As you know, I love accessories. I love the way they can get me more looks with less, can save money and can add finish to outfits. What I also love about accessories is that they are so versatile and seasonless. Unlike work clothes and comfy weekend pieces, that have their specific roles in a wardrobe, accessories don’t have these types of limitations. In today’s accessorizing post, I am going to show you accessories that can go from work to weekend with ease.
Below are five different accessories, used side-by-side, in both work outfits and weekend looks. There is a chance that you may have been using some of your accessories for just work or just casual fun, however, with these tips, you may find that these pieces are more usable than you might have thought.
Accessories That Go From Work to Weekend
Outfit #1- A novelty pair of flats
Shop the outfits:
In these first outfits, I took this pair of leopard flats Vince Camuto to, first, jazz up this basic black suit from Reiss. With the brown shades found in the shoes, I added a camel J. Crew knit shell under the suit, a cognac handbag from Modcloth and gold statement necklace from Kenneth Cole.
On the right, the same shoes adds a punch to this typical weekend outfit, a pair of distressed boyfriend jeans from the Gap and ivory Madwell sweater. Around the neck, I styled the outfit with a camel scarf from Nordstrom and added these cute star drop earrings from Max & Chloe. Finishing the outfit is the same cognac bag that was used in the work outfit.
Outfit #2- Scarves
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Scarves are, by far, the most versatile accessories you can own when styling work to weekend looks. On the left, I used this colorful scarf from Zappos to add some color to this navy dress from Boden. To this outfit, I added this pair of pink earrings, a cabernet colored handbag from Tory Burch and nude slingback flats from Sam Edleman.
On the right, the same scarf is used to polish off this casual and stylish weekend look, consisting of a bright pink t-shirt from French Connection, skinny olive cargo pants, a denim jacket and grey Modcloth oxfords. The final touches to this look include a purple weekend handbag from Baggallini and gold Stella & Dot earrings.
Outfit #3- Long simple necklace
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Layering several necklaces in one outfit is very popular right now. Thankfully, many companies are making it easy by selling multistrand necklace styles, like this one from Stella & Dot. Having a long necklace on hand, be it one or several strands is always a great fail-safe; you can usually wear it with everything.
For work, I styled this necklace with this printed dress from Tory Burch. The outfit doesn’t need much to look finished and all I did was add these navy Anthropologie flats and aqua bag from Elliott Luca.
On the right, the casual outfit looks totally different from the work look but the necklace still works great when styled with an ivory Karen Millen tunic sweater, a pair of faux suede leggings from Hue, cognac booties from Adam Tucker, Lodis handbag and printed scarf.
Outfit #4- The bib necklace
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A colorful bib necklace is not only a great way to add some color to understated work looks but to also make casual weekend outfits appear more pulled together. In the outfit on the left, the rich burgundy and grey bib from Modcloth adds some weight to this softer ensemble consisting of a warm grey pencil skirt, soft pink T Tahari top and grey boyfriend sweater. Working with the burgundy found in the necklace, I added these pumps from Sole Society and finished the look with a grey tote bag from Banana Republic.
On the right, the same necklace fills in the neckline of this easy burgundy top from Modcloth perfectly. The look is styled with a pair of J. Crew skinny jeans, grey booties from LifeStride and the same grey handbag used in the work outfit.
Outfit #5- Work jewelry for formal
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Not all weekend plans are relaxing. You may have a formal event to attend. If this is the case, before you run out and buy jewelry specific for the occasion, look to the pieces you have been wearing to the office to see if they might work.
On the right, these emerald green earrings from Max & Chloe and emerald and blue statement bracelet from Bauble Bar livens up this basic black work dress from Reiss that has been further accessorized with nude suede shoes from Jessica Simpson and a natural color bag from Dooney & Bourke.
On the right, I took the exact earrings and bracelet and styled them with this navy lace gown from Alice + Olivia. To further formalize the outfit, I added these gold strappy heels from Stuart Weitzman and mint clutch from Rebecca Minkoff.
Don’t limit the use of your accessories, take them from work to weekend with these simple tips.
I either say this too often, or not often enough: Brilliant! (And I must have that scarf in #2.)
On an entirely different note, Vince Camuto passed away last week?! I know he has been a favorite of yours.
Yes! So sad, I posted about it on my FB page and on Instagram. It’s a huge loss for the fashion community. His clothes, shoes and accessories have always been things I can count on for clients. I am sure the brand will live on. Camuto was old and not well so I’m confident the team will carry on and continue to give us great and affordable clothes and accessories!
My scarf just arrived – it is PERFECT!! Thanks B
YAY! I love that scarf!!!
I want to accessorize more, but I’m stuck. Do you have any suggestions on how to accessorize a collared shirt? This morning for work I have on a neutral cream silk botton down shirt with a collar, purchased on Uniqlo,found through you, with simple navy pants and a brown belt and shoes (total chicken outfit) and it feels awkward to wear a necklace or scarf on top of a collar. The neckline is open enough to see a short necklace, but it doesn’t seem to add a lot. Earrings sort of disappear in my hair.
Also, I liked your piece at Dobbin– it is always so helpful to see a real person wearing your suggestions. You look fantastic in the two outfits, but it didn’t look like you were wearing accessories.
thanks!
Hi Keri, Great question! I have a few thoughts. First, have you thought beyond jewelry? For example, what about a colorful belt or pair of shoes? You have such a neutral base that any color would work. Also, what about putting the scarf under the collar and letting it hang? Next, the short necklace you speak of, is it colorful, does it make a statement? Just wondering if you need something more substantial. What about a long necklace? Put the necklace under the collar and let it hang.
Regarding my outfits for Dobbin. It’s funny you mention that about the accessories. Actually in the blue outfit I am wearing pretty substantial grey earrings and, I think, some bracelets. In the other outfit, I am wearing burgundy studs and gold bracelets. Originally, I had this turquoise blue statement necklace that made the dress really interesting, but the way the neckline was designed the necklace took away from the dress and, seeing that the photo was about the clothes, I kept the outfit more understated instead. But I do agree, that burgundy dress was more under-accessorized than I normally do.
Thanks! Yes, on second look I do see all your accessories. Nice.
Thanks, Keri!
Damn, you’re good! I went back and looked again too – like Keri I didn’t realize you were wearing accessories, just that overall you looked stunning and understated. Since that is what you were going for, and it worked beautifully, I have to say again – you are magic!
Oh you’re too kind, seriously. You know, photos can be tough when you have the intention of using them as head shots too, which I wanted to do with these photos. Too many accessories can distract i photos when used for this purpose. I can’t tell you how many times I have stripped away accessories when taking head shot photos simply because they were distracting.
I have been called too honest many times, but never too kind!
I love this article and the suggestions to Keri!!! I too find myself in that situation occasionally where I can’t find a necklace to fit the shape of collar on my blouse….Never thought just trying colorful belt or shoes!!!!