Choosing the right outfit is so much more than simply picking out a shirt, dress, or pants and heading out the door. To truly make a fashion statement, you need to know how to properly accessorize. When you accessorize an outfit, you can make a statement with something bold or go for a more subtle look by choosing simple pieces. The right accessories can make even the most basic outfit into a fashionable statement.

If you're interested in sprucing up your look, you don't need to run out and buy an entirely new wardrobe. In fact, with the right accessories, you can breathe life into your existing wardrobe, stand out, and make a fashion statement.

What Are Accessories?

You may be wondering what is considered a fashion accessory. Popular categories include footwear, hair pieces, jewelry, belts, handbags, and scarves. That means your favorite pair of diamond earrings, silk scarf, or leather belt are all considered fashion accessories that can boost an outfit.

While some accessories, such as shoes, seem more like a necessity than an enhancement to your favorite outfit, the right pair of shoes can help an outfit stand out. A good rule when purchasing shoes is to have neutrals that can mix and match with any outfit and a couple of statement pieces to pair with your favorite dress or suit.

Find Your Signature Style 

Most people tend to gravitate toward a certain style. Figure out what you like best and allow that to help you determine what style you want to embrace. If you think of fashion icons like Coco Chanel or Audrey Hepburn, their style immediately comes to mind. It's because they embraced a certain signature look regardless of their outfit.

Determine what makes you feel great about yourself and incorporate that into your outfits. Perhaps it's a pair of simple diamond earrings, ballet flats, or gold jewelry. Once you've found what works for you, you'll be able to bring your signature look into all your outfits.

Avoid Over-matching 

It's a common misconception that outfits need to be completely matched from head to toe. In fact, doing this can ruin an otherwise great look. Instead, opt to mix it up by choosing accessories that don't perfectly match your outfit. If you are hesitant to mix and match because you're worried you'll come off as tacky, start subtly by adding a bold necklace to a neutral dress or top. This may seem like it won't make a difference, but the subtle clash of colors will help you stand out without being too loud.

Once you're more comfortable with the idea of mixing and matching your outfits with your accessories, you'll be able to go bolder with your accessories. The key is to start small and work your way into brighter colors, patterns, and even mixing and matching materials to give your outfit more texture and interest.

Be Yourself 

While it's easy to fall into the latest trends or to worry about what everyone else is wearing so you don't become a fashion faux pas, at the end of the day it's most important to be yourself. If you feel confident wearing your diamond earrings to the office or your hand-knit sweater to a fancy dinner, then you should be able to do so.

Fashion is about embracing what makes you feel great because when you do, you'll come off as more confident. Certainly, if you want to keep up with the latest trends you're welcome to do so, but don't be afraid to wear something you love simply because it's out of season.

Learning to accessorize your outfits with what makes you feel great will elevate your look; you may even become the next fashion icon among your family and friends.