Accessorize!

Longing for a new look, but shopping for a new wardrobe not in your budget? One of the easiest (and most cost-effective) ways to re-invent or freshen your look is with a few well-placed, inexpensive accessories.

The key to accessorizing is to change the look of an outfit by shifting the focal point. In some cases, it’s not even necessary to go out and purchase new accessories; you can change your look simply by the way you put them together.

First things First

The reason that accessorizing is such a budget-friendly activity is that you may not even have to purchase anything new!

Go through your drawers (all the way to the back!) and jewellery boxes, and place everything out on your bed. Try to imagine uses for what you already have- which may very well not be for what they were originally intended!

Barring that, if you do go shopping, vintage and thrift stores are good spots to pick up many new accessories- or even at your local discount store.

All that Glitters is Not Gold

Inexpensive costume jewellery, while not crafted from precious metals, can add colour, texture and visual interest- at a fraction of the price of the real thing.

Be creative and mix and match with cool coloured gemstones crusted rings, earrings and thick bangles.

Glittery cuff bracelets are versatile, and add a touch of visual interest.

The Classic Brooch

Brooches conjure up images of stately Victorian ladies, with a brooch (often a family heirloom) clasped at their neck.

In modern day, though, a well-placed brooch is a hip fashion statement.

Look for cool vintage ones, or find one that represents your personality (understated or flashy and bold!)

Smaller brooches can even be attached to a clip or elastic to make a really cool hair accessory.

The Hat

Hats are not just for warmth, they are a very stylish statement. Beyond the toque, check out wide-brimmed sun hats or chic felt hats in a variety of colour and shapes for the fall and winter seasons.

Looking sleek up top can change your whole outfit.

Scarf it Down

Pretty patterned or bold solidly coloured scarves can add a new quality to any outfit. Loop a scarf around your neck in a variety of different styles, and you can use the same piece to create different effects.

Use a scarf as a belt- either cinching in a shirt dress or tunic at the waist, or by twisting it and putting it through belt loops on a pair of jeans.

Layer it up!

Digging through your jewellery box, and can’t decide which bracelet to wear? Put them all on for a chunky look.

The same can be done with long necklaces and coloured beads.

It’s in the Bag

Designer handbags can be hundreds of dollars, but you can add a splash of colour and texture to your outfit for far less.

Forget about labels, find yourself a handbag that makes a statement on its own- either through bold colour, shape or print.

Make a less interesting bag spicier by using applique jewels, or by putting a funky new zipper on.

Face it

Don’t forget about cosmetics! Perhaps the most obvious (and potentially overlooked) method to re-inventing your outfit is to try out some new cosmetics.

Try a new shade of lipstick or blush. Experiment with different shadow techniques on your eyes, depending on if it is evening or daytime wear.