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Accessorising 101: How To Elevate Your Outfits With The Perfect Accessories

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Ellen Hickey Student Contributor, Dublin City University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at DCU chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Accessories are the key element in turning a basic outfit into an eye-catching look. Whether you are dressing down for a casual day out, or dressing up for a night on the town, the power of accessorising helps to display your unique personal style by making a statement.ย 

From wearing delicate ribbons that portray elegance to bold chunky earrings that express edginess, this article will explore how to incorporate accessories into your daily wardrobe.

Ribbons/Hair Bows

Ribbons are the newest accessory to trend on runways and social media. You can wear ribbons in your hair, as shoe laces, as a necklace, etc. Ribbons and hair bows incorporate a soft feminine look into your style.ย 

I love it when ribbons are used in a more grungy look, as it mixes feminine and masculine looks.

Jewellery

We couldnโ€™t talk about accessorising without including jewellery! Jewellery tells a lot about an individual. Do you wear chunky or dainty jewellery? Gold or silver? Earrings or rings?ย 

Whatever type of jewellery you like, there are so many ways to wear it that make an outfit stand out more.ย 

For example, if you like wearing rings maybe you should try mixing textures or you could stack your rings, like this photo used for Lynott Jewellery.ย 

If you prefer wearing earrings, perhaps you could wear chunky earrings to express your bold personality, as seen on Zo&Coโ€™s Instagram, or wear earrings that are personal to you in some way, for example wearing your birthstone.

Necklace layering is an easy way to spice up your outfit, while also looking put together. You can mix different necklace types, lengths, designs, and metals together to create a unique look that matches your own aesthetic.ย 

This technique also looks like you put a lot of effort into your outfit, when in reality it only took an extra few seconds to accomplish this fashionable look, but people can think otherwise!

Sunglasses

Although summer is over, sunglasses can be worn all year round! Sunglasses are both practical and stylish, which means you can look stylish while also protecting your eyes from the sun!ย 

The pair of sunglasses that I see all over my social media at the moment are the Celine sunglasses, as seen on the infamous Sophie Murray.ย 

However, choose sunglasses that represent your own fashion taste, whether you like the thin oval 90s shape sunglasses, or the Lexxola square sunglasses, use them to your advantage.

Legwarmers/knee-high socks

As the colder months are approaching, the layering has begun, but that doesnโ€™t mean that your outfits have to look bulky and bland. Leg warmers are a great way to personalise your outfit, while also keeping warm and cosy! I love seeing leg warmers with Dr.Martens, loafers, and Mary Janes, but you can choose to wear them with whatever shoes you like.

If leg warmers arenโ€™t your thing, donโ€™t fret as you can wear tights or knee high socks to elevate your look too. I love this outfit by Instagram influencer, Sofia Coelho, as the use of knee high socks makes the outfit appear more creative.

Hairclips

Hair clips are another easy hair accessory that upgrades your attire drastically.ย 

I love using hair clips to add a personal touch when styling my hair in a ponytail, plait, half-up half-down hairstyle, or when I want to hide away my curtain bangs.ย 

Hair clips are a great way to start experimenting with different hair looks without changing hairstyles completely.

My name is Ellen and I am a final year student in DCU studying Social Sciences and Cultural Innovation! I am focusing on the Media strand for my final year of college, and I hope to do a Masters for Public Relations next year ๐Ÿ“š I am currently at a 2:1 overall!
My interests include fashion, listening to motivating podcasts, experimenting with new styles, and reading fiction books! I love reading magazines that focus on fashion and beauty, and I aspire to write within these genres ๐ŸŽ€
My accomplishments include completing the Pathways to Success Programme in DCU, obtaining the Bronze Engage Student Award in DCU, becoming the Sponsorship Officer for the DCU Style Society, and getting the chance to do a year abroad in Lyon, France ๐Ÿซถ๐Ÿผ