12 Unexpected Ways to Style Your Accessories

These tips will elevate a boring outfit in minutes.

Accessorizing is an art. It can take a basic outfit and make it feel thoughtful and put together, as well as help your personal sense of style shine through.

"It’s a great and inexpensive way to have fun with your look. It's also a great way to experiment with trends in small doses," explains fashion expert Naina Singla, noting that accessories are an important part of a capsule wardrobe. "Adding accessories allows you to wear your clothes over and over again and to create new and different looks."

And, in case you're curious, this doesn't just mean getting the most expensive piece you can. You can accessorize without breaking the bank. Ana Louisa Longley, creative director at Jamie Turner, says: "I suggest buying a more affordable version of an accessories trend you’re loving first before committing to the high-end version to ensure it’s something you’ll wear a lot." Haverhill Leach, co-founder and designer of Haverhill, adds: "In my younger days, my accessories were often second-hand silk scarves, thrifted handbags, and heirloom jewelry passed down through generations or found in New York's street markets."

But what does this all mean for you? Ultimately, it comes down to trying new things and pairing your pieces in ways you wouldn't expect. According to Caera Vassallo Bechtel, junior creative content producer at Astrid & Miyu, it's all about trial and error. "You have to feel comfortable and confident in what you wear," she says. "Just because other people are wearing it, doesn't mean you have to as well." She suggests starting with buying staple pieces for your collection that are versatile, adding that belts, sunglasses, and a pair of hoops are a good place to start.

If accessorizing is always a hard task for you, keep scrolling for some new ideas to style your favorite pieces.

Add a Scarf

A silk scarf is one piece you can style in a variety of ways that best fit your personality. "You can wear it around your neck, in your hair, as a belt, or on your handbag. Simply wrap it around the head for a nice way to try out the boho trend without fully committing," explains Singla. This one has the added visual flair of leopard print.

Sarah Zurell, chief marketing officer at the Chinese Laundry, known for its silk scarves, says: "My favorite [method] is probably to tie it to my handbag or braid it into my hair." She adds that this is a nice alternative if you'd rather not tie it around your head.

Bring a Bracelet Bag

For a little dose of shine (with an added functionality!), slip a little bag around your wrist or off your fingertips. "If you’re interested in experimenting with an accessory trend for 2024, bracelet bags were seen on the runways," Singla says. If you are a minimalist and prefer to carry just your phone and a few items in your bag, this one's a great alternative to an oversized handbag.

Bags are also a great option to elevate nighttime outfits. "These small, chic purses are the icing on the cake, providing a stylish way to carry your essentials for a night out," explains Ariel Taub, head designer of Ariel Taub Luxury Accessories.

Belt It Up

Don't be afraid to embrace quality or quantity in your belts, like this thick Dior saddle belt (with matching bag!). "This is one of my favorite trends for the upcoming fall season, and it was seen all over the runways: one belt or two belts layered," says Singla. "My favorite way to style a belt is to wear it cinched on the waist for definition and dimension over a blazer or dress."

For Zurell, this is a good way to transform the silhouette of your outfit. "Whether you have an hourglass figure or you want to create the illusion that you do, a belt is a great way to accomplish this," she says.

Choose Big Earrings

Even if big and chunky isn't your natural jewelry style, this is the perfect time to try it. "Add a pair of '80s-inspired oversized earrings to your look," says Singla. "Gold button earrings, big gold studs, and chunky gold earrings are all great choices."

For Longley, there are specific instances when reaching for chunky jewelry is a must. "If I want to look sleek and modern, it’s bigger and bolder pieces that stand on their own," she says.

Go Wild With Classic Jewelry Pieces

If you have some simple classic jewelry, you can wear it in new and fun ways by layering them on top of each other. "Not only is layering necklaces super hot right now and can be seen all over social media, but it also allows you to create a customized look that reflects your style," Zurell says. "Mix different lengths and textures for a trendy and personalized look."

According to Bechtel, a good hack is to layer mismatched earrings. "It creates a fun and unique look whilst also allowing me to wear various pieces within my collection at the same time," she says.

Stack Those Pieces

You can take this idea a step further by layering with all your jewelry, including your bracelets, watch, and rings. "Stackable rings are versatile and can be mixed and matched according to your mood and outfit," Zurell says. "They add a subtle yet chic touch to your hands."

If you're curious how best to layer without feeling too cluttered, Ornella Siso, co-founder and CMO of Idyl, says: "[Accessorizing] is about balance and harmony. Going for timeless jewelry gives you the space to experiment with flowy printed dresses, crisp and classic cut garments, as well as elevated casual wear."

Improve Your Animal Print

Animal print has been a fashion mainstay for decades now, but an easy way to add dimension is by taking the pattern to your accessories. Designers are always iterating on new, fun, surprising ways to style the classic print. "We are seeing snake printed boots and heels on the runway for fall," says Singla. "If you prefer simple solids and neutrals, this is a great way to add texture and depth to a look."

Snag A Baseball Cap

A baseball cap, long associated with casual styles, can bring a dose of balance to a more high fashion look like the one above. "Want to make an off-hours look a little more put-together? Add the classic Ralph Lauren Pony Hat!" Longley says. Also, note the belt bag and the bracelet bag here to signal that this is a deeply stylish, modern look, contrasting with the cap's innate nonchalance.

Pin It

According to Zurell, brooches are making a comeback. "They can be pinned on blazers, dresses, scarves, or even hats, adding a touch of vintage charm or modern flair," she says.

For Stitch Fix stylist Mika Harris, it's all about going bold with this trend, from the pin's look to the placement. "The unexpected placement and eye-catching design can create depth and interest," she says.

Get Some Cool Socks

Fun, visible, sometimes contrasting socks have had more than a moment—they're basically an integral part of the modern wardrobe at this point. Here, the sheer ankle socks are a cool extension of the patent platforms. According to Zurell, they're a real statement, but a versatile choice nonetheless. "They can be dressed up or down and add a stylish edge to any outfit. Socks are trending, thanks to Gen Z, and they say they can tell if you are a millennial or not based on your sock choices," she says.

Add On a Cute Hat

Beyond baseball caps, other styles of hats (like this flat cap) are a fun way to make your outfit feel put-together. "Hats are making a comeback, whether it's a fedora, floppy hat, or beret, it adds personality and flair," Zurell says.

You can also go retro, with a bucket hat, or trendy, with Cowboy Carter-inspired Western hats. "While they’re normally reserved for more casual settings, hats are a simple way to experiment with different looks based on the specific style you’re trying to achieve," Harris says.

Don't Forget the Sunnies

Sunglasses are not only there to protect your eyes, so get creative with them. "Choose a bold frame or a unique shape to make a statement," Zurell says. There are a ton of styles that are popular right now, including cat-eye sunnies. Zurell adds that, it doesn't matter what style you choose, sunglasses are a great accessory to complete your look.

For more InStyle news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on InStyle.