Icing on the Cupcake

Whether you’re out on the town, going to a nice dinner, or just simply hanging out with friends–does it take you a short while or a long time to put together your outfit? Doesn’t matter what your answer is, because what we want to focus on, are your accessories. Believe it or not, accessories make or break an outfit. Have you ever seen a girl walking in a shopping mall or a bar and think to yourself, “How did she manage to put that together?” or “Does she think she can pull that off?” Whether it is a negative or positive thought, the right or wrong accessories make the loudest proclamation of all. Can you save yourself from the overdoing of trends? Accessories and styles change all the time, and so do the rules. Do you have what it takes to perfect a look? Being a fashionista is hard. Know a few simple rules about accessorizing and you will be the one that attracts all the right kinds of attention.

If you want to rock a giant accessory, be it a bejeweled necklace, ten cuffs, or five-inch long earrings—wear it just in one spot, and make sure you tone down the rest of your outfit. Too much extravagance clutter an outfit and you will end up looking more like a clown and less like a trendsetter.

The whole matchy-matchy thing, is not so cute any more. You know those jewelry sets in velvet boxes you find in your moms stash? Unless you are of royal descent of you’ve recently been invited to grace the red carpet–try not to wear a set of matching jewelry. Mix up your metals, play with different gemstones. You will be amazed at the different looks you can accomplish and the comments you will inevitably receive.

The last cardinal rule of accessorizing, said by the great Coco Chanel:

“A style does not go out of style as long as it adapts itself to its period. When there is an incompatibility between the style and a certain state of mind, it is never the style that triumphs.”

If you are not sure of an accessory trend, don’t try to force it. There is nothing wrong with experimenting—because otherwise how would we know what and what not to try. But, if you are not comfortable flashing it, it will show. The best accessory, after all, is the confidence that you exude.

(Michelle is the Fashion Editor for Revolve Clothing)