In the previous posts, we reviewed uniforms, personal uniforms and how to create your own uniforms for work, everyday, formal, active, and lounging occasions, and how personal uniforms include more than just clothing.
Now that we have our personal uniforms, it’s time to accessorize them so you’re ready for any occasion and any weather. In this post, we’ll review how to incorporate accessories into your personal uniform.
Accessorizing strategically allows for:
Versatility within a personal uniform with a minimal set items. Swapping sneakers for heels and jewelry can transition the same dress from an everyday to a formal look.
Self-expression by bringing personality to a uniform. Each accessory tells a story, adds depth to your defined style, and has the potential to become a signature piece specific to you.
Jewelry
Unlike other accessories, jewelry often doesn’t have any other function other than to beautify an outfit through self expression.
Jewelry also may be the longest lasting pieces of your wardrobe because it typically doesn’t experience the same wear and tear that clothing or shoes experience. For example, you may have jewelry pieces in your wardrobe that have been passed down to you by family members or friends and that were purchased much earlier than most clothing in your closet.
Additionally, unlike most other pieces in your wardrobe, jewelry can be worn daily.
When thinking about how jewelry fits into your personal uniforms, it’s important to consider:
Your previously defined personal style and how much jewelry makes sense for you and what types of jewelry align to your style.
Where you like to wear jewelry. Some people don’t like wearing jewelry at all or don’t like wearing it on specific parts of their body.
My personal uniform features minimal pieces of jewelry, (see photos above) but a few pieces are ornate to offset my minimal, chic, and sporty style.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, I worked with a midwestern elementary school teacher who was interested in finding her personal uniform and decluttering her wardrobe. Jewelry is a key component of her uniform (see photos she sent me above). She uses eye-catching earrings to express herself as well as holidays or topics covered in her classroom.
Belts, scarves, hats, sunglasses, and shoes
These accessories serve both practical and aesthetic purposes in a personal uniform.
Depending on where you live in the world and the weather you need to dress for, you’ll likely need to have a few accessories to protect you from the elements.
Hats
When thinking about how hats fits into your personal uniforms, it’s important to consider:
The weather where you spend the most time. Do you need hats for warmth, sun protection, staying dry? For me, I mostly need hats for the cold New York winters and the sunny summers where I often spend a bit of time in Indiana.
Your previously defined personal style and what colors, styles, fabrics best align to you.
Above are a few photos showing how I incorporated hats into my personal uniforms. The first and third photo feature the same long-sleeve turtleneck body suit, but are styled differently for their respective activities. The first photo is at a lake in the summer and the third photo is from a hiking trip in the fall.
Scarves and veils
Like hats, scarves can be both functional and a way to express your defined personal style.
I like styling my square silk scarf in a few different ways to complete my more basic personal uniforms. I like this scarf because it changes my looks depending on how I fold and tie it. See photos above for a few examples.
A winter scarf may be a necessity for your winter personal uniforms to stay warm. I like my wool scarf because it has a beautiful design and colors that make my typical black uniform a little more interesting.
Headbands
Headbands can be used to pull back hair as well as decorate the head as an ornamental piece.
Belts
Belts can be both a necessity for a wardrobe and a tool to add versatility to your minimal wardrobe. I only own this one belt and primarily use as an accessory.
Belts can be used to change or enhance the silhouette of your outfit or provide adornment to a basic outfit.
Consider your defined personal style when incorporating belts into your personal uniforms, especially when it comes to color, materials, and design elements. My style is influenced by my European heritage and this belt is one way I like to express that.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses can elevate or add personality to an outfit as well as provide sun protection.
Think about your face shape and your defined personal style when adding sunglasses to an outfit. I have three pair of sunglasses. Two out of three, including the one photographed above, are statement pieces that become the focal point of an outfit. The pair below are a more standard style and allow for other pieces of my outfit, like my hat, to shine.
Bags
For nearly every occasion, bags must be more functional than ornamental. Meaning, the bag must be able to carry what you need and you should be able to carry it without injuring your back or shoulders.
When selecting a bag for your outfit, start with the function first, then the color, shape, and materials next.
I don’t typically use bags as my statement piece, so my preference is to have them blend in with my outfit so other pieces or colors are the focal point instead.
Another example of how I accessorize with bags is by choosing ones that directly align with my defined personal style: Chic Adventura.
I like to use drop bags and tactical gear to carry key items while traveling or working. These work well with my personal uniforms because I’m able to carry my photo equipment without pain and it aligns well with my style.
Ultimately, when creating a personal uniform, the right accessories are the key to refining and expressing style in an intentional manner.
Coming up next:
Your personal uniform cheat sheet
Unlock a clutter-free closet!
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