Fashion Tips: How to Accessorise Like Coco

Choosing perfect accessories for your outfit is often a daunting task for many women, and some women get it completely wrong without even realising it. Correct and appropriate accessorisation is a vital part of any woman’s attire. From broaches and hair ornaments to bracelets, bangles and earrings, no ladies' outfit is complete without that accent that only a carefully chosen accessory can bring.

If you use accessories in the right way you can transform any old, oft-worn outfit into something stunning and almost new. Give those old dresses an added edge with some vibrant pieces, or tone down for the workplace with some simple, but elegant add-ons.

It is fair to say that no outfit is complete without an accessory or two, and with our essential how to guide, you can get your clothing and accessory choices right first time.

The most obvious and most important thing to do when choosing your accessories, is to consider the main colour of your outfit. If you are wearing a single colour item that is dark such as black, grey, brown or any neutral tone then you are free to be as bold and creative as you wish with your accessories. Pick out something that is really vibrant to freshen up a dark trouser suit, be it a large ornamental necklace in a vintage style or even a dainty girly pair of pendant earrings to add a delicate flair.

As one of the most basic accessories, jewellery is also possibly the most versatile. If you decide to make a statement using earrings then leave the neck bare for a bigger impact. If you chose to adorn the neck area you can feel free to load yourself with a combination of chunky charms and delicate beads for a modern, trendy look. If bracelets are your thing, then you can be as eccentric or understated as you like, but don’t go over the top by wearing large or imposing dress rings at the same time. When it comes to hands, decorate either your fingers or the wrists, but never both together.

Scarves are a fabulous addition to any outfit, regardless of the season. Simply choose colours that are in season and team it with your favourite top. If your scarf is patterned make sure your outfit is plain and vice versa; never team a patterned scarf with a patterned top.

Handbags and clutches are not only practical but can make a real fashion statement, if worn correctly. Choosing a matching handbag and shoe combination will effortlessly tie an outfit together, making it all the more complete. Use the colour of your handbag and shoe combination as your accent colour and work with it by picking out a small pair of earrings of the same colour.

One golden rule when it comes to any accessories is always, without exception, compliment patterns with solids. As an example, if your shirt has a pattern, even something as small as a thin pin stripe, make sure that your chosen accessory is one solid colour. This prevents you from making any fashion faux pas when it comes to colour clashes and wearing too many swirling patterns.

Finally, don't forget the immortal mantra from Coco Chanel herself; "When accessorizing always take off the last thing you put on"