Accessories: How to know when you’re wearing too many

When architecting your look, design using scale, balance, and proportion.


Proportion:  The relationship of a part of one unit to the unit as a whole.


Petite pocket people can carry off fewer, smaller accessories than  elegant Amazons or voluptuous vixens.  Choose appropriately sized baubles for your frame.


Balance: The equalizing of weight, color, or line on either side of a central axis.


Wear your cuff on the hand opposite your cocktail ring.  Pair a complementary coral satchel with your turquoise peep toes. Ornament the strong vertical lines of your blouse with a dainty floral stocking. Adornments should balance not bend visually to one side or style.


Scale: The comparative size of one object or design in its relationship to the size of other objects with which it is to be associated.


Pick a single focus for your ensemble.  If you’re donning a statement necklace, leave the chandelier earrings in the case in favor of simple posts.


And be vigilant of clothing’s built-in accessories: shine, ruffles, or other dimensional embellishments.  If you opt for pre-adorned pieces, adjust your accessories accordingly.


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If you want to maximize your accessory opportunities start with a simple base like a black dress or a impeccably cut white t-shirt and jeans.


If you’re timidly dipping your toe in the ocean of accessories, push yourself to tack on at least one trimming per day, be it a belt, scarf, or gold hoop earrings.


If, conversely, you are accessory addicted, follow Chanel couture, and “remove the last accessory you put on.”