What's Next: Accessory Accentuation

Have you ever selected your handbag, footwear, or jewelry before deciding on what clothing to wear? Sometimes we’re so into wearing a new accessory that the sole purpose of apparel is to draw attention to that very item. Designers are also aware of our thrill for frills, as they test new colors, materials, hardware, and versatility to bring us something innovative every season. And as somewhat of a tribute to this wave of bright and bold accessorizing, everyone from models, celebrities, and our very own First Lady occasionally let their clothing take a backseat in order to accentuate their unique designer embellishments. Alexa Chung paired a navy cardigan with black tights, showcasing the intricate details of her safari-style Louis Vuitton platforms and handbag. Michelle Obama wore a long flowing black dress, highlighting her vibrant jewels by Tom Binns. Photographer Carin Backoff selected red lace-up sandals, adding a touch of color to her blazer and cutoff shorts ensemble.

Simply by selecting muted palette garb over busy prints, you can shift the focus of what you’re wearing to what you’re carrying. Stock your closet with basics like jeans, solid color tunics, tights, and tees in black, white, and gray, and you’ll not only save dressing time, but the money you’d otherwise spend on designer garments. Besides, the cost-per-wear approach is now more relevant than ever: Divide the total cost of an item by the estimated number of times you’ll actually wear it. A bold handbag or statement shoe is a smarter investment piece that will get more wear compared to a pricey blouse or dress that will only be worn on occasion. Don’t get me wrong -- we’ll always have room in our hearts (and closets) for edgy apparel, but sometimes it’s the little things that can really make an outfit pop.