How To Accessorize Like a Pro

One of my most asked questions in regards to styling looks is “how do I make my outfits less boring/repetitive?” and my answer is always the same: accessorize. Accessories are one of the most powerful styling tools and can truly take your outfits to the next level. The best part is, accessories don’t have to break the bank. In fact, building a wardrobe of basics and lots of affordable accessories is one of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to create a killer closet.

Today I’m breaking down my top accessories and giving you some tips on how to accessorize on a daily basis. Plus, I’ve included a few outfit ideas to give you some inspiration and show you how quickly accessories can bring your outfit to life!

Jewelry (The Triple Threat Method) 

Let’s start off with jewlery. I feel as though this is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “accessory”. I have tons of jewlery and I almost always stick to the “triple threat” method when getting ready. The “triple threat” is my very own term that I like to use to describe my everyday jewelry habits.

1) Start off with a simple necklace. Sometimes I reach for a simple M necklace and others I reach for my Kendra Scott pendants. Just depends on the outfit/what I’m feeling. 2) Throw something simple on the wrist. I either wear a gold cuff (my favorites are from Mantra Band and Bauble Bar) or I wear a watch + a couple of bracelets. Again, it just depends on the outfit. I tend to wear cuffs more in the summer with fancier, girlier dresses. 3) Add a pair of statement earrings. Some people prefer simple studs but a big ole pair of statement earrings is the McKenzie signature when completing an outfit. They add so much to my outfits and always score me tons of compliments.

Of course, I have other jewelry pieces and occasionally I will switch things up, layer a few gold chains, pop on a pair of stud earrings, or wear a huge stack of bracelets, but the “triple threat” is what I stick to on a day to day basis. You’d be surprised how far a few pieces of jewlery go. My advice is to invest in everyday items like necklaces, watches, rings, etc, and go for inexpensive items when it’s something you won’t wear on a daily basis (ie: my crazy, fun earrings).

Belts

There was truly a time where I thought the only purpose belts served were keeping your pants up. How silly! Belts are one of the most influential accessories. I have over 50 belts in my closet and I reach for them constantly. There’s nothing a belt can’t fix.

Pants too large? Add a belt. Dress too frumpy? Add a belt? Outfit too boring? Add a belt. I love big buckle belts for my western belts, chain belts for making things edgy, and all the rest for spicing up my casual, everyday outfits. If you catch me in shorts/jeans there’s a 90% chance I’ve got a belt on to make my outfit even cuter. Even with tee shirt dresses, they look amazing.

Bags 

I get my love of purses from my mama! She’s always loved them and so naturally I’ve followed right in her footsteps. Of course, I have more practical purses that I use on an everyday basis (typically a tote) but I love grabbing inexpensive statement bags from places like SheIn and Romwe to add some flare to my looks.

I’ve got everything from fruit print clutches to cow print purses to straw totes for the beach. I’m also a sucker for a cute crossbody when it comes to dressing up an outfit. I recommend finding your purse preference and going from there. For an everyday bag, I prefer a large tote however my sister prefers a small crossbody. Find what you like and what will hold all of your belongings and go from there!

Hats

Hats are an underrated accessory although I will admit, they are probably my least reached for item from this post. I’ve always felt I looked good in hats however they aren’t something I wear to class or just out and about, they are mainly worn for styling purposes or for a specific occasion like a country concert or a day on the beach.

My cowboy hats are definitely my most worn in my collection. I love them for photoshoots and cabby hats too! I have so many floppy straw hats; they are my absolute favorite for keeping the sun off of my face while on vacation. I’m not much for baseball caps but I love a good beanie in the wintertime with a matching scarf!

Glasses

And last but not least, sunglasses! After years of working with Discount Glasses, I’ve got the biggest glasses collection you’ve ever seen. I don’t have bad eyesight, therefore, I don’t have a prescription but faux fashion frames are still some of my favs! My most worn pairs are definitely my clear frames and my blue light blocking glasses. I don’t wear them all the time, but I reach for them frequently when wearing loungewear!

As far as sunglasses go, I like really huge obnoxious pairs. The bigger the better in this department, lol. I stick to aviators usually when actually wanting to “wear” my sunglasses but for styling outfits, anything cat eye, circular, or oversized is my jam. My really unique pairs typically come from SheIn!

See The Accessories In Action

Beach Babe

I so wish I lived closer to the beach and so my outfits this time of year often reflect this wishful thinking. I love styling basic pieces, for instance, this little black romper, with statement accessories to really elevate the look.

I’m starting off by adding a straw hat. This pairs so perfectly with my chunky espadrilles and screams “I just spent the whole day in the sun”.  I’m then adding a clutch. The color palette of this pairs perfectly with the rest of the outfit and the tassels add a bit of texture. Sticking with a pair of crochet statement earrings to pull the outfit together. This outfit would be killer for that post-beach day dinner!

Outfit Details— romper: SheIn, shoes: SheIn, hat: TJ Maxx, purse: KatyDid, cuff: Mantra Band, necklace: The Silver Heron, earrings: SheIn

Just The Basics 

Although this outfit may seem rather simple, it would be so boring without a few key accessories. I love a simple white top with jeans. I always add heels to dress up my outfit and for a little confidence boost.

Here I’m wearing my triple threat accessory combo I talked about earlier. A simple gold necklace, watch, and cute pair of statement earrings accessorize this outfit perfectly. My jewelry isn’t overpowering the outfit and yet it’s adding just enough “extra”. I’m throwing on a cute crossbody with a gold chain to pull finish off the outfit.

Outfit Details— top: SheIn, jeans: Express, shoes: SheIn, earrings: Walmart, necklace: The Silver Heron, watch: Fossil, bracelets: Mantra Band, purse: SheIn

Meet Me At The Race Track

I don’t share many edgy outfits on my page but I always have so much fun styling this kind of outfit. I don’t have too many “edgy” pieces in my wardrobe so I rely heavily on accessories to achieve the look I want. For this outfit, I’m starting off in an oversized tee shirt dress. This was so large that it was swallowing me whole; I added a belt to give it some shape!

I’m layering on a few gold chain necklaces to make me feel ~cool~ like the Tik Tok stars and a pair of gold lightning bolt earrings to pair with the “thunder” words on my dress. Huge oversized sunnies will give you that model off duty vibe and a clear purse will add some unexpected spunk.

Outfit Details— dress: Romwe, belt: Romwe, purse: Romwe, shoes: SheIn, earrings: SheIn, necklaces: SheIn, sunglasses: SheIn

Well, was this the post you were looking for? I sure hope so! I’ve been meaning to dedicate a post entirely to accessories for quite some time now and am so happy I was finally able to sit down and dish out the details. I hope you found this post helpful and that it encourages you to step up your accessorizing game to help bring your outfits from a 2 to a 10!

With love, McKenz

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