Has this ever happened to you? You’ve got a great outfit laid out. You put it on, and it feels good, but it’s just missing something. You quietly hum Adam Sandler’s hit single “Phone, Wallet, Keys” to yourself. You’ve got all those things, and you remembered your laptop, but there’s still something missing: the finishing touches. Read on to discover our favorite go-to accessories to complete your outfit.
Earrings
This is probably a staple of your everyday jewelry collection already. If it isn’t (or you don’t love the ones you have), a few stylish earrings can quickly add depth to even casual outfits. As long as you start simple and classic, this one is pretty hard to get wrong.
Watches and Bracelets
A quick way to take an outfit from good to great is to throw something on your wrist. Whether that be a simple watch with a leather strap or a fancy gold bracelet, something on your wrist really pulls an outfit together. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to match your metals and leathers. They should complement each other, but you’ve got some stylistic space to work with here.
Rings
If you already wear a wedding ring, you can always add a band or two on there. It’ll complement the unique oval engagement ring you love so much and give you even more options. Maybe a simple band or ring on your other hand as well. Less is more with rings, but you can still experiment to your heart’s content here.
Necklaces and Chains
While not always a focal point, having just a bit of your necklace showing can add some depth to an outfit. A simple gold necklace or chain adds a bit of pop without being too flashy. Unless you’re wearing a Cuban link, keep the chain inside your shirt. Even if you are wearing a Cuban link, use your best discretion.
Sunglasses
Yes, this is only a finishing touch if it’s sunny outside. You aren’t doing an impression of celebrities trying to duck paparazzi. No sunglasses when it’s gloomy outside. Assuming you have the prerequisite sun, sunglasses are an easy way to make any outfit look more complete. Make sure, of course, that they complement your face nicely.
Belts
If you’re in an environment where you should be wearing a belt and you aren’t, you just look like you’re missing something. If you have a nice casual belt on in a setting that doesn’t require it, you can make yourself look effortlessly stylish without trying too hard. A casual brown leather belt is integral to any complete wardrobe, so find a good belt if you don’t already own one.
Bags
Whether this is a purse, crossbody bag or even a nice backpack, a bag is a great way to finish an outfit. You shouldn’t just grab a backpack best suited for the gym and throw it on, though.
Just throwing on any bag won’t work – you still need to have an understanding of what you’re doing. Think leather or waxed canvas for hard-wearing versatility. Plus, you’ll look cooler — and who doesn’t want that?
Scents
This is definitely optional, but it can make a huge difference. It’s also probably the easiest one on here to get wrong, so use it carefully. If you know which perfume/cologne/eau de toilette/smell-good juice works for you, keep it on hand. A good scent finishes off an outfit and differentiates you as someone who knows what they’re doing.
On the other hand, a little bit of this goes a long way. If you aren’t sure what you’re doing, take the amount you think you need and cut it in half. Then take off 20 percent. Seriously, this stuff can be overpowering quickly.
You’re always better off having too little than too much, so be really conservative starting out. Recruit a friend who knows what they’re doing if you have one handy.
Hats
Ever heard someone say they’re “just not a hat person”? Plenty of people say it but rarely is it true. Sometimes, you just have to find the right hat.
For most people, less is more when it comes to hat structure. Those structured New Era baseball caps are great for going to a game, but that’s about it. For everyday wear, less-structured dad hat-type styles look good on most people. When the weather gets colder, though, having a beanie or two in the rotation is a good way to finish an outfit while staying warm.
One More Layer
Sure, when it’s 100 degrees outside, this doesn’t help much. However, even in warmer weather, you can throw on light layers. Notice we said warmer, not surface of the sun Arizona warm. Really light long sleeve shirts, sheer pieces and anything drapey is your best bet.
When fall rolls around, the world is your layering oyster. A good overcoat, sweater or flannel can really dial up the style of your casual outfits.
When utilizing these tips, remember that less is more. There’s a fine line between a well-crafted outfit and just a busy look. If you’re trying something new, don’t be afraid to solicit feedback from your friends! Well, the stylish ones, at least.
