Well hello there! I took off a few days from work for a much needed break. But I’m glad to be back here today with a little more enthusiasm and energy. Taking off time from the blog always makes me a little scared that my readers won’t be here when I return, so I’m very thankful that you’ve showed up here today. I’m sharing our sixth style formula in our Oh So Pulled Together style mini series, Accessorize to Maximize.
Seven Simple Style Formulas
In case you’re new here, let me catch you up to speed. We’re continuing a style series I’ve titled Oh So Pulled Together. More than any other question, I’m frequently asked to share tips for creating stylish outfits. So I decided to create this little style series and really hone in on how to put together outfits that make you feel and look Oh So Pulled Together. You can check out all the post in this series here.
Within the series I’m sharing 7 simple style formulas. So far we’ve looked at:
- Style Formula #1: Top This!
- Style Formula #2: One & Done!
- Style Formula #3: Shoes On, Show Off!
- Style Formula #4: Layer It On!
- Style Formula #5: Bottoms Up!
Accessorize to Maximize
Today’s formula is another simple one that we sometimes over complicate. Here’s the formula:
(Simple Garments + Clean Lines) x Carefully Chosen Accessories = Maximized Style
To illustrate today’s style formula I purposefully selected very classic and pared down garments. I wanted us to see that, while I generally accessorize all of my outfits to some degree, this outfit is really “maximized” by the accessories. In fact, without the subtle touches from the accessories, this sweater and pants could be a little boring.
By the way, my lovely tortoiseshell sweater is from Talbots. And they’re offering 30% off your entire purchase right now. They recently got in more new fall and winter things. So today is a great time to check them out.
But I also intentionally completed this pared down look with just a few very simple accessories. My next goal was to remind us that a little goes a long ways when it comes to accessorizing.
In fact, if we err with accessories it’s usually by doing too much, adding too much. When in doubt, scale back.
There are a multitude of ways that you could have accessorized this black pants and tortoiseshell brown cashmere sweater duo. There’s no one right way to accessorize an outfit for maximum results. In fact, adding accessories is your prime opportunity to showcase your personal style. For instance, if you’re more of a feminine, romantic, you might swap out my tortoiseshell chain necklace for pearls and my brown hobo bag for a flirty lady purse with a top handle.
I chose to wear my black suede block heel sandals because I like the modern vibe they bring to this otherwise very traditional outfit. (These Vionic heels are also very comfortable! And they’re available in wine red, dark blue and taupe, too.) But you could accessorize with classic pumps, sporty loafers, feminine ballet flats or even edgy moto boots.
Notice that my black suede block heels also feature a tortoiseshell strap that ties into the rest of my outfit. It’s little touches like these that make an outfit interesting and memorable.
I chose to create a very pared down two-tone outfit by wearing a tortoiseshell necklace (somewhat similar) and keeping my other accessories in the same colors as my pants and sweater. And I decided to let my necklace be “enough,” so I simply wore classic gold hoop earrings and left off a bracelet completely. That last intentional choice actually took discipline because I almost always wear a bracelet…or two or three!
On the other hand, when I originally planned this outfit, I had picked out this tortoiseshell statement necklace to wear with it. Unfortunately it didn’t arrive in time. But it’s here now, and I do plan to wear it with this simple but elegant outfit some.
Yes, sometimes I wear more accessories and other times I choose louder accessories. But I’ve discovered that when I wear fewer accessories and keep them a little quieter, I shine more. My jewelry, handbag, shoes and other accessories (such as belt, scarf, sunglasses or hair accessories) contribute to a more aesthetically cohesive and chic look when I keep it simple and resist the urge to over-do it.
Besides showcasing a little of your personal style, accessories simply communicate effort. And a little effort reads as “oh so chic.” But remember that a lot of effort reads as “trying too hard.” So indeed there is a fine line between accessorizing tastefully and beautifully and over-doing it.
I’ve found that accessorizing is one of those things that just takes a little practice. And it’s also a matter of personal preference. So wear what makes you feel good, what makes you feel beautiful.
I hope you enjoyed today’s post. I certainly enjoyed having you here. Thanks so much for taking a few minutes to stop by. Have a blessed and lovely day!
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Blessed for My Day
Jesus calls us to worship God in spirit and in truth. To worship Him in spirit we must have a spiritual birth. Only those who are born again can truly worship God fully. And to worship God in truth we must both worship Him as the true God that He is and worship Him truthfully, being transparent with Him.
Let’s think primarily about worshipping the true God. We must ask ourselves if we are worshipping a god we have created. How can we prevent that? The best way to make sure we’re worshipping the true God and not a god of our imagination is to consistently spend time in His Word, asking Him to reveal Himself as we read.
“But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” ~ John 4:23-24
WOW what a gorgeous outfit. This is my favorite way to dress by taking a simple classic look to elevated look with accessories…… YES!!!
Thanks so much, Leslie. I’m glad you enjoyed the post and like the outfit. Thanks for sharing. ?
I’m glad you were able to take some time away to enjoy your family. You are blessed to have family, it’s important to be together as often as possible. We all need breaks from routines. Welcome back!
Yes, visiting my family was like tonic for the soul. I’ve missed them and needed to reconnect. Blessings!
Kay,
So happy that you took some time off to rest and refresh!
Love your blog and today’s outfit is perfect for fall in SC.
Thank you for sharing your style and your heart.
PS your hair always looks great but I agree that your previous style suits you better❤
Thanks for sharing, Martha. Yes, you gals will continue to see me with the curlier do in a few more photos and videos, but I’m definitely feeling more like myself with my straight hair again. And it’s just easier. ?
Kay, you are so classy in the way that you dress and so gracious in the way that you speak. True beauty on the inside and out! Thank you for speaking truth from God’s Word daily to women across this platform. You are a light for Christ! Keep shining, dear friend!
Thanks so much for those words of encouragement. I needed them today. You gals are a blessing to me. ❤️
What a beautiful and very classic outfit, that you look gorgeous in! Did you know that Jo-Lynne Shane has those Vionic sandals and has been raving about them for many weeks! I totally agree that wearing a bracelet or other earrings would have affected the overall look. I am so glad that you were able to completely disconnect for a few days. I have been worried about you though, have been praying for you, and missing your posts. Make it a great day!
Thanks for dropping today Ginger. Yes, I needed a break. But I’m much more energized and enthusiastic about life again. ?
So glad you’re back after a time of rest and rejuvenation. Love this outfit, so slimming and flattering on you!
Thanks Bonnie. I was a little surprised at how well the photos turned out. By the time we took these photos I was well into vacation mode and had already been eating more than usual ?. Ha! But these black pants do a girl good!
Love, love, love this simple chic and classy outfit!! This is one of my favorites that you’ve put together! 🙂
Yes I love this one too Rachel. I often realize that I overdo and over think outfits. I actually create better looks when I pull back some. I think there’s a lesson for all of us in that. ?
Oh, those shoes!!! Tortoiseshell is so lovely. Love this classic look!
Thanks so much, Pamela. I really like this one too. Thanks so much for reading and for leaving a comment. ?
Love the simple look! That’s so me!! God Bless!
Wonderful! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. Thanks. ?
Kay, I want to address your thought that if you don’t post daily, your followers will disappear. I can’t believe that to be the case. Your blog is value-added in that you go more deeply into the topic of fashion. Being a professional speaker/writer is evident in your blog posts and definitely in your YouTube videos. I hope I speak for the majority of your readers, that if you need a break…take it. No one can sustain a pace like you have been doing without crashing. On a lighter note, we can’t disappear because you have our email address! ?
Hahaha! I didn’t say the fear was rational! Truthfully I know better. But I do feel a little guilt when I take time off. That’s not on you gals; that’s completely on me. And I do know better. Thanks for the encouragement. ?
Very classy outfit. Simple yet elegant. Glad you were able to spend time with your family and recharge. Time spent with family is a gift.
Welcome back from your vacation! So glad you got to spend time with your loved ones. I think you are more likely to gain readers, Kay. Your posts have clear and beautiful lessons.
I like the outfit today: it is simple and elegant.
Have a great day,
Suzanne
Thanks so much, Suzanne. I’m glad you like the outfit. Thanks for your encouragement.
You look so skinny! I love the whole outfit on you!
Welcome back! I’ve missed you!
Hahaha! Thanks Cindi. I’m pretty sure it’s the pants! ?
I laughed when I saw this Tuesday, because I had chosen a similar outfit for work, but only in reverse. Apparently other people had the same idea. When I got to work there were others with some form of the same combination. This outfit made my minimalist heart sing.
I love your post/videos. The way you break down style elements is applicable even if your body type, coloring or over all style tastes are different.
And… Everyone needs time to step back and rest. So I hope it was beneficial.
Cool! You must have a very stylish workplace ?. I’m glad you are enjoying the posts. Thanks so much for sharing. ?