Much as I love a CLASH of colour I also like to do a little matching from time to time!
However, being too “matchy-matchy” with accessories can easily look dated and frumpy.
Being overly match-obsessed can come across as safe and lacking in imagination.
We’ve all seen (and probably worn!… I know I have) outfits that are so thoughtfully accessorised they look boring.
Think of a classic black and white dress worn with a red shoe, red nails, a red clutch, a red lip and a red skinny belt.
Too much.
Too ‘done’.
{TWEE-NESS ALERT! Here is a classic “Matching belt and shoes” look that I wore… If I was wearing this top and jeans tomorrow my accessories would look VERY different!}
Even a casual outfit like this one can benefit from some colourful accessories.
In fact, it doesn’t matter how formal or casual your outfit is, accessories ALWAYS make a difference to how you look and feel.
Today I’m wearing my new (and now favourite) jeans… you can read more about them HERE… and some light-coloured layers.
It’s pretty chilly here today so my thermal baselayers are still firmly in place.
However, with the addition of these thermals, it means I can expose my wrists and ankles to the spring air!
Bare ankles and light colours give the illusion of warm-weather dressing without having to compromise on staying warm.
{My thermal shoe liners are still firmly in place and I’m not yet ready for bare toes… we have a while to go, here in Scotland, unless we get an unseasonal heatwave?! crosses fingers}
This is such an easy, comfortable and practical outfit.
Perfect for a busy day.
4 Ways to Avoid Looking Twee when Matching your Accessories
Normally I would find myself saying…
“Don’t match your accessories… it’s BORING!!”
“Mix, match and clash… it’s much more fun.”
However, sometimes it just feels GOOD to do a little of the samey-samey.
A little matchy-matchy.
Especially if the rest of your outfit is quite busy or colourful.
So let’s get matching!
1. Stick to the Magic Number and Don’t pile them on!
The magic number is 3.
(It usually is though, isn’t it? …Or 5… Or, is that to do with arranging plant pots?😜)
I figured this “rule of 3” out accidentally when looking at my past posts and considering previous outfits.
When matching, I’m naturally drawn to three of a certain colour.
Three hits of a contrasting accessory colour.
One large.
One Medium.
One Small.
For example:
In the outfit I’m wearing today…
LARGE: Red Bag
MEDIUM: Red Shoes
SMALL: Red heart brooch
Previous outfits you might like to have a look at…
LARGE: Suede Shoes
MEDIUM: Lips and earrings working as one!
SMALL: Bangle
- In THIS OUTFIT:
I made the mistake of keeping the accessories too small… Ballerinas, a skinny belt and a bangle are not enough… I’m missing the impact!
I’ve used the same formula again:
LARGE: Bag (albeit in a paler shade of pink)
MEDIUM: Vintage Heels
SMALL: Belt… although I’d probably change my belt if I was wearing this outfit today, it’s heading into the borders of twee-town.
2. Mix up your Textures
If you are matching the colours of your accessories try mixing up the textures to add interest.
Having a mixture of textures adds more personality (and style) to an outfit.
Today I’m mixing canvas, matte leather and painted wood.
Suede, patent leather and enamel look great together.
As does patent leather, velvet and silk.
In fact, the combinations are almost endless.
Mix things up and have fun!
3. Go BOLD
Forget delicate accessories (unless they are your ‘small’ item) go as big and bold as you dare, and your frame allows.
If you’re going to put effort into choosing accessories you may as well let them do some hard work for your look!
Too many delicate accessories can look busy and fussy, get lost in your outfit, look old-fashioned and even seem like an afterthought.
BIG and BOLD pieces say…
“I know what I’m doing!”
(Even if you don’t 😊)
4. Throw away the rule book!
Of course, if you LOVE uber-matchy-matchy looks then go for it!
Ignore what anyone else thinks (with their silly rules of 3) and do whatever makes you happy.
Pile them on.
Make them tiny and numerous.
Make them EXACT matches if that’s what floats your boat.
Fashion is supposed to be fun and an expression of who YOU are.
Please tell me about YOUR favourite ways to accessorise…
Do you pile on clashing pieces?
Do you like to match?
Do you go bold or delicate?
I’d love to know!
JEANS: Denham
BAG: Bognar (old)
SHIRT: I can’t remember!! (old)
STRIPED TOP: New look
SHOES: c/o Josef Seibel
BROOCH: old
