You Don't Need New Clothes, Just Fun Accessories
Don't underestimate the power of a good sock!
Every year I spend the majority of winter complaining - often about how it’s ridiculous that coffee shops stop serving iced drinks, but mostly that I don’t know how to dress myself for the cold weather in a way that still feels fun, and like me. I confidently self-proclaim to anyone who will listen that my wardrobe truly thrives in summer, and have all of these visions of who I’ll be when the sun finally does make an appearance. I picture myself in mini dresses with a cute straw basket in flip flops, not overstimulated by the toe-post or the heat, just effortlessly cool. In reality, when summer does finally appear I often feel just as lost with my wardrobe and all the vague outfit ideas I conjured up half-asleep in bed have vanished from my brain, leaving me staring at my wardrobe with little to no inspiration.
I think we’ve almost reached that point in the year where you can head out without an emergency layer, but it’s hard to say for sure. Which makes getting dressed in the morning even more challenging, because the weather changes almost by the hour and being spontaneously rained on in jelly sandals isn’t really the vibe. After the recent heatwaves I realised my outfits often follow the same formula and that I basically live in one specific t-shirt (I think I have 10 colours now, and get asked where it’s from every-time I post in one!), which made me feel like I’m in a slight style rut. This led to a particularly savage PMS-induced identity crisis where I sold half my wardrobe on Vinted. I did wonder throughout if I’d regret not hanging on to some pieces, but then I realised I am happy with my wardrobe staples and my favourite t-shirt style - I just don’t own enough fun accessories to add interest to my daily outfits.
As much as I love shoes and bags, they aren’t exactly what I mean when I say fun accessories. They often serve a specific purpose to the outfit, like you may need to wear comfortable trainers because you’ve got a long day or you may need a giant slouchy bag because you’ve got a lot of shit to lug around. I’m more thinking about unique pieces or DIY’s that can work with all the different items in your wardrobe - conversation starters, things that simply just make you happier when you wear them.
I’m a huge advocate for skirts over trousers, but lots of layers and excess fabric isn’t exactly practical for the summer months. However, something like this could really work! I love how this little crochet skirt looks like curtains you’d find in a cottage on holiday and theres an infinite amount of ways you could style it up. It would look super cute over a bikini in the day-time, but also great over jeans for a late dinner post sunset.
I really love a silly or novelty cap - it can really switch up an outfit from feeling too serious to looking like you just quickly threw something on! (in a cool way, duh) Vintage shops or holidays are the best places to pick these up, I bought a great tacky diamanté one at an Area-51 themed petrol station somewhere between LA and Vegas.
Not exactly an accessory but an interesting beginner-friendly DIY is replacing the buttons on a knit you already own, I love the mix and match vibe on the inspo pic above! It’s so fun it almost feels like an accessory? I think doing this to a cardigan you don’t find yourself wearing often would make it feel like a whole new piece! An easy way to make any simple outfit immediately more exciting, plus doing something crafty with your hands always leaves you feeling pleased with yourself.
Since Gimaguas teased their Havianas collaboration the internet has gone crazy for flip-flop DIY’s, which I totally get because when something is so simple why would you not just re-create it at home? Plus, I don’t think they were even available to purchase. I worry about everyone’s toes burning after leaving their studded sandals in the sun, but I do think they look so chic and elevate a classic flip flop nicely.
Obviously v impractical buuuuuut something in the same realm as this would be fun? Just like 2-3 little charms per shoe! Or just plain hoops, like a piercing for your toes.
Similarly to the novelty caps, I really like a weird and wonderful bag, honestly the weirder the better. These designer-inspired shoppers were all over my FYP last year and I’m still desperate for one! I was very kindly recently given a couple of Hello Kitty tote bags and I think they look great with just a plain tee and jeans, when I catch myself in the mirror it’s a reminder to not take myself or the day so seriously! You can find the Birkin shoppers by GroceryBags here.
Despite what I said earlier, even just a nice coloured or patterned bag is enough to add a little something! This pink is the perfect shade, but a dusty blue would also pair so well with most colours (especially chocolate brown or khaki).
I recommend you immediately run to your nearest charity shop and have a rummage through the linen/tableware box because there are some real gems hiding! They often chuck scraps of fabric and linen napkins in there which you can use as little headbands or scarves, so perfect for hair wash day or a trip to the beach. I managed to find a long piece of lace exactly like the one above and a polka dot silk scarf for £5 each in the same shop! I’ve already worn the polka dot one in my hair and around my neck, and as much as I love a thick cotton headband, this is just so much cuter.
I very almost got rid of a lot of my bigger silk scarves because I wasn’t sure if they were still really my vibe? (I wore them as tops a lot in my teens) but I’m so glad I didn’t! I love how practical they are for the beach, and how they can easily double up as a sarong. Anything multi-purpose is always something you should keep in a clear out.
You’re probably all sick of me talking about these by now, but get a big fake flower!! Use it as a belt, put it in your hair, wear it as a necklace, a brooch - the possibilities are endless and it instantly makes your outfit look so much cooler with minimal effort. Also, on the topic of belts - they’re back! I feel like after studded belts became uncool we kind of stopped wearing them as a fashion statement and reserved them for when your trousers actually didn’t fit. However, I’m currently super into them! I love how they can break up a tonal outfit, and they’re so easy to find in charity or vintage shops.
My final note on this is - don’t underestimate the power of a good sock.
