If accessorizing feels like a challenge, it is my guess that when you dress casually the last thing you want to think about is finishing your looks with accessories. I’m not judging you for this, but will say it does make a huge difference. Plus, it isn’t the difficult, time-consuming or challenging task you think it is. In the .005 seconds it takes to wind a scarf around your neck or slip on a pair of interesting shoes (you’re putting on shoes anyway), you can make an outfit go from flat to fabulous.
For those casual days, in today’s accessorizing post, I am going to show you how one, that’s right, just one accessory addition or change to an outfit can make a world of difference. If you are new to accessorizing, or are just looking to make it easy, you don’t want to miss my tips and outfit suggestions below.
Super Easy Ways to Casually Accessorize Outfits
Tip #1- Grab a scarf
Shop the outfit
You can’t get more casual than a v-neck sweater and jeans, like this sweater from Athleta and these basic J. Crew jeans. While there are plenty of ways to accessorize this type of look (here are some outfits), to keep it simple, grab a scarf and wind it around your neck. As you see in the outfit on the left and right, all the components of the looks are the same- a pair of Frye chelsea boots and a grey tote bag from Banana Republic. Yet, on the right, color and interest are added with this scarf from Nordstrom. Now how hard is that?
Tip #2- Add earrings
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If jewelry feels cumbersome or pointless when doing casual things, don’t discount adding earrings to your outfits. While a necklace or bracelet may get in the way, a pair of earrings can add some effortless pop. You won’t feel them once they’re in and and can also bring attention towards your face. You don’t have to go with a big pair, even the simplest of earrings can make all the difference. Really, if wearing earrings feels like too much pressure we may have to check your pulse for signs of life.
In this outfit, consisting of a pair of black Boden pants, a basic white t-shirt from J. Crew, a striped Modcloth cardigan, flats from Nordstrom and black bag from Big Buddha, the outfit on the right looks less bland with the simple addition of black earrings from Sam Edleman.
Tip #3- Stack some bracelets
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Lately, my favorite way to accessorize is to stack some bracelets on my wrist. You can do the same with your casual looks simply by wearing multiple bracelets that you already own or, because we’re going for super effortless here, buy a set of multiple bracelets that are sold together.
In the outfit on the right, I took the easy, casual outfit consisting of a long denim top from Madwell, a pair of brown faux suede leggings, cognac boots from Frye, blue Rebecca Minkoff handbag and hoop earrings from Nordstrom, and made it a bit more interesting by adding the Bauble Bar stacked bracelets. Also note, that little punch of tangerine adds the perfect pop of color.
Tip #4- Change up your shoes 
Shop the outfit
When you have an outfit that doesn’t allow for wearing much jewelry, this fair isle sweater that has a large turtleneck, look to your shoes to upgrade your outfits. In the look on the left the sweater is styled with the same jeans used earlier, (because who doesn’t like to wear jeans multiple ways casually?), a navy Kipling bag, Ann Taylor earrings and navy TOMS desert wedges. This outfit totally works but is a little one-note.
On the right, all I did was change the shoes for a this burgundy pair from Naturalizer. Now the outfit is a bit more interesting while still being casually functional.
Tip #5- Change up your handbag
Shop this outfit
Few women want to change their bags when dressing causally. It’s hard enough to get women to wear jewelry, forget changing the contents from one purse to another. However, does your one go-to bag have to be so boring? For the sake of versatility, most women will say yes, but this doesn’t have to be the case. The trick is to choose a handbag that is just as versatile as black but in a different color.
In this outfit I am using this green handbag from Modcloth instead of the black version of the same style. Even cooler, both of these bags are reversible and have a cognac shade on the other side. Both bags work with this coral breton style dress from Boden, only the outfit on the right looks more cohesive and interesting. In both outfits, the rest of the accessories stay the same, gold flats from Born and earrings from Stella & Dot.
When choosing versatile handbags look for colors like metallic, green, yellow and teal. They are usually fail-safe shades that work with whatever colors you are wearing.
This year commit to one casual accessorizing addition to add to your looks and notice how you can remain comfortable but look a lot more stylish.
I want those green flats! Where can I find those? I love the whole post, of course. 🙂
Yikes! I know where everything comes from except for those shoes! Darn it! I did some searching around to see if I could find them or something similar. Nothing yet, but with the warm weather coming I am sure we’ll be able to find something!
That’s funny. Sounds like my life! 🙂
Amy
Isn’t that always the way? I am sure there will be an influx on green flats in the next coming months. Sorry I couldn’t direct you to these exact ones. It was a graphic I used for the featured image, that’s why I don’t know it. Wah!
love all the scarfs that you post! the peacock one from yesterday’s post is already sold out. 🙁 I have to be faster next time. and I have a style wish for 2015… to take a flight out to NYC and go shopping (esp. for shoes… shoe shopping is a nightmare) with Bridgette!!
Hi Jaga! Are you sure it is sold out. I just clicked on the peacock scarf from yesterday’s post and I saw on Zappos there is still one left. http://rstyle.me/n/vu38e8d2e If you are quick maybe you can get it! 😉 I find that scarves typically sell out pretty fast, especially when I feature them. I hope you can find it. If you can’t get this one at zappos maybe I will look to see if I can find it elsewhere.
I hope your style wish comes true!
the one that is still available is the “black” coloured one that is much darker than the one you featured. think the colour of the other was “radish”. and btw, not sure if it is an issue with my browser (using Safari), but your “Home” link is not working properly. It does not go to “Home” but to a link for credit card application??
Ah, interesting. Okay Let me see if I can find it smoewhere else. And thanks for letting me know about the home page. Try clearing your history in your browser and see if that does not fix it. I had an issue with my site a few weeks ago and it was supposed to be cleared up. I am glad you let me know. I am on hold with tech support right now to get tot he bottom of it.
Oh, and just an FYI, I have been on with tech support all day. What you saw was not the issue necessarily, but a whole new can of worms has been opened. Apparently, there is some backend stuff that is causing my site to have problems that you can’t see. This also means I can’t get into the back end of my site and write any posts, which also means this day was pretty much wasted. Technology is KILLING me today. But I really appreciate you mentioning what you did because it started the chain reaction that will hopefully get everything fixed so I won’t feel like I want to throw my laptop against the wall any longer.
oh no, I hope everything got sorted out!! and please dun throw your laptop against the wall. unless you need an excuse to get a new one 😉
Great post! I went to look for the teal and grey scarf at Nordstroms, but when I follow your link it leads to a teal and navy scarf… still very pretty though. I was lucky enough to buy the peacock scarf yesterday at Zappos!
And in response to yesterday’s comments, I can’t fly you out to SoCal, but if you have enough fans out here, maybe a trip would be worthwhile? Combining vacation and work?
Eegads, it looks like the colorway I featured is sold out already. Geez, I wrote this post Sunday. This is why I can’t work too far in advance. Ugh, what a pain. Sorry about that.
And, really, I was just kidding about being flown out. I have only had a client do that once in 12 years. It’s wicked expensive and, while I’m really good, it’s not worth spending that much money. Whenever you come to NYC we’ll get together. 🙂
lol, I’m sure you’re worth it! So how does it work if I make it out to NY? Do you have a list of places in Brooklyn you like to take clients based on budget and style preferences?
Also, could you post more on choosing jeans? as a 43 yo mom, I’m not totally comfortable with the skinny jeans for myself, but then the wide leg ones seem frumpy now, leaving me confused on what to buy. any tips?
Well, it’s not that simple. A lot of work goes into figuring out your style, needs, etc. I rarely shop in Brooklyn, if ever. I do most of it in Manhattan and tend towards the larger stores simply because it is easier to get more done. i also prepull for clients the day before, so you would really have to do is get naked in the dressing room. 😉
Jeans are so hard to write about because it often takes several brands and trying on to get right. This is why I tend to avoid them. What fits one person perfectly won’t work for another, even if they are the same age and size. However, seeing that we are roughly the same age, I will tell you that Levi’s jeans NEVER don’t work for me. Even though I look like a human lightbulb, I do wear their skinny jeans, but I also like their bootcut styles. I prefer the modern rise, as well.
Thank you! I will look out for Levis modern rise. I went to Nordstroms earlier this week and the salesperson recommended their top seller, Paige jeans, in dark wash skinny. I put them on and I think they fit right, but I lost confidence and fled the dressing room when she stepped away. 🙂 I think I have the style affliction you mentioned recently, inability to put an outfit together… astylia could be the medical term. It applies to room decorating as well.
A lot of people like Paige jeans. I have no personal experience with them. I think I tried them on once and they just didn’t like my butt. Astylia is hilarious. I may have to use that. What do you think causes your issue about putting outfits together? It would be interesting for me to hear because it will help me put myself inside the mind of someone who struggles. I see it all the time with my clients. I have one who I have written about many times who I have worked with for years. Nothing in her brain gives her the ability to see an outfit finished. At this point we don’t even try, I just do it for her and she has albums and albums of looks. Other clients are just too busy, some can’t see their bodies properly, the list goes on. The hardest thing for me is to put my head into someone who struggles with this because it is so naturally easy for me. I always find that the posts that I think won’t do well do exceptionally well because I see things so differently than most of my readers. So often I think, “Man this is so easy, they are going to think I am crazy for writing about something so simplistic” and I get heaps of praise. Take this post, for example, it has done really well today and it seemed so easy. Not that I am trying to be insulting to any of my readers, at all, but I often have to think about things that I struggle with and then think about how simplified I would need it laid out for me. Take for example the fact that my husband will be home soon and when we order dinner he will HAVE to make change because doing simple math like that gives me a panic.
I think there are a few reasons it is hard for me to put outfits together. One is confidence– having a shy/ reserved temperament, not wanting to draw extra attention to myself through clothes, thus picking the safe and easy option, though I still want to look put together. I am the wearer of the chicken outfits you write about! I also think that I innately have less visual strengths than some people. It’s hard for me to visualize some things, and I’m hopeless with directions and spatial orientation. I can do math though! 🙂 This is not to say that I don’t have taste– I know when I like something. Your ability to easily put together great, balanced outfits and colors is wonderful. Keep it coming!
I hear what you are saying. I think we all have gifts and strengths and I think it is great that you are working on bettering what you are struggling with. What you said is exactly why I try to make it as easy as possible to learn. I think some outfit photos can be beautiful but hard to conceptualize or translate. I have always tried to put my head into someone who doesn’t have it come as easy to them. This has always how it has been with clients, trying to explain to an accountant who is horrible at visual things how to get dressed. What I learned to do over the years was break it down in ways that makes sense for each person.
the grey/teal combo scarf seems to be “back” at Nordstroms. I just had a look. And they have a purple version added too. just in case you’re still interested.
Hi Bridgette:
You often feature items from Boden, and I was wondering how he sizing runs? I found a sweater that I love and I usually wear a 6/8 in usa sweaters, but did not know if I should go up to a 10 in British sizing. I often dislike ordering from the international sites. How do you find Boden quality and customer service?
Love your blog! Marianne
Hi Marianne, if I am not mistaken, how you see the sizes on the US version of their site are in American sizing. A few of my clients have ordered from Boden and, honestly, it is hit or miss. For some, the fit is just way off, but others really like their clothes. My one very petite client found the cuts horrible even though she ordered petite sizes. She did keep a few things, however. And, to be totally honest, I use Boden a lot because they are one of the few sites that use product shots and not just outfits on models. Very few sites actually do that, and when you are trying to pull images to put these outfits together it can get very limiting. This is not to say that I don’t love the look of Boden’s clothing but it is one of the reasons I use them so much. I would be beyond thrilled if stores like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor and others followed suit and started adding product photos to their site.
Hi Bridgette:
Thanks for your thoughts! I am wondering if you could give me some quick tips on how to accessorize. We have a wedding in February, and I am trying to utilize items in my closet. I live in Boston, so it will be very cold! I have a winter white sleeveless wool dress ( jcrew) and a black shrug ( ann taylor). I know I have to wear nude hose ( cry! cry! cry! I am a boots and tights girl). I do not know what to wear for accessories? Black shoes? Leopard shoes? I was thinking of bringing in some green — i know you have said green goes with everything!. I also have a clunky necklace with taupe and orange. I not opposed to buying an accessory or two!
Thanks for your time,
A faithful reader from Boston.
I’ve learned my lesson. Snapped up the peacock scarf as soon as I saw it. Now on to find a brown top…. I love the brown and the purples together! By the way …I also bought the Echo scarf and gloves (from your shop) for my daughter this past Christmas. They work beautifully with her teal coat and she is really enjoying them! Glad your site is back up. Let’s put those troubles behind us for good!