Brass cuff by Susan Suh
There are not many times when the late, great Coco Chanel got it wrong but she when advised to when accessorizing, ‘always take off the last thing you put on’, in my mind, she was way off track.
While I’m not advocating looking like the lady out from Banbury Cross (remember that childhood favorite rhyme, ‘with rings on her fingers and rings on her toes, she shall be heard wherever she goes’) I have always felt very strongly about the role of plus ones in one’s wardrobe. The ability of just the right set of earrings, a designer bangle, or even a fashion scarf to take an ensemble from drab to fab in an instant continues to marvel me even after nine years of working in fashion.
Not only is this an easy, peasy way to add a little za za zoo to an outfit but it is also the way to take an ensemble from work-worthy stylish to bar friendly chic. Are you a corporate Clare? Leave the blazer at work, unbutton that shirt, add a brightly cultured chunky necklace, some chandelier earrings, and swap the sensible brown leather tote for a neon clutch and you’re ready to roll. For those creative Colette’s out there the world really is your oyster so take advantage of being able to stack your pieces. Look to two-fingered rings, designer cuffs and bright and unique necklaces as you embrace your creative side.
So there you have it, thanks to some well-placed necklaces, designer cuffs and statement earrings you can wave goodbye to that dratted old Friday night getting-ready-in-time panic. Perfect.
Two-finger ring by Sticks and Stones
Purple Python Necklace by Elvira Sazesh
Crescent earrings by Arata Fuchi