No outfit is really complete until you’ve accessorized it. When you complement your look with the right shoes, a coordinating handbag, perhaps an impactful belt and pretty jewelry, you have an opportunity to add a little personality, too. Today I’m teaming up with one of my favorite purveyors of accessories, Brighton, to share some tips for how to complete your outfits with timeless accessories.
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After we’ve put on the garments we’ve chosen to wear, we still have a few steps to complete an outfit. First, take the time to style your garments, perhaps rolling up the cuffs of your button-up shirt, pushing up the sleeves of your t-shirt or sweater, popping your collar, tucking or partially tucking your top and even cuffing your jeans if you choose.
Try to resist the urge to over-style your look, of course. One or two style hacks will do in an outfit, creating a look that is chic and effortless. Otherwise you risk looking as though you are “trying too hard.”
But the final – and crucial – step in completing an outfit is accessorizing. Not only do your chosen accessories provide a glimpse into your personality, but they help set the tone of the outfit. Accessories can potentially brighten or lighten up an outfit. They can provide a touch of whimsy or make a look more sophisticated. Ultimately accessories indicate that you’ve gone the extra step, taken a little time and effort to finish what you were trying to say with the clothes you chose to wear.
Building an accessory wardrobe is just as important as stocking your closet if you want to create consistently stylish outfits. And personally I prefer to invest in accessories that truly make a statement, but are also timeless and a little elegant (as I shared in yesterday’s YouTube video). That way I’m never lacking for impactful and beautiful accessories to work with.
Throughout this blog post I’m sharing several different outfits all styled with one beautiful capsule wardrobe of accessories from Brighton. I’ve worn and loved Brighton for over 20 years, and many of the pieces in my collection were given to me as gifts. I’ve never said goodbye to any of them either. Drawing inspiration from around the globe, Brighton accessories and jewelry are designed by artisans and then handcrafted using the finest materials around. So they’re made to last and stand the tests of time and wear.
You could probably tell I’m wearing Brighton accessories without me even telling you. That’s because Brighton does indeed have a distinct look to it. But it’s one that never looks dated or out of style.
Inspired by art, architecture, nature and music, Brighton designs hold their value and their appeal, so you can wear them with confidence and joy year after year. I’m sure many of my readers could echo those sentiments.
In each of the three outfits I’m showing you today, I’m wearing the following gifted accessories from Brighton:
- the Sloane loafer in black leather with silver plated hardware (TTS)
- the Georgina organizer adjustable crossbody in chili pepper leather
- the Interlok French wire earrings in silver plated
- the Interlok Cascade sunglasses in tortoise
- the Really Tough reversible belt in black leather
- the Intrigue bracelet in silver plated and gold plated
- the Interlok Trio petite necklace
These Sloane loafers are some of the most comfortable I have ever worn. The leather is soft and supple, and the fit is perfect right out of the box. They fit true to size.
I’m discovering that I made the right choice when I selected the Georgina organizer adjustable crossbody in chili pepper. I’d say it’s a cross between burgundy and dark red, so it works with so many things in my closet. It’s the perfect splash of color – not too bright, not too subtle – for my all neutrals outfits.
The Georgina organizer adjustable crossbody does come in other colors, too. Like all of Brighton’s signature organizers, the bag has great functionality. It has magnetic closures on both side pockets, which open to store cards and cash on one side and necessities like glasses or a cell phone on the other. The middle zipper opens to a roomy compartment with additional open pockets and a zipped side pocket.
But best of all, in my opinion, the Georgina just feels good. It’s the perfect weight, size and a soft, supple, pebbled leather.
The Really Tough reversible belt is also crafted in soft, high quality leather and features substantial, silver plated hardware. Noticeable, standout belt buckles are very on trend right now, but I don’t think this gorgeous belt will ever look dated. It runs true to size; I’m wearing a size Large (for sizes 8-10), according to the suggestions in their size guide.
My earrings, sunglasses and necklace all just happen to be from Brighton’s Interlok collection. Launched in 2016, designer Maricela Palacios used the Celtic knot, representing love, loyalty and friendship, to express her thoughts on emotional and human connections. Brighton has over a dozen collections, all designed by skilled and thoughtful artists who have put their heart and soul into their creations, so that wearers of their art can express something of themselves as well.
Whatever accessories you wear with your outfits, make sure that they do more than just pull your outfit together. Choose accessories and jewelry that helps tell your story beautifully. I encourage you to check out the lovely offerings at Brighton. They have a wide variety of designs that resonate uniquely with different women. You may find a collection you love or, like me, you may enjoy putting together your own unique accessory capsule wardrobe from several different collections. And don’t forget to turn to Brighton as you’re shopping for Christmas gifts for the women in your life, too.
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Blessed for My Day
Have you hosted a pity party lately? Hahaha! Every time I try to throw one, I quickly find that everyone has left the party early and I’m only talking to myself. That’s fun for a little while, but it quickly grows old. The truth is that whining begins to sound sour soon. And no one really wants to spend much time with a constant complainer.
On the other hand, I find myself drawn to grateful people. No, I don’t just mean people who are thanking me for something, but those who simply seem to have a grateful spirit. They’re joyful and thankful for what they have. They’re content and at peace. Those attitudes warm me and draw me in. What kind of person will you be today?
Come, let’s sing for joy to the Lord, Let’s shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Let’s come before His presence with a song of thanksgiving, Let’s shout joyfully to Him in songs with instruments. ~ Psalm 95:1-2
Kay, could you explain how to determine your belt size?
For this belt I just used their size chart and got the belt size (Large) that corresponds with my usual pants size (8-10). That size allows for a belt that should fasten at the middle hole, depending on where on your body you are wearing the belt. Generally you want to put on a pair of jeans, run the tape measure through your belt loops and record that measurement. Then you would buy a belt that is that length. If the brand is sizing their belts correctly, that belt should fit you with that pair of jeans or pants worn at that place on your waist or hips and fasten at the middle hole. But always check each brand’s size guides. They usually will tell you how their measurements are configured.
Thanks, Kay for sharing this wonderful company with your readers. I have enjoyed and gifted Brighton items for over a dozen years. They produce high quality, timeless goods and have great options for maintaining their handbags. Watch for special gift with purchase times throughout the year. Love your content. You are a classy lady through and through.
You always look so put together. Love your outfits you chose..
I have been a Brighton customer for probably over 30 years. I have a huge collection of pieces I’ve accumulated over those years. I wear Brighton often. I love so many of their collections, including Interlock, Ferrara, Pretty Tough and more. I have purses, necklaces, earrings, watches, you name it! And I love that they are a private company and have so many wonderful creative designers. Glad to see you promoting them!
As with you I have been a Brighten customer for too many years to share. But I do have a question regarding the sunglasses. They appear to be pretty “sheer” in color. You had mentioned some time ago that you are very sensitive to sunlight, even on cloudy days. I am as well. Can you please direct me to a sunglass brand/link that has a very dark lens? My husband bought me a pair of Coach glasses last Christmas and, though lovely, the color is just not dark enough on those really bright days.
Love the grey sweater with burgundy velvet pant, the first outfit. I don’t usually shop at Brighton, but they do have some nice things at good prices
I love the grey sweater you have on, where is it from?
Hi Becky. It’s this one I shared in last week’s video. https://go.shopmy.us/p-10340973