As the days and weeks continue to tick on by, becoming stuck in the same old, same old is inevitable. You follow the same routine, see the same people and wear the same outfits. What if the key to switching up your style is already in your closet? With the art of unexpected accessorizing, the only rule is to break the rules.
It’s time to experiment and have with fashion, because fashion should always be fun. Anything goes when you delve into the idea of seeing with new eyes. Instead of looking at a shirt as just a shirt, you can open yourself up to a world of possibilities to wear that shirt in a million different ways.
After you start to see with your newfound fashion goggles, you’ll never want to take them off – you’ll be a pro. To get you started, here are some tips and ideas from VALLEY.
A Jewelry Renewal
Diving deep back into the past, brooches are the next best thing. No longer just for your grandma anymore, brooches can spice up an outfit and tie in any colored jewelry to the rest of your outfit. Pin them to your shirt, a waistband, down the leg of your pant, hats, bags and more! Hit up any thrift store and you’ll find a ton of brooches for any person’s style.
Finding eclectic and beautiful brooches second-hand is super easy. However, if you want a more new-age approach on timeless jewelry, you can find them all over your favorite brand’s websites. Free People, Urban Outfitters and many more highlight brooches as the newest trend in accessories.
Another jewelry renewal to bring into your rotation is the backwards necklace. This idea truly embraces the idea of seeing things from a new perspective. Flip your necklaces around and pair them with a low back or backless top to bring a super chic look to your outfit.
Accessorize Everything
We can remember the cute trend of adding beads to your shoelaces from 2020. Well, now we’re bringing it back and taking it to a new level. You can play with so many textures, colors and trinkets to add to your shoes: beads, ribbon, charms, pins and so much more. The options are endless.
Shreya Gorawala, a third-year student here at Penn State, has delved into all things accessorizing, including maximalist sneakers:
“I love adding my own personal touch to things I wear whether that be through accessories or sewing/cropping things! I thought charms would be such a fun touch on a pair of plainer shoes… I also used charms from old necklaces I already had because I dislike fashion-overconsumption despite having a more maximalist style, and it also helped my shoes feel even more me. Some of the charms are from my mom which just makes it even more special when I wear them! “
Shreya Gorawala
Going Against the Grain
Overall, the idea of unexpected accessorizing is all about experimenting, trying new things and being confident in your choices. Although it can be scary to try new fashion styles, new perspectives can make all the difference in becoming the next trendsetter. It’s resourceful, sustainable and gives new life to your closet.
Tag us in all of your unexpected accessorizing looks on Instagram @VALLEYmag!
