The Power of Accessories

I was recently interviewed for Washington Life magazine and they asked me to style an outfit with a few fall trends they featured in their November issue. Peplum, leather accents, ankle booties, black with white, studs, metallic brocade, military inspiration… that sort of thing. I was a bit lost at first since I do incorporate a lot of current trends into my wardrobe but didn't have a ton of these specific trends. I decided to start with a base ensemble I would regularly wear (and actually have previously worn on the blog) – black ponte peplum top from Ann Taylor, Halogen black leather pleated skirt, and Miss Sixty peeptoe ankle booties.  I then just switched out a few accessories to give two completely different looks – really shows how a wardrobe of carefully selected accessories can truly transform wardrobe staples.

Look 1: White leather foldover studded clutch, Stella and Dot “Lilith” necklace which isn't studs, but gives the stud effect and had the same dark metal detail.  This is the one I sent to Washington Life magazine and they used for the interview.

Look 2: Same ensemble, I just added an oxblood leather skinny belt and switched out bags for a black leather clutch with silver zipper detail (both accessories from Hobo).  If I had more time, I would have switched out the shoes for a black leather pointed-toe pump.

All accessories I already had in my wardrobe – the belt I bought at a Hobo sample sale for $2, the black leather clutch has gotten many years of wear, the white clutch I picked up last summer in Rehoboth and often wear it with it's strap for a concert-worthy crossbody.  These are the types of accessories I can keep for decades and pull out when the trends are in their favor and update wardrobe classics.  One doesn't need an overflowing closet to have variety.

Oh the power of accessories!