How to Add a Finishing Touch to Every Look

Putting an outfit together often comes down to layers. You have the basic outfit, whether it’s a dress, a top and pants, or anything else. This is the foundation of your outfit, and it creates your silhouette. There’s no denying that the right clothes are incredibly important if you want to have a specific look, especially if you are dressing for a certain occasion. But there’s more to crafting an outfit than putting a dress on and calling it a day. You also have to think about a finishing touch such as accessories and other elements that will turn a simple wardrobe into something more special.

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The Silhouette

We mentioned that your basic clothing creates your silhouette, but what does this actually mean? A silhouette in fashion refers to the shape of your clothing and your body. It can be flowing and full of soft textures, or it can be sleek, structured, and even sexy. 

You can further adjust your silhouette and make your outfit look even better. One great way to do this is with shapewear. You can get different types of shapewear, but they all tend to smooth out your texture and provide a bit more structure.

One of the most traditional styles of shapewear is the corsets. A corset works by sucking in your waist and providing a more hourglass figure. You can also get different kinds of corsets.

Some corsets are designed to be worn underneath your clothes, while others might be more ornamental and designed to be a part of your outfit. Some dresses even include built-in corsets. 

If you’ve never worn a corset before, you might need some help tightening it. Don’t be tempted to make it as tight as humanly possible, as corsets are designed to still allow you to be comfortable. But you might be surprised at how tight you can go.

Layers and Textures

Another great way to add some extra detail to your outfit is to play with different layers and textures. Layers change the silhouette, but they also give you more opportunities to have fun with what you’re wearing.

Layers

Layers are often a more practical way to wear clothing that is comfortable in different temperatures. It’s especially important in winter. Rather than wearing one thick, very warm layer, try multiple thinner layers. The multiple layers are just as warm when you need them, because they trap air between the layers that keeps warm. But when you enter a warmer place or you start to overheat, you have the option of taking one or several layers off to cool down.

Layers also add more movement and texture to your outfit, making it more dynamic and complete. Even if the layer is small, it adds something.

Texture

A great way to make any outfit more interesting is to play with different textures, colors, and patterns. If you want a monochrome outfit that’s all one color, make sure to introduce different textures so it looks more interesting.

When playing around with different patterns and colors, you should still be thoughtful about what you add. Clashing colors and textures can work as long as you’re deliberate with it. Don’t just fling stuff together, but make sure that everything looks like a complete outfit, rather than some clothes you happen to wear at the same time.

This might mean using complementary colors that still look very different or adding color to bridge two clashing colors. If you want to wear multiple patterns, avoid overly similar patterns that look as though you’ve accidentally mismatched them. For example, wearing lots of different pieces with different stripes is more likely to give someone a headache rather than to look as though you’re going for a specific look.

Shoes and Bags

Now, it’s time to move on to more traditional accessories. Shoes and bags are some of the simplest things you can add to your wardrobe. Typically, you aren’t considered dressed unless you at least have a pair of shoes on, and a bag often serves the practical purpose of carrying your belongings.

Bags

While men can get away with keeping everything in their pockets, most women’s clothing is still shy on the pocket front. This is both a pain and an opportunity for women. 

If you like the idea of pockets, it is possible to add them or extend existing non-functional pockets in your clothes. If nothing else, this allows you to at least carry your phone and some cash or cards with you wherever you go.

Otherwise, your bag can be an extension of your outfit. So how do you turn your bag and shoes into something more than just things you have to wear to go outside?

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Shoes

Try to be thoughtful about the shoes and other accessories you wear. It’s great to have a pair of shoes and a bag that goes with pretty much everything. Black or grey shoes and bags are especially good for this, and pick a design that is classic and uncomplicated. This allows you to quickly look as though you’re ready to go.

But as well as a “basic set”, it’s a good idea to have a few more interesting designs. Try colors that pop but still go with other things. Look at the clothes you have and see what secondary or tertiary colors they have on them. You can then add accessories that draw out these smaller colors so you still look as though you have a unified outfit.

While you don’t need to collect as many shoes and bags as you do outfits, you can still have a core collection that you can mix and match depending on the clothes you wear and the type of event you’re attending. For example, boots and sneakers are great for dressing clothes down and making them look more casual, while heels will even elevate a pair of jeans for a more smart casual look.

Hats, Gloves, and Scarves

Speaking of practical clothes and accessories, you can’t think about fashion in winter without talking about hats, gloves, and scarves. This trifecta of accessories are very common in winter because they keep you so much warmer.

People lose a lot of body heat through their uncovered hands, heads, and neck areas, because most clothing doesn’t cover these parts of their bodies. But these accessories can be more than just practical.

Remember, layers add more than temperature control. You can use your hats, gloves, and scarves to add some extra color and texture to your outfit as well as keep you warm. Make sure to have a collection that you can mix and match, and think about different levels of formality and practicality.

Jewelry

Finally, you can’t talk about accessories without thinking about adding a bit of class and glamor to your outfit. But while jewelry is often considered more upmarket, it can be an everyday part of your outfit. The key is looking at different types of jewelry.

Jewelry made from more natural materials like wood, common or semi-precious stone, and twine can look more “earthy” and less shiny. This jewelry is still well-made and can be beautiful, but it can also be added to a more casual outfit to finish it off without feeling overdressed.

You can also add things like brooches to your clothes to link them to your jewelry and make things look more interesting. While some jewelry pieces are often associated with older women, a brooch can add some sparkle to anyone’s outfit.