2 of 9

Write now Article Tools

Before going out to her favorite hot-spot, the girl glances in the mirror one last time and nodes approvingly at her enormous hoop earrings, ethnic "statement" necklace, armful of bangles, trendy colorful headband and oversized belt accentuating that cute little dress she is wearing. While she may be thinking she has never looked better, many with the slightest inkling of fashion sense will inwardly cringe at her ensemble.

Girl, meet Over-Accessorizing, your newly sworn fashion frenemy. Although accessories seem to be adding to your outfit, it is not always in the best possible way. Not only is over-accessorizing a major fashion fauxpas, it is frowned upon in most social circles. Just like wearing too much makeup in public can make one look like a clown, wearing too many accessories at once makes one look like the latest accessory to a robbery...at a story selling accessories. This is why when it comes to accessorizing, one should note that less is always more.

Surprisingly, this can even apply to color; the less color coordination among accessories, the better. Gone are the days when every young girl followed her grandmother's golden fashion rule that stated, "the color of one's shoes must match the color of the belt and purse." Style has greatly evolved since then and it is now perfectly acceptable to have accessories in complementing colors. In fact, in some cases, it may even bring the outfit to a whole new level. For example, put together a tasteful yellow dress with a pair of this season's must have purple pumps and hello, Ms. Fashion-Forward!

It is no secret that fashion-forward celebrities such as Victoria Beckhamand Sarah Jessica Parker keep accessories to a minimum; these fashion mavericks lets the clothes speak for themselves. Victoria Beckham does not let the accessories take away from the fashion, which is why she always stands out. Sarah Jessica Parker knows that if her shoes are going to be the focus of the outfit, she keeps the jewelry to a minimum. Both of these celebrites know exactly how to pick one statement piece, which is what one should do when choosing accessories.

Other celebrities, however, who do keeep the accessorizing to a minimum can come off as being unstylish and boring. For example, a celebrity such as Lauren Conrad is penned as a fashion savvy girl but there is hardly ever anything about her outfits that are memorable. This is a celebrity who would benefit from throwing on a necklace or two before leaving her house.

In conclusion, when in doubt, turn to the legendary Coco Chanel although in this case, it is not so much for the clothes but for the advice. It is no coincidence that it was, in fact, Chanel who once said, "when accessorizing, always take off the last thing you put on." Follow in Victoria Beckham's stiletto clad footsteps and know that when your accessories are minimal, you will look posh.

Learn more about this author, Michelle Suarez.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about How celebrities influence fashion accessories trends?
We want to hear your view. Write now!