How to Use Statement Necklaces to Create Beautiful Color Combinations

Many women want to wear more color but don’t know how to do it.  If someone isn’t great with color they often feel hesitant to take a risk. I can’t tell you how many times I have put a color combination together for a client, that seems fairly obvious to me, and they remark, “I didn’t know you could wear those colors together.”  From there a world of color possibilities open up in their wardrobe that they never even knew existed.

In addition to feeling a bit uneducated with color combining, a lot of women look to keep their wardrobes on the neutral side, preferring only small pops of color on a classic base.  They want to branch out but don’t know where to start.  In today’s accessorizing post, I am going to share some easy tips on how colorful statement necklaces can be an easy first step in taking some chances with color.
If you have been hesitating playing with color, going the statement necklace route is one that you choose that won’t cost a lot.  It’s certainly a lot less expensive than buying clothing in a range of colors.  Start with an inexpensive piece of jewelry, play around with it, and if it doesn’t work there is no love lost.  Additionally, I chose to use colorful statement necklaces for this post because these pieces can be great ways to bring color towards the face, to make an unflattering top or dress color look better near your skin and also put the focus on you.  Lastly, accessories are the easiest ways to change up your basic outfits to get more looks.

Working on this post also reminded me of an outfit I put together recently with a client.  We purchased this adorable burgundy dress together.  While it looked fine on it’s own, my client isn’t paying me to just look fine.  When we styled the look we added a bib necklace in a range of colors to really give it some pop, which you can see in the photo below.

With this dress we added navy pumps and let the necklace take center stage.  The shades of blues and greens bounced off the burgundy beautifully.
Below are five outfits using statement necklaces to show how how these simple additions to your looks can not only easily create some fun color combinations but also make your basic outfits more exciting.

Outfit #1

This dress is  similar to the shade of my client’s dress and in the Pantone color of the year, Marsala.  With the addition of the chunky jasper and gold statement necklace, the dress gets a totally different look.  Finishing the outfit I added a pair of nude pumps and a cognac bag.  Green and burgundy together is one of my favorite color combinations.

Outfit #2

Let’s be honest, few women have yellow at the top of their favorite colors list.  However, the shade is so versatile and mixes well with other shades.  Here, the coral necklace creates a daring combination with the yellow t-shirt.  Coral being a much more flattering face color works to balance out the yellow that may not work as well near the face.  With this look, I added a pair of white jeans, a gold crossbody bag, a pair of TOMS and a denim jacket for a perfect weekend outfit.

Outfit #3

Like yellow, green is another color that is very versatile.  As I always say, “When in doubt, go green.”  You can try picking up some accessories in green or you can use clothing in green to mix in some statement necklaces in other shades.  Take, for example, how I styled this statement necklace with a green top.  For a professional look, I added this navy pencil skirt and handbag.  Lastly, by using the colors found in the necklace, I added these burgundy shoes.

Outfit #4

I don’t think the citrus shade of this sweater is one that anyone is going out to purchase any time soon.  It’s a tough color for most to wear.  However, by adding the rustier statement necklace, more balance is created and the color of the sweater gets anchored with a richer hue.  For a casual look, I added a pair of boyfriend jeans, gold ballerina flats and this printed bag.  Statement necklaces can be a great way to save an item of clothing that was a mistake for your coloring.

Outfit #5

If you love cobalt blue but worry that the color is limited in what you can wear with it, and maybe have only been wearing it with black, check out how this statement necklace, takes the dress in a softer direction.  In addition to this, taking the grey from the necklace, I added these pumps and metallic tote.  Now instead of being stark the dress is much softer.

What to look for in statement necklaces

• Look for statement necklaces that are flattering against your skin- These necklaces will be worn right near your face.  Don’t purchase a color that doesn’t flatter you.
• Look at your wardrobe on a whole and choose colorful necklaces that complement it – The more neutral your wardrobe is the more risk you can take with the colors of your statement necklaces.  However, if you have a lot of colorful dresses and tops be sure that you choose necklace shades that will work with what you own.  Remember, green is an excellent color to start with because it will match whatever color you are wearing.
• Statement necklaces don’t have to be bib styles- Statement necklaces don’t have to be chunky bib styles.  As long as they are bold and colorful, it doesn’t matter what length the necklace is.

How to Create a Casual Wardrobe Capsule Outfit by Outfit

One of the biggest things in fashion right now is the wardrobe capsule.  Everyone wants to know how to create the smallest and most cohesive closet of clothing they possibly can.  Yet, creating a one of these capsules can be daunting.   Most women don’t know where to start.  The truth is, creating a wardrobe capsule isn’t that hard.  The problem is that most women approach it backwards.  In today’s post I am going to show you how to create a casual wardrobe capsule outfit by outfit.  This is a much smarter way to go about it.

When building a professional or casual wardrobe capsule I want you to try taking this approach:  To start, begin with one complete outfit.  From there, take one piece from that original outfit and create a new one.  Next, take one of the pieces from the second outfit you created and use that piece to create a third outfit.  See the pattern?  Basically, by doing this you are creating a grouping of outfits that has a cohesive thread running through it, which turns it into a capsule.  Taking this approach is much simpler versus saying you want a capsule of 10 pieces, grabbing ten items from your wardrobe and  struggling to create a bunch of different looks.  Doing that is actually backwards thinking.  The other benefit of building a capsule wardrobe outfit by outfit is that you can build the capsule to whatever size you want. At any point you can stop building when you feel you have created enough outfits.  Additionally, as you introduce new purchases into your wardrobe they will be much easier to assimilate into your existing capsule of looks.  All you have to do is feed it in and build from there using what you already own.

Take a look at the casual wardrobe capsule I created below using this outfit by outfit approach.

Outfit #1

Here is the starting point outfit, consisting of a pair of white jeans, a green Boden t-shirt, a navy blazer, gold ballerina flats, a statement necklace and handbag.

Outfit #2

To create this new outfit I took the green t-shirt from the last look.  I styled the top with a denim skirt, a Nic + Zoe cardigan in coral, a pair of tan sandals from Spendid, pendant necklace and the same bag as used previously.

Outfit #3

In this outfit I took the coral Nic + Zoe cardigan from the last look and used it layer over this striped dress.  The outfit is finished with a pair of navy wedge sandals, a pair of coral earrings and the same bag, again.

Outfit #4

In this fourth look, the dress was pulled from the last outfit and I brought back the navy blazer to create a more tailored look.  I used the same blue wedges, the same handbag, yet again, and, this time, used a long gold necklace and blue stud earrings.

Outfit #5
Finally, this this last look, I took the navy blazer from the previous outfit and used it to create this ensemble.  Here the blazer is styled with a pair of boyfriend jeans, the same gold Vince Camuto flats, a pink top, the long gold necklace as used previously, a printed scarf and that same Hobo handbag that has been used in every outfit.

Now I could go on from here, and if I were to I would probably take the pink top to build another outfit, maybe using the white jeans from the first outfit, and so on.  By approaching a wardrobe capsule in this manner it’s much less complicated and confusing, plus it forces you to work with what you already own and then really hone in one what you might be missing.

I can’t recommend this approach enough when creating a cohesive grouping of outfits in your closet.  As you prepare for the next season, start with one of your favorite outfits and build from there.  I can’t wait to hear how some of you make out trying this approach to getting more from your wardrobe.

How to Accessorize a White Summer Dress

Summer is drawing near.  I was so enjoying the spring weather today because in New York City I know that this mild weather just doesn’t last long enough.  Before I know it the city will be hot and sticky.  As the weather gets warmer and warmer, more and more white dresses will be in the stores.  They look so pretty on the hanger but just don’t rise to the occasion once we put them on.  How do you avoid looking so washed out, like a nurse or, worse, like a fat corpse?
White dresses on their own are usually pretty bland which can be frustrating because they are perfect for a super hot day.  Before you ditch the idea that you can own a white dress this summer, take a look at my tips on how to accessorize a white summer dress to make it more wearable and flattering.  And don’t forget, if a pure white dress is too stark, try a soft ivory or ecru style.

How to Accessorize a White Summer Dress

Below are five very different white dresses, from boho to chic and elegant.  Not all white dresses are the same and each need different accessories to look their best.  Check out the outfits below for some ideas.

Outfit #1

Using this white dress, I created this soft, chic look.  One of the biggest mistakes women make when wearing white dresses is they pair them with black accessories to ground the lightness of the white.  While this can work for some people, particularly those with very bold coloring, a softer approach will look much less stark if your personal coloring is softer.
In this outfit, I love the way the blush works with the white when I added these pumps, multi-strand pearl necklace, and soft pink pashmina.  The outfit is complete with a bone colored wristlet.

Outfit #2

This ivory and cream dress from Reiss is heading to the office.  On its own it is likely too light and soft for work, but it does make a great column that any colored blazer or cardigan can be layered over.  Think of a white or ivory sheath dress as your summer little black dress.
Here, I used a coral blazer and styled the outfit with a pair of nude pumps, a pair of mint and coral earrings and handbag.

Outfit #3
Even though this easy dress from J. Crew is probably a nightmare for my body shape, I love the idea of lightweight style for the summer that feels like you are wearing nothing.  For the hot, humid weekends, does it get any better?
Cognac is the perfect accessory shade to add to a white dress.  Not only does it warm up the white but the color creates a much less stark combination than when paired with black.  In this outfit, I styled the dress with these cognac wedges and finished the outfit with a yellow bib necklace, gold stacked bracelets, a fedora, printed tote and denim jacket.

Outfit #4
Nothing says boho like a long white maxi dress in the summer, especially a drapey one like this style from Mango.  To give this outfit that boho feel, I used these natural accessories by adding these flat sandals, fringe bag, braided belt, and leather wrap bracelet.  Finishing the look, I used a bohemian style scarfand long gold earrings.

Outfit #5

This last white dress is much cleaner and more modern than the previous ones and looks better with bolder accessories.  This cobalt bib not only works perfectly with the dress but also brings color near the face.  A real help if white washes you out.  Working with the colors in the necklace, I added these blue strappy shoes, a mint bag and finished the outfit with a gold cluster bracelet.

If you are shopping for white dresses but feel a bit nervous about adding them to your wardrobe, remember you accessories.  Think of white dresses as a blank canvases that need some pops of color and interest to look flattering.

Shop for white dresses

 

 

How to Dress up a T-Shirt

Reader Jhaneel writes, “I never wear t-shirts because they look so plain and boring, especially when they’re not v-neck. However, I’m a college student and sometimes it would be nice to be able to throw on a t-shirt when I’m running late. Any advice on how I can spice up a shirt so it doesn’t look so blah? I’ve heard statement necklaces are one way to go…”
Hey Jhaneel! T-shirts and tanks are a comfy go-tos in the summertime, and depending on the design of your tee, can look effortlessly chic by pairing it with dressier elements. You’re right, statement necklaces are always fun, but you can also add a pair of skinny jeans and stilettos or a cute blazer to your run of the mill top to make it pop. Let’s take a look at how some celebrities rock it right:

Notice, the girls above are not rocking your standard ‘gym issue’ tees. To make t-shirts fashionable, stick to classicly chic neutral colors like white, black, or gray. Then add a pair of skinny jeans and peep toe stilettos like Beyoncé, throw on a blazer and short shorts like Rihanna, add a statement necklace like Kim Kardashian, or wear a vintage inspired tee with leopard print sandals like Cassie. Either way, you’re sure to look hot!

Get some ideas for fun t-shirts and fashionable pairings here:

Do you guys have anything to add?

Nothing to Wear? 5 Ways to Upgrade Your Wardrobe

Ashley says, “I’m a 22-year-old college student looking to add more to my wardrobe but I’m not sure where to start. I feel like I have a closet full of clothes but nothing to wear! Do you think you can help?”
Sure! When building a wardrobe, you should start with the essentials: a classic button down white top, black pencil skirt, white t-shirts, flattering jeans, a classic trench, a few blazers, dress pants, and a basic black dress. Once you have your foundational garments, you can start to add a bit of flair by incorporating trends and affordable accessories. If you always look in your closet and feel despair, revive your wardrobe with these tips.


1. Stack on accessories

Adding bold accessories is the easiest way to upgrade your look. You may get bored easily with your new accents after a season or so, so make sure you save on these so that you can rotate them out when you’re done. We found a few hot accessories below; also check out our accessories section for the tea on independent designers.

2. Add some color

Once you have your foundational pieces down pat, add a bit of personality with flourishes of color. Add a scarf to a white shirt; wear your black pencil skirt with a purple top; offset a neutral shift with red shoes. Or simply get a few wild card items to complement your basics.

…

3. Try a headpiece

I personally am terrified of headpieces of any sort, but they look great on the bold. Go for glamour in a turban or simply chic in a floppy hat:

…

4. Invest in hot shoes

Nothing amps up your wardrobe quite like a pair of eye catching heels. Only invest in what you’re comfortable spending.
Just make sure you love them!

5. Blend in a few affordable trends

Crop tops, high slits, colorblocking, and more! You don’t have to spend a ton to be fashionable. Check out our extensive Spring Shopping Posts and our 2015 Trends post to see how you can incorporate the hottest runway looks into your closet.


How do you guys add pizazz to your ho hum wardrobe?

How to Choose Your Style

Do you feel like you need a change? Or maybe you feel like your style isn't unique enough? If you're feeling like you need to make a new style for yourself but you aren't sure how then please read on.

Steps

1. 
   If one of your friends has on an outfit you really like, you can ask them where they got it. Look around you and notice what friends, family, movie stars, musicians etc. are wearing. Ask yourself what you like/don't like about their personal style and make note of the things you would like to add to your own style.
2. 
   Write down all of your unique interests and tastes. Discover your personality, interests, likes and dislikes. You probably already know if you prefer rock music or country, blue jeans or pencil skirts but have you ever really thought about each of your tastes and what that means to your personal style? Make a list, either mentally or on a piece of paper of all your unique interests and tastes and circle a few that you would like to convey. 
    
3. 
   Ask yourself who you want to be. After you've discovered your tastes, you'll probably have a better idea of what you want to be. However, make sure that it is something you really want and have the personality for and not just something you think is cool. For example, do you want people to see you as an artist, or an athlete, a romantic or a rocker? 
    
4. 
   Think about what kind of clothing you would wear as this person. You can use the internet to do some research on what kind of clothing others of your style like to wear. Write down the styles you like as well as your favourite colours and general clothing items. Unless you want to be really hardcore, you don't need to buy everything super sporty or really artsy. Feel free to splash in other items and colours that you like as well-that will make it more unique anyway. 
    
5. 
   Look in your closet and see what you already have. Perhaps you actually have a whole collection of berets that would suit your Bohemian or Artist look. Maybe your closet is full of jeans that you could rip up for your vintage style. It's always best to start at home before spending a bunch of money on new clothing. 
    
6. 
   Go shopping. You don't have to go anywhere fancy - the thrift store will do! Of course, you probably want to get a few new things but depending on your budget, buying a whole new wardrobe from the mall could be pretty expensive. While shopping, look for things that grab your eye and suit your new style. 
    
7. 
   Wear it with confidence. Start showing off your new style by wearing it. It may be hard at first to make new outfits or, if your style is extremely unique, to wear it out but the sooner you do this step, the sooner you will have your own style. 
    
8. 
   Create an inspirational scrapbook or portfolio of clothes or styles you like. A good place to find clothing advertisements are in magazines, especially fashion ones. Looking at these can give you ideas of what you would like to wear, and clothes to buy to help establish your personal sense of style. 

   Tips

   • Don't be afraid to wear something that isn't in style at all. It's actually way more personal to wear things that nobody else ever thought of.
   • Take the time to put your outfits together before going out. As time goes on, you won't need to take so much time as the outfits will be in your head but at first this is essential.
   • If people make fun of you, just shrug or smile and say "This is just how I like to dress" or "I have my own personal style, what's yours?"
   • Do look at what others wear but don't try and mimic them. A copycat style is never very personal!
   • Even if nobody else dresses like you do, wear your clothing with pride and confidence.

   • Warnings

   • While you may receive many compliments, also be aware that criticism, especially if your style is very unique, will likely come as well.
   • Creating your own style is hard work and takes patience and inspiration.

    

How to Change Your Style on a Budget

Fed up of your current style? Have you decided you are bored of your look and want to spice it up a bit? Follow these steps on how to give your wardrobe a makeover on a budget.

Steps

1. 
   Decide what image you want to bring to your wardrobe. Are you bored of your tomboy style and want to go for something more feminine? Do you want to just bring some more colour to your look. Decide how drastic you want the change to be.
2. 
   Decide on your budget.
    
3. 
   Go down to your local charity shop and hunt around for some clothes you think fits into the style you want to create. If you can't find anything that pops then buy some plain items and customize them. (see next step) 
    
4. 
   Customize the clothes you already own with pins, ribbons, coloured material, sequins, gems etc... 
    
5. 
   Organise a clothes swap with your friends, try clothes you wouldn't have bought normally. Who knows you may surprise yourself and find something you really like.

How to Create Your Own Dress Style

If you want to catch the eye of strangers and cultivate a striking presence when you walk into a room, you need to set yourself apart from the crowd. You can easily do this by creating your own style of dress. Creating your own unique style that reflects your individuality can be fun and easy.

Steps

1. 
   Evaluate your closet. Go through what you already own and decide what you like. Pieces that you keep should have a fit that's flattering to your body, as well as an overall look that blends with your shape. Throw out or donate anything that fits poorly or that you're hesitant to wear out of the house. A good rule of the thumb is that if you haven't worn it for 6 months (barring seasonal items such as sweaters for winter or swimsuits for summer), get rid of it.
2. 
   Pick out the elements that you like. On the clothes that you do keep, evaluate what exactly it is that makes you like to wear them - such as the cut, the sleeves, the embellishments, or the color. Write down a list of these elements and take it shopping with you later. 
    
3. 
   Look for inspiration. One way to foster and develop your own style is to find out what looks good on other people. Leaf through magazines or watch TV for trends that catch your eye. If people often compliment you on looking like a certain celebrity, search their name online and see what they wear to compliment their coloring and size. Alternatively, visit crowded places such as malls or downtown sidewalks. Observe what people are wearing, and take note of fashions you like.

   • Consider incorporating elements of subculture fashion into your wardrobe. Some subcultures promote unique fashions that reflect a certain lifestyle. You don't have to go all-out and adopt an extravagant, outlandish look based on a specific subculture, but you can look to them for inspiration. For instance, perhaps you like the bell-shaped skirts that gothic lolitas wear, or the flight jackets favored by skinheads. When you see something you like, small ways to bring some element of it into your wardrobe.
4. 
   Ask for help. If you're having a hard time finding inspiration, or you worry about having bad taste, ask for an outside opinion. Contact a close friend or family member whose sense of style you admire, and ask him or her what might look good on you. Or, visit a department store or boutique that carries fashions you like and ask a salesperson to help you assemble a stylish look that's right for you.

   • Don't be afraid! It can be difficult to ask for help. Remember that most of your friends and family members will want you to feel as good as you can in your clothing. Also, most people who work at clothing stores love to help people find the right look and will be eager to help you.
5. 
   Don't forget shoes. A new pair of shoes can add a different flair to your look. Look for something you can wear often and that fits with the general look you're trying to achieve. 
    
6. 
   Go shopping. When you've decided what you like, start shopping. You don't have to replenish your wardrobe all in one go - instead, consider shopping at small intervals, such as every few weeks, until you've assembled a closet you like. Visit thrift or consignment stores, malls, outlets, boutiques or department stores, or shop online.

   • Shop with a friend who is not afraid to offer gentle (but constructive) criticism with you while you shop. This way you, will get an honest opinion of your style.
   • Shop off-season. Ease some of the strain on your budget by shopping off-season. For instance, buy shorts and swimsuits in the fall, or sweaters in the spring.
7. 
   Find a good tailor or seamstress (optional). Clothing sizes are designed to fit the masses, and therefore might not fit you as well as you'd like. If you find a piece you love but the fit is lacking, take it to a tailor or seamstress for alterations. Most everyday-wear fabrics can be altered fairly cheaply, and the price will be worth the confidence boost that comes with wearing clothes that fit well. 
    
8. 
   Accessorize. Punch up your regular look by adding a few interesting accessories. This can be as simple as buying clean laces for your shoes, or wearing a muted belt. If you really want to alter your look, try adding jewelry, scarves, hats or hair pieces.

   • Embellish what you already own. With a little sewing skill, you can add ribbons, beads, embroidery, clasps, appliqué or other notions to your clothes. Visit your local craft store for ideas and supplies.
9. Mix and match. Try pairing different pieces for a compelling, unique look. For instance, even if you didn't think your new tank would look good with your capris, try it out. Maybe all you need to pull the whole outfit together is that belt you haven't worn since last summer.
    
10. 
    Change your hairstyle. True, your hairstyle isn't part of your clothing, but it can drastically alter how your clothing looks. Try styling your hair a different way in the morning, or see if a new shampoo or product helps it look better. If you're going to try a radically different cut or color, consult a stylist as to what might look best on you. Find images in magazines or online for inspiration, and take them to your appointment.
     
11. 
    Be yourself. The most important thing about your new look should be that it makes you feel great. Creating a personal style is really just wearing what you want. Think more positively and be more constructive and expressive with your ideas and abilities. 

    Tips

    • Wear colors that make you feel happy and pretty. When you feel good in your clothes, you'll look good in your clothes.
    • If you're looking to control your budget, don't end your search at big-box discount stores. Although they are always lowering prices, you can find even cheaper stuff at second-hand shops.
    • If you're a girl, try new makeup. Visit the makeup section of a department store for a complimentary makeover. Tell the makeup artist what you’re interested in, but be willing to accept his/her input; you could be hiding your best features. Be prepared to purchase at least one thing as a thank-you.
    • Don't dwell on it if someone copies you. There's more to you than your style and there's more to your style than that one aspect. Take it as a compliment and find something new.
    • If you want to really be unique, you can make your own clothes and accessories. Of course, this will require skill in sewing, crocheting, etc.
    • Have fun clothes with loud prints and cool patterns.
    • Follow the three F's: flatters, fits, finances.
    • Don't be afraid to copy. If you admire someone's style, borrow ideas from them. Just keep the number of elements you copy to a minimum or you may rub them the wrong way.
    • Don't try to wear clothes that are too small, thinking it makes you look slim. Because, it doesn't. Every woman over 30 should own a full length mirror and use it before she walks out the door.
    • If you're a shorter girl, try wearing a ruffled or gathered outfit. It'll make you appear taller.
    • If you don't have a big budget then shopping at thrift stores is a good idea. Also H&M and Forever 21 have cheap clothes, or go to places like Hollister or Topshop in the sale time to pick up some cheap clothes for parties.

    • Warnings

    • “Trendy” actually means that something that is very popular for a while and then quickly goes out of style. Avoid trends unless you genuinely like them.
    • Don't wear anything that makes you hurt. Even if it’s popular now, in the future, people will laugh when they see pictures of people torturing themselves with fashion.
    • Be sure to thoroughly wash anything you’ve bought at a second-hand shop, especially hats or hair things that might carry lice. When it comes to personal hygiene, you can never be too careful.
    • Be wary of the monochromatic look: you may love hot pink, but sporting an all-pink outfit might just make you look like Pepto Bismol. Break up the monotony with neutral (or non-pink, at least) belt, shoes, or accessories.
    • Never wear any garment that doesn't flatter body type, no matter how fashionable it may be. Try another style instead and accept that not every style was made for every person.
    • Avoid patronizing online retailers who don't have an easy-to-manage return policy.