Accessorise can mean something added to clothing that has a useful or decorative purpose.
It can be hats, gloves, jewellery bags, shoes etc. You can dress up an outfit with accessories or dress it down to make it more casual. It makes your clothing more versatile for different occasions, changing weather conditions or just adding a bit of zing!
With a background in film and interior design and styling it comes naturally to me to think about the elements of design which are the fundamental aspects of any visual design which include shape, colour, space, form, line, value, and texture.
This can be applied to all design forms including fashion. You can have contrasting patterns or colours, you can use different textures to give a different feel (eg. velvet, lace, leather etc.) Space can be used with different shapes eg. handbags- big or small and line can be used to change a look through stripes in fabrics or with pattern. I’m a big lover of using different shoes and handbags to change a look. Whether it be just changing the colour or patterns or shapes and textures used in the accessories. Knowing the principles helps you work with styling an outfit.
You can play around with accessories once you feel comfortable and these don’t need to be expensive, some of my best purchases are vintage preloved finds. My design philosophy is that “you have to know the rules to break the rules”.
Our body shape is also all uniquely different. As an inclusive stylist I’m always weighing all this up and taking this into account as well as the client’s hair and skin colour and their likes and dislikes.
Some of my client’s bodies have changed through acquired disabilities, or have had procedures that change their body shape or may now need to use mobility aids that need to be factored in. I had an enquiry from a client whose leg had to be amputated and she was wanting to either adjust her clothes or purchase new ones. We discussed if she felt comfortable showing her prosthetic leg. Her response helped guide me to what she was looking for. I asked her if she was comfortable “rocking” her prosthetic leg? If she felt comfortable, she could wear clothes that didn’t hide her prosthetic. We spoke about adding interest to her wardrobe through how to accessorise and maybe not buying a whole new wardrobe at once.
Another client over the Covid period was discussing feeling a little down. We started meeting up in a park and to lift our sprits we did “bling Monday” we painted our nails and wore rings. This really lifted our spirits, and we had fun doing it.
Dressing, styling and feeling good is known to have great impacts on your mental health. Giving you control over what you choose to wear and feeling comfortable, is a positive empowering influence on your mood.
Accessories can be fun and playful or classy, and sophisticated. They can change a whole outfit and don’t need to break the bank.
Let me teach you to accessorise and use some of the design principles and have fun along the way. Join me on my tours where as well as great outfits we can look at shoes and bags! Or book in for a free 15 minute discovery session and we can discuss what inclusive styling packages work for you!