The Importance of Accessories

Everyone gets tired of their 'same old clothes,' so spice it up!

I was talking to a client the other day, discussing how different accessories can change almost any woman’s outfit in an instant. She was amazed at how the “accessory thing” works, and I couldn’t agree more. Accessories are amazing in how they can turn an average outfit into something show-stopping. During our discussion, another client overheard us, and couldn’t see how accessories really change the look of an outfit much.

I started wondering: How many people feel this way? How can I show them accessories really do work? So the quest began to prove that accessories significantly alter the look of an outfit. I have said time and time again that accessories are the easiest way to change an outfit. I’ve blogged about it; fashion consultants can’t say enough about it; flip through any fashion magazine and you’ll always see a layout of accessories. But I needed to find something else. I needed to find an everyday woman who has the “accessory thing” down and is not afraid to flaunt it!

I hit the jackpot! While doing my research, not only did I find that my idea of an “Accessory Queen” does exist, she’s also supporting a great cause! Sheena, the beautiful woman behind the brilliant idea The Uniform Project, has become my fashion idol; I dream about her accessories. In May 2009, she began wearing the same dress, and will do so for 365 days — only changing up with different accessories and layers. Her goal is to raise money by taking donations for the Akanksha Foundation to fund uniforms and other educational expenses for children living in Indian slums.

I cannot stop looking at her amazing outfits; she is so creative, fun, flirty and inventive. I know not everyone can have the gift of accessorizing but I think everyone should at least try. It just takes a few extra minutes in the morning. Or take five at night and lay out some accessories. As I have said before, when you feel great in your clothes it really shines through your day. I know everyone gets tired of their “same old clothes,” so spice it up, throw on a belt, scarf or some funky bracelets. Trust me, you’ll see that same old look turn into something great.

I encourage you to look at Sheena’s pictures on The Uniform Project’s blog and feel as inspired as I do. Go into your closet and start putting different outfits together. I’m not saying try everything on, just take a blouse you have, throw a dress over it on the hanger and see how it looks — you may be surprised at the gems and the style you really have in your closet.

Do you have some fun heels with a bold color but think it may be too much to wear to the office? A great way to tone them down and spice up your everyday look is to pair them with black tights. The pairing makes the look a bit more muted rather than a bare leg showing with a vibrant colored heel. Maybe you have a plain black dress and want it to look a bit funkier? Try a bold, chunky necklace and a skinny belt around it, or a men’s tie and a beautiful vintage brooch pinned in the middle. When all else fails, a cute flirty cardigan can change any look. You have the option to belt it, pin it with a big flower or brooch and turn your look around.

Accessories really do work at changing your look; I encourage you to try it out at least once this week.

Elizabeth Leffler-Agia is a personal stylist and owner of Christie's Boutique in Mission Hills. She has been a stylist for seven years, and studied fashion at the School of the Art Institute in Chicago and the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in San Diego.

Do you like what you read? Subscribe to San Diego Magazine »