Everyone knows that the most fun part of any outfit are the shoes and accessories. They bring together any and every outfit. You can dress up a casual fit with some nice heels and jewelry, or dress down a slightly-too-dressy outfit with some comfy sneakers and your favorite necklace. Let’s dive into some essential shoes and accessories for your closet.
- Shoes
-
Every girl needs at least one pair of the basic shoes: sneakers, heels, boots, and professional shoes. A comfortable, cute pair of sneakers is my personal go-to. My personal favorites are high-top Air Force 1’s; they’re a little more elevated and interesting than the classic Air Forces. Other great options are Converse All-Stars, Reeboks, or New Balances. Pick whichever color of sneaker would go best with most of your closet (usually white is a safe choice).
Heels are essential for formal events, date nights, or bachelorette parties. Steve Madden and Jeffrey Campbell have great basic heels and lots of unique styles; they’re easy to buy at a department store like Nordstrom.
Boots are the perfect way to add edge to your closet. Dr. Martens have trendy yet long-lasting styles; Nasty Gal has lots of styles and affordable prices; and Steve Madden sells elevated boots that are a great investment.
Professional shoes vary by each person. For those of us who avoid wearing heels at all costs, loafers are a great option. Go-to brands are Sam Edelman, Steve Madden, and ASOS. If you’re comfortable wearing heels, look for professional shoes wherever you prefer to shop for heels.
Once you have basic shoes in your closet, you can branch out and buy some more fun styles that are unique to you. Nike has colorful sneaker styles, Dr. Martens has edgy sandals, and designer brands like Louis Vuitton have heels that are a great investment. Your shoes really complete your outfit, so buy for comfort, wearability, and to wear for years.
- Accessories
-
Before we get into accessories, let’s define the categories that they can fall in: hair accessories, jewelry, and belts. This final step of putting together an outfit can overwhelm a lot of people. But it’s a lot easier than you might think. The thing about accessories is that there isn’t a certain amount you have to wear or buy, it’s all about how much you’re comfortable with.
To start, hair accessories are a great way to elevate an outfit–and cover up a bad hair day. Hats, like beanies, baseball caps, or wide-brimmed hats are good options and work for different individual styles. Headbands can express your unique personality through fun colors and patterns. Bandanas have just recently come back into style; they can make a dressed-up outfit dressed down and add an element of street style to a simple outfit. Finally, clips can add flare to an updo or pull your hair back from your face while adding interest to your look.
Jewelry is the most widely known type of accessory. Necklaces, rings, earrings, and bracelets all fall into the jewelry category. The amount of jewelry that you wear depends on your comfort level. To make your jewelry collection more catered to you, buy more in the metal that you prefer (gold or silver) or whichever metal matches with most of the hardware in your closet. If you’re feeling bold, try mixing metals! Jewelry is an investment, so if you have it in your budget, invest in some high-quality staples that will last you a long time.
Belts add convenience and a finishing touch to any outfit–and it doesn’t even have to involve pants! Obviously, pants that are too big for you need a belt. If you have metal on your belt, make sure it matches the metal of whatever jewelry you’re wearing. Buy a few belts that fit you well and make those your go-to. Thinner, chain-style belts can make a boring dress or skirt interesting, especially if you’re going out to a nice dinner or club.
The best thing about accessories is that they allow you to experiment with your personal style, add unique elements, and elevate a basic look. Buy within your personal style, but don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Get accessories that make you feel bold, confident, and excited. Allow your outfit to speak for itself, and make sure to tune in for the last article in the series, where we talk about how to bring everything together.