Failed Fit: Over-Accessorizing

By: LL
When it comes to accessorizing an outfit, too much or too little can ruin a fit. Whereas too few accessories can lead to a forgettable fit, too many can become a failed fit. Elizabeth Taylor gave good advice when she instructed women, that before leaving the house, to remove the last accessory that they put on. Sometimes, I think that women need to remove more than just the last thing!

Much more frequently as of late, I have seen more women buried under accessories. From wrist to elbow they are wearing stackable bracelets, along with large rings on eight fingers, multiple strands of necklaces, and chandelier earrings, all topped off by a hat or large bag. There is no focal point of the outfit and you can barely tell what clothes they have on. And worse yet, all accessories are coordinating (as seen below).

Multiple accessories can be a good thing, when done right. But it is a fine line to walk between the right fit and a failed fit when trying to wear multiple pieces.

To do it right, try the following:

• Make sure that all the pieces that you wear are complimentary. For example, avoid large chandelier earrings with a bib necklace.  
• Try to keep a focal point and use accent colors to enhance that point. For example, wear a few gold bangles along with the emerald green multi-strand necklace instead of emerald green bracelets with an emerald green necklace.
• When wearing multiple pieces, make sure one isn't too loud, or it throws off the balance of the outfit.
• Make sure you wear the appropriate clothes - a muted pattern or a solid when wearing loud accessories; or stick to minimal jewelry when wearing a top with a pronounced pattern around the neckline (as seen below with Beyonce and Claudia Schiffer).

It is important to use accessories to enhance an outfit, not overwhelm it. So, use caution when adding accessories and make sure that it hasn't crossed the line to becoming a failed fit.