In a style world where so many of us like the same pieces and colors, bold accessories are one way for your unique style to shine through. They can transform an outfit and make everyday pieces feel exciting to wear. I just love how the right accessory can become the focal point of an outfit, or it can subtly pull everything together. Today’s post is a guide that will cover what makes an accessory bold, how to style bold fashion accessories, and the best statement pieces to try for different outfits.
How To Wear Bold Accessories
Bold accessories work the best when they compliment your outfit instead of competing with other things you’re wearing. Statement pieces are perfect to elevates simple looks, add visual interest, or add that last piece to help your outfit feel polished and personal.
But First, What Makes An Accessory Bold?
A bold accessory will feel like something different for everyone. When I think of the bold accessories in my closet, I think of a big seashell necklace, a bubblegum pink scarf, and a belt with a bold pattern. For someone else, it might be a statement bag or oversized earrings. Or, if you’re someone who wears lots of bright colors, your bold accessory might be something like a fun tassel necklace or a headband with a fun pattern. (I recently picked up this headband, and I’m obsessed with it).
How To Style Bold Fashion Accessories
Styling bold accessories is all about creating balance and adding interest to your outfit, whether you’re wearing a simple silk scarf or bold chunky gold earrings.
Choose One Bold Accessory Per Outfit or Make Sure They Work Together
I typically like to pick one bold accessory per outfit so the accessory compliments my outfit. If you wear too many at once, the statement pieces overwhelm each other. So, when I wear my big seashell necklace, I wouldn’t also wear my printed silk scarf because my necklace would get lost in the scarf! However, I think it’s okay to wear fun shoes and a fun belt at the same time when one of them is super muted like my yellow flats are above! I wouldn’t have worn red flats with this outfit, for example, because it would’ve felt like too much for me.
Bold Accessories Don’t Have to Be a Statement Piece
Bold accessories can also just feel like the perfect finishing touch to elevate your outfit. I have a couple of scarves I wear that, to me, feel bold. I love how they add just a little interest to a neutral look.
Bold Accessories To Try
Fun necklace
A fun necklace is an obvious bold accessory, and if you like statement pieces then a fun necklace is the way to go. They look good with just about anything – from a summer dress to wearing it over a fall sweater. I like to wear these with outfits that feel like a blank canvas – this white dress below is the perfect example. You can also style these necklaces with work outfits to bring out your unique style.
I recently got this shell necklace (also the first link below) on a beach vacation, and found out it’s actually available online. I’ve been wearing it all summer. There are tons of fun necklaces to wear throughout the cold months too.
Printed Belt
A printed belt is always a go-to for dressing up the rest of your outfit. My favorite way to style them is with an otherwise simple outfit. Fun belts look so good with bright colors or neutrals, and you can style them with a dress, skirt, or pants. We love versatility!
Silk scarf as a belt
The scarf belt trend is a fun one, whether you choose to wear your scarf in your belt loops or just around your waist. It’s easiest to use your silk scarf as a belt since the material is just easy to work with. I would avoid styling a thicker scarf as a belt for the same reason. Click here for my exact scarf, which comes in the brown print I’m wearing and lots of other colors. And, click here for a tutorial I filmed on how to style a silk scarf as a belt.
Statement bag
Summer is my favorite season for a statement bag. They’re easy to find and go a long way to dressing up simple summer outfits. They’re always a good idea for vacation, but don’t forget to rewear them once you’re back home – even if it’s just out for a family dinner. I do also love winter for a statement bag, especially for events when you’re wearing colors that feel like they need a little something fun. The fall and winter are good seasons to add a statement bag because they are an easy way to add texture to your look so it doesn’t feel flat. These are the types of bags that are perfect for special occasions throughout the year!
Related: What to wear to a birthday dinner
Bright scarf
An eye catching scarf doesn’t have to be a crazy pattern! I wear this bubblegum pink scarf when it’s cooler out, and I love how it adds the perfect pop of color to my neutral wardrobe. It feels like the perfect finishing touch to my outfits. It layers easily over your spring and fall jackets – ready to be worn if necessary – but always adding a little fun to your look. Click here to shop my scarf, and it also comes in a few other beautiful colors.
Statement shoes
Are you also obsessed with shoes? I love how shoes can instantly elevate the rest of your outfit. You can take a pair of simple jeans, a tee or button up, and make the entire outfit super chic with fun shoes. You can also wear statement shoes to dress up a relaxed outfit like I did below – this was for family pizza night – or a work outfit. Whether you’re wearing a suit or a flowy skirt, this type of fun shoe is work appropriate.
These shoes are similar to mine – mine are old Dolce Vita.
Read more about how to dress up a t shirt.
Silk scarf
This is another easy way to style the same silk scarf that I’m wearing above as a belt.
Chunky necklace
When I think of the ultimate bold accessory, it’s a chunky necklace. They’re right by your face, so they’re always eye catching. I love them with a button up, v-neck, or crewneck sweater. They also look great with a t-shirt to dress up a simple outfit.
Printed Scarf
Not every bold accessory has to be big! This little scarf packs a powerful punch when you pair it with a monochrome outfit. It’s a lightweight cotton, so you can wear it through most seasons. I also tie this around my bags as another way to style a bold piece. Click here to shop.
Oversized earrings
Okay, last but not least, oversized earrings are an obvious bold accessory! They’re perfect for special occasions – like a wedding – but you can also wear them with a dress or jeans for a fun night out.
