When you’re getting dressed there are certain aspects that you consider, i.e. the weather, what you’ll be doing, if you’re feeling a particular way –if you want to look more edgy, relaxed, fancy etc. These are all things that we consider when we’re getting dressed, and the list could easily be much longer. One important aspect that should not be forgotten, is accessories. Jewelry, leggings, hats, scarfs, pins, etc. can all be used to spice up our appearance. Accessories can make or break a look, or completely change the tone. For my own personal style, I would say that I try to error on the side of too little, as opposed to too many accessories. The reason being is that for me it can be easy to get carried away! This is why I like to follow the advice of iconic elegance, the one and only Coco Chanel. As she would say, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off”. However, unlike Coco perhaps, I have a solid love for the 80’s and their necklaces in bulk –so we look for a happy medium. Personally, I like to think of how many layers are in my outfit creating dimension. Then I think about if accessories would add or detract from that image. In an outfit like this one I don’t usually wear a lot of accessories because I don’t think they’re necessary. I could have added some bracelets or a big necklace, but the look already has a lot going on. I think the outfit speaks loud enough on it’s own, so I don’t want too many different aspects, as they could potentially take away more than they add.
The only true accessory that I added was a grey and black fedora-like hat. I think this hat is what makes the outfit into a full stylized ensemble. It grabs immediate attention but doesn’t take away from what the outfit already has going on. To reiterate, I could have added a necklace to create more focus on the center of the outfit, or I could’ve added earrings to give it obvious pizazz, but I really like the simplicity of this outfit on its own. I think the hat provides enough character that I don’t need to have any other accessories. The combination of colors and prints, lengths, and layers, contribute enough detail that I think the hat alone is the perfect touch.
I love this look because of the natural movement it possesses. Each layer is a different cut and length, so it’s easy to see the flow of the clothing on the body. Each of the center pieces are different colors, which creates a unique contrast. All the while, the black boots, leggings and hat allow for synchronicity; connecting each item of clothing together as one.
Lastly, this style of outfit that could be easily modified. Simply change one or two elements or accessories. It could be layered up further for a cold winter day, or it could be left as is for a brisk spring morning. For warmer weather the look could go through pretty minimal changes and be perfectly wearable as well. For example, wearing a black dress underneath the leopard shirt dress, instead of leggings, would make the appearance of the outfit much more summery and light. In this scenario I might take away the hat and add a headband or scarf to refocus the mood as more summery, or to apply a more bohemian vibe. In such a scenario I would probably change the shoes to sandals as well to completely convert the outfit. Regardless of your personal take on how many accessories is the right amount, they can completely change everything. Whether you’re aiming to be more minimal or go heavy on the application, the possibilities are endless.
Maverick Elephant 