How Jewelry Can Enhance Your Look and Shine a Light On the Real You

Most women devote far too little time to accessorizing their outfits. This is especially true when it comes to jewelry. Maybe you find yourself wearing the same standbys over and over. Or perhaps you typically slap on a few random pieces of jewelry before rushing out the door. That’s well and good if you want to go through life looking and feeling just “okay.” But why settle for less when elevating your style could help you become your very best you?

Accessories have the power to transform a good outfit into a great outfit. Imagine that there’s a beautiful room inside your home, but it’s missing the draperies, furniture, and personal touches that make it inviting and beautiful. That’s what happens when you don’t bother to accessorize your look. Your outfits may indeed be stunning, but there’s no warmth, no personality, and no sparkle that makes them yours.

Thoughtful accessorizing is what’s missing from most women’s fashion routine. They may devote plenty of time to perfecting their hair, makeup, and clothing, but then they either forget about accessorizing their looks altogether, or they thoughtlessly throw on a few pieces of jewelry and head out the door.

At a time when many people are trying to simplify their lives, it’s useful to rethink how accessories can help you get better mileage out of your clothing. You don’t have to have a closet jam-packed with the latest trends. Well-curated collections of jewelry and other accessories allow you to keep your existing wardrobe feeling fresh and current. The result? You can focus on high-quality clothing that flatters you and reflects who you really are.

Keep reading for my tips for getting the most out of your most precious accessories…your jewelry!

 Devote a few minutes each day to choosing the right accessories. Paying a small amount of attention upfront to your accessories each day can make the difference between a ho-hum look and a well-crafted outfit. After you’re fully dressed, stand in front of a mirror and ask yourself, What’s missing from this outfit? Is your neckline asking for a simple silver chain or a more pronounced necklace? Do you need to balance a sleeveless top with a set of bangles and a statement watch? Maybe your shift dress is calling out for an on-trend set of earrings and a bright scarf. You’ll find that devoting this small amount of time takes both your outfit and your mood to the next level!

 Have your “go-to” jewelry ready for days you’re truly rushed. There’s nothing wrong with having a standard ring, earring, and necklace combo that you love and rely on often. But one or two pieces shouldn’t become part of your default ‘uniform.’ Create a basic ensemble that you can grab quickly on busy mornings, but don’t automatically reach for these staples without first considering what other looks you might create instead.

 Focus on quality, not quantity. Simplicity and quality are best when it comes to jewelry. A hundred jumbled and unorganized pieces in your jewelry box won’t do you much good, because you won’t be able to keep up with what you have—let alone untangle it! Instead of buying too many similar, low-quality items, stick to purchasing fewer high-quality pieces that really speak to you and make a strong statement about who you are. This helps you avoid duplicates and helps you keep your collection smaller and more manageable.

 Don’t be afraid to buy statement pieces. Big, bold jewelry has a time and place. So when you see something you adore that’s slightly outside of your comfort zone, don’t be afraid to add it to your collection. As long as you exercise a little restraint with your hair and makeup and the rest of your accessories, a crystal statement necklace, a chunky bracelet, or an extravagant cocktail ring will be a lovely addition to your outfit.

 Get more mileage from your travel clothes. You can use your jewelry to create versatile outfits when traveling for business or pleasure. Pack your suitcase with basics like blouses, skirts, pants, blazers, and dresses, along with enough jewelry and other accessories to create different ensembles from these pieces. One day, you can choose an outfit and wear it with a statement necklace, a few great rings, and a pair of flats. Later that week you can create a whole new look by pairing the same clothing with a pair of bold earrings, a bracelet, a stylish scarf, and some heels. This mix-and-match method helps you achieve many different looks, even when you have to travel light.

Transform your outfit from day to night. Jewelry can take a basic black dress (or pretty much any other foundational piece) and make it appropriate for most occasions. For date night, pair your basic look with heels and a romantic necklace-and-earring combo. Top it off with a cool blazer and sleek earrings for a casual business lunch. Or add a stack of bangles and slip on a fun pair of sneakers for running your weekend errands.

 Photograph your winning looks. When you discover a great jewelry and clothing combination, snap a photo of your full outfit and save it on your smartphone. This will help you remember the exact necklace and earring combo that was so special when paired with that certain outfit. If you do this each time you create a great ensemble, soon you will have an album full of looks you can reference anytime you’re hurried or short on inspiration.

Beautify your storage system. Jewelry is patently beautiful, so why shouldn’t your organization method be just as lovely? Devote a space in your closet or bedroom for displaying your accessories—and design it with love and care. You might top off your dresser with a beautiful jewelry box, earring organizer, or necklace tree. Or devote a shelf in your closet to showcase clear accessory trays displaying your jewelry, watches, and scarves. This way, you’ll be more organized and better able to view and enjoy your accessories.

The next time you’re about to head out into the world, take a quick moment to consider whether you have accessorized your ensemble in a way that expresses the real you. There’s no better way to breathe new life into your wardrobe, give you the extra boost of confidence you need to seize each day, and make you feel like the beautiful individual you already are.