I’ve had a lot of fun sharing my daily outfits for Me Made May. Accessories are a great way to express your personal style and even create a signature look. It can be a lot of work to put together a whole outfit and then select accessories too. So many decisions to make, especially when you’re running out the door. So, today I’m sharing a few tips for how to accessorize your handmade wardrobe. These tips will help you learn how to quickly choose accessories and start building a personal accessory wardrobe.
There’s no doubt that accessories can instantly take any outfit from ho-hum to oh-wow. I tend to really like simple silhouettes and plain fabrics so accessories are integral for pulling it all together and making an outfit look extra special. I always try to wear earrings (especially since I have short hair) and then often a necklace or bracelet. When I need to add a pop of color, I love wearing big chunky vintage plastic bracelets. But when my clothing already has a lot of color or I’m going for a more subtle look, I opt for one of my wooden bracelets. I have a collection of them that I've been wearing for years. I love that they match everything and never go out of style. As I’m getting ready to walk out the door, I just pop one on to finish off any outfit. Read on for my top tips and photos of some of my favorite handmade and accessory combos.
5 Tips for Accessorizing a Handmade Wardrobe
Tip 1: Lay it out first. Laying out an outfit with all your accessories is a great way to see if you have the right balance of color and pattern. Of course, the ultimate test is to put it all on but a quick gathering of clothes and accessories is not only useful planning but fun too. Check out my Instagram to see how I lay out my outfits. You don't need to be this organized if you're not taking a photo. :) But it would be really helpful to do it before going on a trip.
Tip 2: Choose one oversized object. This is all about balance. You only want one thing in an outfit to be oversized. This could be your top, your skirt or an accessory. For example, if you’re going to wear a chunky bracelet, choose earrings and a necklace that are more delicate. Likewise, if you are wearing a big flashy top, delicate accessorizes in neutral colors are the way to go.
Tip 3: Select one thing to be your pop of color. This could be your shirt, a bracelet or even your lipstick. I love color as much as the next person and I totally believe you don’t have to only wear one color at a time. But, if you’re looking to quickly put together an outfit, the easiest way is to choose one colorful hero item.
Tip 4: Choose a signature accessory. For me, this is the chunky bracelet. For you, it might be dangly earrings or winged eyeliner. Whatever it is, you should feel completely comfortable in it and want to wear it everyday. Then add a few of these to your wardrobe and you’ll be set for years to come.
Tip 5: Build an accessory wardrobe. Over the years, I’ve collected a few core accessories that I rely on all the time. These are items that go with everything in my closet and with each other. I think it's best to build your accessory wardrobe over time. You'll be able to see which kinds of things you like best and get worn most often. And as your tastes change, so will your accessory wardrobe.
My latest addition to my accessory wardrobe is a wooden watch. When Jord Wood Watches asked if I’d like to try out one of their wooden watches, I jumped at the chance. Not only do I love wearing wooden wrist wear (so much more comfortable in warm weather!) but Wood is also my last name. Given a choice, I will always choose wood. It’s a great neutral accessory and, for me, a little kind of secret personal identifier.
I’ve really enjoyed wearing this watch. It actually took a little while to get used to reading the time on a dial instead of a smartphone (how embarrassing!). It's such a beautiful statement piece and it goes with everything. While we would all like to DIY as much as possible (and I've done my fair share of jewelry making), there are a few things that would be impossible for your average DIY'er to make. Like a watch! If we can’t make our own watches the next best thing has got to be one made out of natural materials like this gorgeous wood number.
I’m also really excited to be a hosting a giveaway sponsored by Jord Watches. Everyone who enters the giveaway will receive $20 off their purchase and one lucky winner will receive $75 off the watch of their choice. Click here to go to their website to enter. The contest will close June 5, 2016 at 11:59pm. A winner will be randomly selected and emailed the following day. The winner's $75 coupon code will expire July 5, 2016 and the "losers" $20 coupon code will expire Oct 5, 2016.
Do you have any tips for accessorizing a handmade wardrobe? Do you have a go-to accessory?
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Jord Watches. I received free product yet all opinions and content are my own. Thank you for supporting our sponsors.
