Introspection & accessorization
How accessories can bridge wardrobe gaps and solve all problems.
I’ve seen a lot of conversations on the side of social media I’m on (between cinematic videos of chocolate covered strawberries- anyone else?) about how we “don’t need to spend more money to have better style, we just need to spend more time with our current closets.” I agree with the sentiment *but* I initially felt I was the exception.
I just started building a wardrobe that was compatible with my personal style and adult life in the last year, starting from square one. I haven’t even had the chance to invest in a good white button-down, or infallible black sweater yet- the building blocks, or workhorses, as they call them. Everyone has wardrobe gaps, sure, but I felt mine were particularly gaping. I’ve never felt like I was in a rush to close them, I was just ok with mediocre outfits in the meantime.
Once I stopped being defensive, I realized I wasn’t the exception, I was with the masses: most people feel their current closets are insufficient. Most people put on outfits they feel are mediocre.
My fallacy was that I viewed personal style as a destination when it is a journey- to put it dramatically. Once I acquire a certain formula of basics I won’t have “arrived.” Embodying personal style is an ever-evolving process and creativity thrives within limitations (like not having a white button-down or a perfect black sweater). By having less, I find myself in a lucky position.
In processing this, my biggest revelation was that accessories are the true workhorses of my wardrobe. They can bridge the gaps, enhance the mediocre outfits, and stretch the pieces I do have much further. They tend to be trans-seasonal, more resistant to trends (IMO), and you can get high quality at lower prices (queue, Etsy).
‘Aspirational accessory theory’ coined by Allison Bornstein, taps into the ability accessories have to add interest, contrast, and that ever elusive ‘X factor’ we may find lacking. While it is important to keep the majority of our wardrobe aligned with the realities of our everyday lives, accessories can provide a reprieve from that and take our practical looks in a fresh, aspirational direction.
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A strategy I’ve been finding so helpful when I am accessorizing is ‘the vibe sandwich’, which I learned from my friend Kelly of Any Given Day. See her substack for the full scoop! Below is just one outfit where I put it into practice with a multi-layered sandwich, that admittedly could be better, but hopefully you catch my drift.
Accessories offer low-barrier access to the trends and aesthetics we want to experiment with AND allow us to experiment in a way that stays true to our own unique aesthetics.
Sarah Shapiro of Sarah’s Retail Diary recently suggested the cowboy/western trend is on the rise due to indicators like Beyonce’s new release, and this recent ‘It List’ on Daily Grind. Go read her post for more, there’s so much good stuff!
I do love this Western vibe, but as an East Coast girl, I think I’ll start with a subtle turquoise ring, or bandana neck scarf to dip a toe in, see how it feels with my style, and scratch the itch at no (or a low) cost.
Similarly, I do think the ‘mob wife aesthetic’ is fun. You won’t find me leaning fully into it, but yesterday I layered some leopard and red accessories and it felt fab.
I had every intention of rounding up more of my favorite accessories: belts, hats, bags, and all, but Substack is flashing at me that this is getting too long and threatening to delete it all. In my last post, I shared a few jewelry faves. My leopard socks are having a moment with me, they’re old from Madewell, but this option looks similar.
Thank you as always for reading! It means so much to me, as does your feedback!
Xx, elle
As a fan of your writing, I was THRILLED to read this (and see the nicest shout out from you). I constantly feel like once I just acquire *insert thing here* then I will finally arrive into my personal style, so glad to read I’m not alone. I felt like your advice RE accessories is so valuable because accessories elevate outfits! I was just talking with friends about how accessories are also the most helpful thing to invest in when you are having kids because your body changes so much but a great bracelet always fits.
Loved reading this! After I did a no buy January I noticed that I’m lacking in accessories - and I started to feel it when I got dressed - wishing for just a little something to make my uniforms feel fresh. Wearing the things I love and feel great in on repeat works, but it’s really nice to ave little ways to change things up and feel creative! Also - I read a great substack awhile back from Liza Belmonte where she talks about thinking about improving your wardrobe by 10% (or any percent) every season. You can’t buy everything all at once, you add things piece by piece and it gets an incrementally better and better over time!! I loved that, it’s really stuck with me! Xx