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1- Invest In a Bold Necklace
Wearing something dazzling around your neck draws attention up and away from the blouse or jacket below it. That means the jacket you’re wearing that perhaps you got in a sale two years ago suddenly looks fresh and vibrant in a different way. A staid blouse you wear to the office gets a touch of cheekiness if the necklace you’re wearing is bold, and that lends a whole new dynamic to office apparel.2- Buy Some Costume Jewelry
Necklaces aren’t all that can update an outfit and add pizazz to your look – rings, bracelets, and chains can do so, too. Opt for bangles in this season’s hottest colours to brighten up a sedate suit, or buy up a few pairs of giant hoop earrings to wear with your favourite turtleneck sweater. Even fun fashion rings can add a dollop of flair to an office outfit, so don’t hesitate to dress up your fingers when the rest of you has to be all serious and business-like.3- Scarves, Scarves and More Scarves!
Whether you tie one around the handle of your purse or around your ponytail, a scarf can take an outfit from dull to dynamic immediately – and inexpensively.
The trick is choosing some in bold, bright colours that create emphasis and focus. Get one in a checkered pattern, another in paisley, and one in a single, bold hue with stripes – no matter what shades you choose or how you wear it, a scarf can add a whole lot of class and funky style to any outfit.
Scarves are not just for neck-warming under your fall or winter coat anymore!
4- Overhaul Your Shoe Closet
A clear signal that your wardrobe is a bit out of date is the shoes you’re wearing – are they all pointy-toed when square toes have been in fashion for the last year? No matter whether it’s spring, winter, summer or fall, accessorizing your wardrobe with a bunch of new shoes is a great way to bring your clothes up to date fast. And don’t forget that what you wear on your feet at the office is not what you have to wear during social hours. Just because you’re a top executive doesn’t mean you can’t have fun and wear stilettos sometimes! A new pair of great shoes lends a whole different look and feel to a classic LBD (little black dress) that you’ve loved for the last three years, so get shopping! As for office shoes – update those flats you keep in your desk drawer by choosing a pair in a new colour or shape, depending on your preferences for business attire. Just remember – being a successful woman does not equal being a boring dresser. Your shoes should be comfortable and stylish – you don’t have to choose between the two!5- Accessorize Your Face with New Frames
Your sunglasses and “regular” glasses are part of your look and wardrobe, and switching them up can go a long way toward updating and transforming your appearance. Sunglass frames, in particular, are a place you can have lots of fun. Consider cat’s eye frames, or black, ‘Bette Davis’ style frames, or huge Jackie O frames — any one of a hundred different looks that give you a whole new Just about anything goes when it comes to sunglass frames, so don’t be shy – choose two! And don’t go for the “quiet librarian” frames for reading automatically; consider frames you’ve never worn before. Take a friend who will give you an honest opinion when you try them on.6- Purses, Bags and all kinds of Totes
If you are nervous about choosing bold accessories to wear, why not try a bold accessory to carry?
Purses come in virtually every shape, size, fabric and colour imaginable. You can select a few in the season’s hottest shades and shapes to help create a whole new look or opt for a statement bag, a more expensive choice but one that will last for many years, especially if cared for properly.
Lots of folks choose one high-quality tote that holds their laptop, phone and keys, and switch up smaller bags for other items like your wallet, lipstick, a comb and mirror.
Either way, updating this part of your wardrobe really transforms your clothes well, without asking you to take too many risks with your wardrobe.
7- Belts, Wraps and Other Add Ons
Dresses and skirts get a brand new vibe when you switch out a narrow belt for a wide one, wear one in a new colour, or add a shawl or wrap on top. Belts are perhaps one of the best accessories for updating and transforming outfits – consider a wide belt over a tweedy jacket – a la Diane Keaton – add a faux suede fedora, and you’re all set for a weekend brunch date or an afternoon gallery tour. Belts, wraps, and lapel pins in bright colours or “pretend” gemstones take an outfit from dull to dazzling in no time, without a big investment of cash. Treating yourself to a few new ‘fast fashion’ accessories, and perhaps one or two investment accessories that require a little extra spending, makes your wardrobe feel and look brand new in no time flat. If you’re not one for hats, but you love belts, spend your cash there. If you love jeans, consider tucking in a favourite blouse and doing the collar up all the way, then putting a brooch at your throat – that gives you a whole new look without spending much at all. Instead of wearing sneakers, pair this look with new kitten heels – your friends will never know you haven’t spent a small fortune shopping online for the latest in new denim. Don’t forget the jewelry, because a little fabulous bling gives your clothing a whole new attitude and says ‘fun and fabulous’ with very little effort and almost no money! BTW… vintage stores are a great place for one-of-a-kind accessory finds, so be sure to spend an afternoon perusing a few with a good friend. You’ll be delighted by the discoveries you’ll make, and at second-hand prices, you can probably afford five pieces.
