What items of clothing or accessories instantly make an outfit more stylish?

[happytobemrsg]

I feel like I’ve got the basics down, but what items of clothing or accessories do you add which instantly pull an outfit together or make it more stylish? I’m going shopping tomorrow & looking for inspiration!

A belt definitely!

It really depends on your shape and what you are trying to accentuate?

-A good fitting jacket or blazer smartens an outfit IMO far more than say a casual cardigan
-I have large breasts, so always wear a V-neck top or a longer length, V necklace. The eye then goes up and down the body, rather than left to right across the bust
-Starting with the right underwear can make a massive difference. A supportive bra can change your shape and body stance

A beautifully cut wool coat. A slick of strong lip colour. Cashmere with a neckline that flatters you. Your best colour close to your face. Crisp white shirts or t-shirts. Shoes you can walk in easily. Joyful earrings. Bias cut skirts (perhaps that's specific to me).

Clean shoes of whatever kind

Well manicured nails and a nice pair of earrings

A nice bag that fits with the vibe of your outfit, for example a casual bag for a casual outfit.

A good silk scarf. A high quality handbag. Spotless shoes.

Some sort of classy gold jewellery. Like some small hoops or a necklace.

A max mara coat, a gorgeous handbag and pristine but not new platforms. I have none but they are on my hit list

I follow the 8 point rule that I recently heard about and it's really helped.

So anything plain or gives you one point. Everything patterned or an extremely bold single colour (eg hot pink) would be two points.

Same with accessories. A tote or a plain gold necklace would be one point but a very chunky statement necklace or a wrist with the different bangles would be two points.

Plain trainers or black boots would be one point. Silver boots or trainers with animal print detail or something would be two points

You need 8 points (minimum) for an outfit.

This has really helped me improve my look. And it's helped me work out what I need to buy to complete my wardrobe. At the moment I'm on the lookout for good quality basics and more accessories

*anything plain or basic (eg jeans/ plain shirt)

Good underwear. Good quality coat/jacket, shoes, bag, belt. The best quality fabrics you can afford. Clothes that fit your body shape. Then it's a case of personality: 'classic' (blazer, frocks etc) or more avant gard. In your Person, hair well cut, nails neat.

A pair of great sunglasses!
A red lipstick.
Good shoes or boots
A good leather handbag which is not obviously logo branded.

My thoughts too! Especially the bag - can’t count how many times I see someone who has obviously made an effort with clothes etc, then chucked on the old, black handbag that in fact doesn’t ‘go with everything’...

Earrings and necklace. Bracelet. Watch.

Like someone who posted I think a scarf is useful. I have a lot and get them from charity shops.

White oversized boyfriend shirt in cotton.
Raey straight legged jeans you can buy them on Ebay for a reasonable price.
Cashmere/Silk scarf for winter.
Jewellery that you love.
Belts, I got a wide black studded one from Raey before Matches went into liquidation for £30.
Issey Miyake Pleats, please. No ironing required, they never crease and are great for travelling.

Wow this sounds very complicated. I’ll consider my current favourite outfits & see how they score.

I went work bag shopping today & couldn’t find anything. It was either too big, too much hardware, straps too short to be comfortable when wearing a coat, too heavy even when empty etc. I wear casual clothes at work & wear the same at play - so the bag needs to be casual enough to work.

Why does it help to be garish?

[Meant to quote LostittoBostik]

Not very Coco Chanel, @LostittoBostik

Clutch bag

Wow, I thought you were going to say eight points maximum - for an understated, together look!

Looks down at own leopard trainers proudly