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Variety is key
Just like you have to build a wardrobe of clothes, you need a variety of accessories.
- Basics - Start with a good-with-everything (but not boring) purse, a nice necklace, a good scarf, several little rings and bracelets, maybe a watch and sunglasses.
- Fun pieces - After you build your basics, add pieces that fit your personality and show your individual style. Legwarmers (even worn as arm warmers, if you dare!), a cool hat, a chunky belt are all style-defining accessories.
Accessorize like a pro
- Don't overmatch. Accessories don't have to match your outfit - the key is to coordinate. A slinky cherry red dress, cherry red cuff, red clutch, red heels, and a ruby necklace is just too much - especially if everything is the same shade.
- Stay true to your style. If you're going for a preppy look, add pearl necklace, grosgrain ribbon belt, a simple bangle bracelet, and a nubby cable knit scarf. If you want to go glam, try a gold chain belt, a pretty lariat necklace, and dangling earrings. If classic is the look you want, stay simple - wear only a great striking necklace, or fabulous cuff.
- One outfit, many ways. Jami Rodriguez of AccessoryTrendz.com says "Add a few vintage-looking pieces of jewelry to your classic white tee and jeans to create an eclectic look. Take the same outfit and create a 'street flash' look by adding a rhinestone pendant and a beaded bellychain."
- Go from boring to fab. If your ensemb is too casual or simple, accessories can make it look tres chic. Add a super-thick belt, big shades, and sparkly bangles to denim hipsters and a tee for a casual, but fab look. Take a denim jacket from basic to super with a few funky pins and brooches here and there. "Accessorizing with a few key pieces," as Jami notes, "definitely completes your outfit."
- Pull it together. "You can tie everything together by adding a piece of jewelry that incorporates both the colors into the piece," hints Jami. "I love mixing up unexpected colors into my outfits, such as red and pink, orange and fuchsia. Adding a belt, bracelet or shoes with both colors really makes it sparkle."
Top Five Winter Accessories
1. Great Scarf. Preferably warm, cozy wool that will keep you warm and look stylish. Choose something fun, like cableknit, striped, fair-isle print or camo.
2. Masculine Hat. Choose from tons of styles, like fedoras, knit caps or the ever-popular newsboy caps.
3. Neat Belt. They look best if worn super low on the hips.
4. Glitzy Watch. Not only for telling time. Choose a shimmering, attention-getting style.
5. Leg warmers. These eighties-classics look completely modern with hipsters and heels.
Top photo, from Dollhouse, bottom, Rusty. Both, copyright © 2001 Cynthia Nellis. For more teen fashion runway photos: Fall 2001.
Casey is a real, fashion-forward teenage girl who loves clothes (and describes her own look as "trendy prep") If you want to ask her a question, post it to the Fashion Forum under "Teen" and put "Ask Casey" in the Subject line.
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