Accessorize your way to success

Why is accessorizing your outfit important? Well, without it the best outfit will look drab while the most plain outfit can look like a designer wear. Once you learn the trick of accessorizing your outfits, you would have learnt the most important tool to dress well. We all know dressing well is one of the keys to success. This is what will set you apart from the rest, whether it is a social gathering or at an interview. Just because accessories add to our outfit, it does not mean we should keep on adding any type or amount of accessories. The key to accessorizing is understanding the right balance.

The few key points to remember while accessorizing your outfit:

• It should match with your outfit, compliment it and yet not over-shadow it, unless you are wearing a plain outfit. In this case, an accessory that will stand out and command attention will become your ‘statement piece’. For example: compliment a black sleeveless top with a chunky pearl neck piece. It will not only make your outfit look better but also light up your face.
• Never over accessorize or under accessorize, as you lose the whole point of doing so in the first place. So what can be considered as the right amount of accessories? On a normal day about 7-8 items is a good amount, however, it can increase (about 10-11 max) depending on the occasion, like a party, wedding, etc. These will include the layers of your clothing, jewellery pieces (like neckpiece, bracelets, bangles, etc), shoes, bags, hair accessories, etc.
• Even your make-up is counted as an accessory. Depending on the kind of make up you put, it can become an accessory to your outfit. A heavy eye makeup, loud colours, bright nailpolish, too much make up, etc, can become an accessory - which you should keep in mind while counting your accessory points. If you have also done up your hair, instead of just blow drying it, even that will count as an accessory point.
• Sometimes your accessory pieces can be counted as two if they are chunky, big or attract a lot of attention. For example, if you are carrying an expensive designer bag for dinner which is bound to catch attention, it can be counted as two accessory points.
• Start investing in accessories - Just like you invest in good shoes and bags, investing in accessories is bound to take your wardrobe a long way. Eye catching and beautiful accessories can give life to your outfit.
• Keep an eye out for accessories even in the most uncommon places. When you are travelling in a foreign country, be on a lookout - you might just pick up an exotic piece for a bargain. Flea markets could be a great place to pick up interesting pieces at a nominal rate.
• Wear the right accessories to the right place. Wearing a chunky, attention grabbing accessory like big earrings, neckpieces, etc could be a disastrous choice for an interview. A good silk scarf can always earn you brownie points and make a plain shirt look beautiful. If you are unsure about a certain piece, try wearing it when you are around close friends so that they can give you an honest opinion.

Remember, just wearing a good outfit is not doing justice enough to it. To dress like a glamourous Diva, always remember to compliment it… an arm candy helps as well!