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Your accessories speak volumes about you. For those of us who have in the past, or who currently work in traditionally conservative business environments, these items not only freshen up one's wardrobe,
they allow us to express ourselves while remaining office appropriate. Accessories can be used even more flamboyantly and playfully in non-work situations, but either way, one's accessories and how they are used say a great deal about that person. For this article, let's focus on business, and on the next article, we'll touch on the off-hours fun.
Options - Scarves, ties, belts, shoes, bags, jewelry, patterned clothing, etc. not only vary by style, but also by pattern and color, and what fabulous colors we have to choose from this year! With the season's popular neutrals as the canvas (stone is my absolute favorite!), one can pop color into an outfit in a multitude of ways.
Bag It - Personally, I treated myself to a gorgeous orange patent leather Ted Baker bag as my main spring/summer accessory. It adds a splash of color and whimsy to whatever I'm wearing - business or casual - and people compliment me on it wherever I go. If bags are your thing, bright bags are being shown everywhere from Saks and Nordstrom to Target and Crate and Barrel - yes, I said Crate and Barrel!
How are you expressing yourself at the office, on client calls, or in other business situations?
Top It Off - If you are wearing a suit, do you spruce it up with a chunky necklace of multiple strands of multi-sized pearls, putting a twist on the customarily conservative role that pearls play? If you prefer not to wear necklaces, have you tried an appropriately-sized bright scarf or colorful floral- or abstract-patterned top under a suit jacket to add color, interest, and energy? For the best results with this option, be sure the scale of the pattern is appropriate for your face and frame and that the colors make you look fabulous.
Bottoms Up - Maybe you wear a pair of metallic, muted leopard, or red pumps or belt to punch up your neutral business dress and put a little interest on your feet and bounce in your step. There are amazing shoes of every height, shape, and color in the stores this season, with many on sale right now. If you haven't tried something a little more exciting than your basic pumps for work, why not give it a try now?
Bite-Sized Pieces - Start a little bit at a time and experiment with items that are fun and office appropriate that you just haven't thought of before. These and other options can really give your look a little "oomph" as my mother would say; while helping you differentiate and express yourself. You get the idea...
So there it is - accessories are not only fun, they also keep your look current and are excellent seasonal wardrobe refreshers. They can make your office attire a lot more interesting and invigorating. Have fun with them, because at the end of the day, FUN and expressing yourself is what dressing is all about. How refreshing!