This fall I’ve been working on getting better at ‘finishing’ my outfits. I’m focusing on the details that make an outfit feel pulled-together, styled and finished. I finally found a belt I love, I invested in the earrings I’d been eyeing for a long time, I’m trying a bolder lip color and I’m working on my necklace layering game. The results are fine-tuning my fall outfits, and I’m stoked.
In the past, I’ve been alllll about the clothes (obviously, I have a style blog), and a bit neglectful about accessorizing. I would pull together an outfit (simple or extra styled) and then call it a day. Now, focusing on the finishing details is bringing new life to my closet.
Here’s what’s been working for me.
1 // Lipstick
They say a red lip can be the ‘third color’ in your outfit. I don’t wear red, but I happily experiment with other colors. I have a base color (Kjaer Weis’s Believe) that I wear everyday, which slightly mimics my natural color, but a month or so ago I picked up a new, bolder color that makes a bit more of an impact on my outfits. I like to wear it when I want to add a little something extra to my look, when I’m going out to dinner with my husband, or even when I’m tired and want to look a little more refreshed.
Application tip: just like my hair, I like my lips to be a bit ‘undone.’ I’ve found that using my finger to apply the lipstick results in a more natural looking lip line, and helps the lips look more like they are flushing from within. I usually do a few layers.
Outfit Details: Collarless Air Shirt (6), c/o Everlane / Jeans, Frank and Oak / Lipstick, Undone by Kosas
2 // Layered Necklaces
This is one of my very favorite ways to accessorize and add interest to an outfit. I have a base of two necklaces I wear everyday and never take off, and most days I layer more with them.
Layering necklaces with different types of chains – texture or width – helps to keep them from getting tangled. But I’ve found you just have to embrace the tangle a bit too, and be relaxed about it. I like wearing one long one with a few short ones. Recently I’ve been getting into flat chains as well (this one is in my cart). They lend variety and texture to a necklace stack.
I love to add layered necklaces to most outfits, particularly plain tees and crewneck sweaters.
Outfit Details: ReCashmere Vintage Crew (4) in Heathered Clay, c/o Everlane / Jeans, Reformation (no longer available)
3 // Bold, Gold Jewelry
It’s safe to say I like gold jewelry. Recently I’ve been getting into some bolder pieces. I’d been eyeing these thick gold hoops for some time, and finally added them to my collection this fall. They are an outfit game changer! They make a big impact on a look and, when paired with another bold, gold piece, can easily be the ‘third item’ in an outfit. Last month, I got a yellow bronze cuff from my favorite Portland jeweler. I love the way it dresses up my simplest outfits.
Outfit Details: Hollow Hoops, Bagatiba / Organic Cuff, c/o L.Greenwalt Jewelry (use code: SEASONS15 to save 15%) / Juliette Jumper, c/o L’Envers / Jeans, Vintage
4 // Belt It
Call me a late adopter on the belt trend. Not that belts are exactly trendy, they are timeless. But they are also very ‘of the moment’ right now. It’s been years and years since I wore belts regularly. (I still have my two favorites from high school!) After a long time of patiently searching I finally found a belt that was as simple as I wanted, and in the color I wanted too. This one is a bit of an investment, but I happened to catch it on a great deal during Shopbop’s fall sale.
Belts are a great way to add visual interest to an outfit. You can complete a monochrome look or bring in a pop of color. Additionally, belts are great to wear over dresses and even jackets. With a high quality belt, there are many options for accessorizing an outfit.
Outfit Details: Striped Long Sleeve Tee (M), Everlane / Thin Estate Belt, Rachel Comey / Jeans, Reformation (no longer available) / Shoes, PF Flyers
5 // Scarf It
A long time ago I had a million scarves in a rainbow of colors, and I wore them all the time. When I pared down my closet a handful of years ago, I got rid of most of them. But I kept my trusty black scarf, and handknit oatmeal one from my mom. They are both lovely, but lean more functional than stylish. This fall – and again after a year+ of searching – I found a scarf that would fit both my warmth and sartorial needs.
Scarves are a great way to add color and warm tones to a neutral look. Finer scarves work beautifully indoors, and can be great ‘third piece’ to an outfit. I love a good outerwear scarf because it brings a lot of color and interest to my steady stream of dark and black winter jackets. I love feeling accessorized even when I’m dressing for the outdoors!
Outfit Details: Scarf, Acne Studios / Alpaca Crew (M), Everlane / Jeans, vintage / Boots, Aquatalia (older style, no longer available) *similar
In addition to using accessories to add visual interest to an outfit, you can employ simple styling tricks. My very favorite is the front tuck, which I use for almost everything! A well-placed hemline roll of a pushed sleeve can go a long way too.
And you can catch the video version on IGTV.
I love this post! It’s not about the clothes but how you embellish them. I often feel that I need to take a few more moments to complete my outfit, and I rarely do. But this shows how much difference it makes. Thank you for reminding me how much fun can be added to an outfit in just a few extra minutes.
Thank you for the great comment Gena! I am right there with you! Excited to continue to learn and get better at this.
Good post!
It makes me see how some simple “trics” can lift your whole outfit to another level.
I like the small necklaces and also the belt in a bold colour.
I always put on a belt but in a cognac leather colour, not something like red.
But by adding a coloured belt everything changes and makes it more interesting.
I will definitely give these trics a try :-)
Agreed on the belt! It’s such a fun bold color. It’s a tiny belt, but it can bring and impact!
I usually add a necklace when I want to polish an outfit. I don’t have that many, however, and they are mostly the same length. I like look of layering different length necklaces, and will need to consider adding some longer ones.
Variety makes a difference, doesn’t it. I like a good, artsy ‘statement’ necklace too!