Does anyone else have fond memories of raiding their mother’s or grandmother’s jewelry boxes and closets as a kid? I feel like that was what truly sparked my fashion for accessories. The women in my family had the best jewelry. I have fond memories of sneaking into my mother’s bedroom and trying on her jewelry and high heels. I love clothes, but get even more excited about accessories (especially jewelry, but I don’t discriminate).
Jewelry, bags, belts, scarves… I love how they can instantly pull a look together and reflect your personality. But what I love most of all is how accessories can be so transformative. The right piece can completely change an outfit. I’m particularly drawn to wearing bold, eye-catching pieces that transform a simple look into something truly special. Think vibrant colors, statement prints, mixed textures—I love it all.
But there’s a fine line in accessorizing; too much can overwhelm, too little feels forgettable. So today, I’m sharing my favorite tips for styling bold accessories (and I’ll sneak in a handful of my most loved pieces, too!) for a Pinterest-perfect look every time.
How to Wear Bold Accessories Without Overdoing It
We’ll start with some style tips!
Let one piece be the focal point.
When you’re wearing a bold accessory, let it be the star of the show. It draws attention, so keep the rest of your outfit and accessories simple. Maybe it’s a vibrant handbag. Maybe it’s a chunky necklace. Whatever it is, let it shine by pairing it with more understated pieces, like delicate earrings or simple rings. This balance makes your statement piece pop without tipping into “too much.”
Use simple outfits as your canvas.
Pairing bold jewelry or standout shoes with a pop of color works best when the rest of your outfit is simple. Think of it as giving your statement piece a clean stage to shine on. A sleek monochrome look—like all black, all white, or even denim-on-denim—instantly comes to life with a vibrant necklace, a patterned scarf, or brightly colored heels. It’s really such an easy formula! Keep the outfit simple, add one bold piece, and watch the whole look feel fresh and exciting.
Balance proportions.
If you’re working with an oversized accessory, balance is key. Pair it with more fitted or streamlined clothing so it doesn’t overwhelm you. For example, oversized totes pair wonderfully with a little structure—like a cotton tank midi or straight leg jeans and a cute top. The bag complements the look without drowning out your frame or your outfit! It’s all about letting the bold piece shine while keeping the rest of your look calm and intentional.
Incorporate texture and pattern.
I really started nailing that perfectly put-together look when I began mixing and matching textures or patterns with my outfits. Bold accessories aren’t just about bright colors—they can be all about rich textures and unique prints too. A beaded clutch, raffia wedges, or a lush velvet headband can make the simplest outfit feel effortlessly eye-catching. No bold colors required.
Wear it with confidence.
My biggest tip for wearing bold accessories? Own it. These pieces are meant to be noticed, so wear them with confidence! Stand tall, shoulders back, and let that statement bag or necklace be the conversation starter it was meant to be.
Best Bold Accessories to Instantly Elevate Your Look
Statement Necklace
A statement necklace can take a simple look— like a plain white tee or little black dress—and instantly make it feel special. I love wearing mine as the star of the show, keeping earrings minimal and my neckline clean so it really pops.
Whether it’s chunky pearls or a vibrant metallic bib (yes, 2012 jewelry is making its rounds again!), the right necklace adds personality and polish in one step. Lately, I’m loving large beaded necklaces, like this one from Etsy. Or how fun is this gemstone statement necklace? Both options are polished and ready to dress up any look.
For more pieces like these, check out my post: “My Favorite Turquoise Jewelry.”
Embellished Clutch
An embellished clutch is one of my favorite ways to add instant glamour to any outfit—it may be small, but it makes a big statement. I love pairing mine with simple, streamlined looks so the sequins, beads, or embroidery really shine.
They’re perfect for evenings out, weddings, or even giving a flowy maxi that extra touch of sparkle for a day spent galavanting around town. Lately, I’ve been swooning over structured box clutches, beaded designs, and pleated pearl pouches styles.
Oversized Earrings
Oversized earrings are my secret weapon for instantly making an outfit feel fun and intentional. I love pulling my hair back into a sleek pony or low bun so they can really take center stage. Shoulder-grazing chunky earrings, bold geometric shapes, chunky hoops—they all add just the right amount of drama with zero extra effort.
Lately, I’ve been reaching for natural stones with classy metals (like these) and mixed crystal drop earrings (like these). They add color and flair without making you feel like you’re dipping too far out of your comfort zone.
Belt with Oversized Buckle
A belt with an oversized buckle is one of those magical accessories that can completely change the shape—and mood—of an outfit. I love cinching one over flowy dresses or oversized blazers for instant definition and structure. The buckle naturally becomes the focal point, so I keep the rest of my accessories minimal to really let it make a statement.
Right now, I’m really loving vintage-inspired gold buckles—not too much, not too little. This Gold Lirio Belt technically doesn’t have an oversized buckle, but how unique is it?! I also talked about this leopard belt in my “Trends We’re Most Excited About” post from a little while back. Some things never truly go out of style, and that belt is one of them!
Printed Silk Scarf
A printed silk scarf is one of the most versatile, bold accessories in my closet. I just got this one from DVF and am excited to wear it in my hair in France. They feel very fun and trendy, but also have this timelessness to them that a lot of accessories don’t. I love tying one loosely around my neck with a crisp white shirt, wrapping it in my hair for a retro moment, or knotting it into the handle of my favorite bag. Plus, you can choose from a wide variety of colors and patterns to complement your outfit each day.
Lately, I’ve been loving bold geometric patterns, abstract painterly designs, and classic polka dots with a fresh, modern twist. And, speaking of silks, check out my post “Jewel Tone Silks I Love Right Now” for some more textural inspiration!
Chunky Bangles
Chunky bangles, in my opinion, deserve much more love than they get. They feel very Carrie Bradshaw via Sex and the City for me: timeless but still super fun. And can we talk about the satisfying clink they make with every gesture? Give me all of them! I love stacking a few in different materials—wood, resin (I have and love these from Dinosaur Designs), metal . . . for an eclectic, layered look. They’re perfect with sleeveless dresses or rolled-up sleeves so they can really shine.
I’m loving glossy tortoiseshell, hand-painted enamel, hammered gold cuffs, and bold, translucent resin styles.
Beaded Headband
A beaded headband is my secret shortcut to looking instantly polished, even on a not-so-great hair day. I’ll pair one with loose waves for a romantic feel or slicked-back hair for something sleek and modern. The sparkle and texture draw the eye up, making it the perfect finishing touch for both casual and dressy outfits.
Lately, I’m loving pearl clusters, colorful seed beads, and fun shell details.
Oversized Rings
I am such a rings girl and have splurged on a few really special ones. It’s hard to find an outfit I wouldn’t pair rings with—if any! They’re such an easy and fun way to add a little polish, drama, and color without feeling like you’re going accessory overboard. I have a Retrouvai ring (top photo) that is very near and dear to me (which I talk about in this post), and I’ve built up a collection of special cocktail rings over the years.
That said, sometimes I’ll wear one standout piece on each hand, and other times, I’ll stack a few slim bands for contrast. I’m obsessed with chunky gold signets, oversized gemstone cocktails (personal fave!), and vintage-inspired designs that look like they have a story.
Colorful Handbag
A colorful handbag wakes up a boring outfit—it’s basically wearable art. I love throwing a bold bag over neutral clothes so it pops, or matching it to one color in a print so that it feels really intentional. It’s the easiest way to play with color without committing to a head-to-toe look.
I’m crushing on pink crossbodies, bright orange top-handles, cherry red saddlebags, and pastel quilted minis. And I collect Olympia Le-Tan’s bookish clutches: my fave!
Trendy Sunglasses
I have to be honest, I won’t go too crazy with sunglasses. I like my handful of staples, but I also do love finding a new, unique pair to toss into the lineup. Also, I have a very big head so it is hard to find sunglasses that look right on my face . . . I have to go big! To me, these cat-eye square frames are perfect. They feel very vintage chic but with a modern shape and structure.
These tortoise sunglasses with the pink lenses feel fun, too. They’re great when you want just that small touch of color you may not feel like entirely committing to. Remember, your sunglasses don’t have to be full of prints and pops of color. They can be oversized, extra-small (not for me, again–big head!), or feature an unexpected silhouette to elevate your look.
Use bold accessories to add a stylish and intentional statement to your outfit!
Bold accessories are the quickest way to fix a “blah” outfit. Just add one (or a few) on and suddenly you’ll feel so much better. It’s effortless but makes all the difference.
Want more style tips and tricks? Come hang out with me on Substack for weekly outfit diaries and in-the-moment discoveries, and follow along on Instagram to see what I’m wearing in real-time.
And don’t forget to peek at my other blog posts for even more easy outfit ideas:
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