is a sash that's typically worn with a kimono.
   
   
3. Consider slipping on jeweled bangles and silver heels. Top off the ensemble with a shawl.
   
   
4. Try a velvet duster with a fur collar or a velvet coat over the dress.
   
   
5. Pair your dress with a sequined handbag and mules for a night out.
   
   
6. Throw on a zebra-print coat paired with a red handbag and sexy leather boots for a wild night out.