Dressing from the Menu
I’ve been thinking about the anatomy of an outfit. How we choose to put one together. I like to choose items for my outfit as thoughĀ I’m choosing off a menu…and the menu is my entire wardrobe, accessories included.
Ā Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death
How much of your wardrobe is gathering dust because it’s in the wrong section of the menu?
Take a look at Pinterest and you’ll see women stepping out in all sorts of combos. Adding a comfy velvet ballet flat, faux fur wrap, lace scarf, satin blouse or bold jewelry to an otherwise plain outfit adds punctuation that takes your look to the next level. It also gets some of your favorite pieces worn!
Are your accessories from the appetizer, lunch, dinner or dessert section?
I typically think of my accessories dessert, the icing on the cake. For many women, they are the main course. If that’s your recipe it’s fun to bold them, and downplay the rest of your selections. An example would be choosing a classic column of black jazzed up with a bold colored scarf and red shoes.
Why keep that dressy handbag languishing on the shelf waiting for a formal invitation to aĀ party?Ā If you frequently attend formal affairsĀ you’ll have many opportunities to use that sparkly evening bag. But if your life is like mine and your formal affairs are few and far between, use that bag to spiceĀ up a casual outfit, like jeans and a great white shirt.
Be an equal opportunity diner.
Break your items out of their usual category and shake things up. It’s fun and adds variety to your look.
Do you start with a core basic and add to it or do you choose a standout piece and build around that?
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Those Campbell Loafers are glamorous and I’d wear them with jeans too.
Silver Keds – yes.
You’re right! We should wear those special pieces, instead of letting them languish in the back of our closet. Loving those shiny keds. Those are coming home to mama. Lol
ME TOO š Perfect for summer.
I love those shoes/loafers and your idea how to wear them rocks!! Great post it really gave me some new ideas on how to pop those outfits with accessories!
Accessories give so much punch to an outfit. That’s my usual way to style things…and accessories are timeless too.
That necklace is beautiful, and I would definitely try that cute metallic bag for Spring!
~Krisztina Clifton | Krisztina Clifton Living
Such good advice. Why save things, use them now! I think of accessories as dessert too and who wants to pass up dessert?!
You do have great taste! Love your selections but they are all more expensive than I would pay for trend pieces. I wish you would feature some less pricey alternatives š
I USED THAT SAME QUOTE when I was in the MAGAZINE WHERE WOMEN COOK!!!!!!!!
I HAVE ACCESSORIES for all the main meals………..as you suggested the fun part is swamping them up with a casual outfit!
Your accessories are beyond fabulous! I love how you make them the main meal! xox
I am in love with that Jeffrey Campbell Loafer…how cute would that be with denim..just like you said! Some great points here.
Isn’t that amazing?? I love it too