hOw TO ACCESSORISE

By FElPhAM FAShION GURU vICKy BOOKER

Accessories really do make or break an outfit. The umbrella of accessories covers a huge range of items apart from jewellery and scarves to belts, glasses, hosiery, socks, bags, tie-pins, broaches, wallets, and lots more! As well as pulling an outfit together into something that looks stylish and thought-through, accessories are a fantastic way to project your personality and speak volumes about who you are.

The simplest t-shirt and jeans can be transformed by a great necklace, or scarf (see last month’s article for my top scarf-tying tips). A great watch or pair of cuff links can elevate a shirt and chinos. Or be bold, and try a hat – just for looks, rather than practical reasons!

A weighty subject your shape

Necklaces can have an almost magical slimming ability! wear a long pendant over a plain top and it draws the eye in and down – eh voilá – a few lbs off. Be careful of the scale of your accessories, there’s currently a bit of a trend for very chunky statement jewellery but choose the weight to suit your stature – if you’re very petite, an over-sized chain might be overwhelming. Similarly a very delicate small pair of earrings could look lost on someone who’s 5ft 9 and very statuesque. how much?

I’m a firm believer that you don’t need to spend a fortune on clothes and shoes to look great. If you pick and choose well, and your clothes fit and suit you, then it doesn’t matter if you’ve spent £20 or £200. however, when it comes to accessories – especially costume jewellery – it’s sometimes better to go for the best you can afford.

It’s also worth considering your face shape when it comes to things like earrings, hats, necklaces and glasses – but that’s probably another article in its own right! have fun experimenting with what suits you, and projects your personality.

My directory www.vickybooker.com and email: vicky@vickybooker.com

For reasonably priced, but good quality accessories, I love Phase Eight, Oliver Bonas, Mint velvet, and Jigsaw (all with shops in Chichester). One of my favourites for real silver and gold jewellery but, again very affordable is Rachel Jackson https://www.racheljacksonlondon.com/ – their spinning pendants are great and can be engraved to make them personalised too. For an excellent selection of gent’s belts, socks, ties, and other accessories, try Stephen lawrence Menswear and hansfords – both independents in Chichester.

Not brave enough for a hat? Try a hair accessory – I highly recommend local milliner Isabella Josie who has a great range of hats and accessories for both ladies and gents, including these fab multi-way hair wraps. I can help with auditing your wardrobe and shopping with you to make sure you’re buying wisely. If you’d like some help with staying stylishly cosy this spring, do get in touch to see how I can help – I offer a Personal Shopping service as well as styling.

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