Essentials of Getting Dressed #06: Fundamentals of Styling Accessories
Brand recommendations, styling tips and all things autumn fashion.
Full look and description below.
Accessorizing can feel like a major burden—It’s that last bit of styling that never fails to make me late for the party. However, without that extra dash of effort a look can easily fall flat, or worse, fall apart. It sounds dramatic, but there is a reason accessories have historically existed not just for utility (typically their primary purpose), but as a symbol of self-worth, status and luxury. When we wrap an extra-soft scarf around our neck, slip on a pair of sassy shoes or sling that bag our mom finally trusts us with around our shoulder, it doesn’t just look pretty, it feels different.
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With origins in the Middle East, Egypt, Greece and Rome, mules (or slippers with no backs) were often worn by aristocrats before finding their way into the bedrooms of French women, who wore them as everyday house shoes. Eventually, wealthy women and men alike were spotted wearing heeled versions. Mules were seen throughout the Renaissance period before the slightly revealing shoe fell back to mainly being seen in the bedroom.
Today, brands like Alterre create versions that not only embrace modern styles but also current technological advancements in fashion. The New York-based, self-described sustainable shoe brand offers mules with exchangeable straps. Here, I wear their Clay Croc V mules two ways:
Wearing Alterre mules with matching straps and black socks (try these from Flattered) and below, the same shoes with gold straps. Also, my Kapital coat, Babaton shirt (similar), Uniqlo T-shirt and Tory Burch pants (these ones are nice) and Goldstories necklace.
I threw this on for a quick stroll and read around the park this afternoon:
Quick walk to clear my mind in my Kapital coat and Alterre shoes plus socks from Etsy, Uniqlo x Ines de la Fressange sweater, Wilfred pants (via Aritzia), Scanlan Theodore scarf, Able earrings and ring, plus Goldstories necklace and Vogue Runway tote bag.
When I would rather go for a more comfortable option without sacrificing a classy finish, I sometimes reach for a pair of loafers. While their origins are debated, loafers no doubt gained popularity among preppy crowds who wore them as a more relaxed styling option. While the classic penny loafer remains alive and well today, the shoe has evolved to include versions featuring tassels, broguing, buckles and varying heel lengths.
Swedish brand Flattered caters to the needs of conscious and independent women by creating designs that embrace Scandinavian minimalism and craftsmanship. Here, a Spain-crafted pair of loafers with tassels, which offer luxury at a more accessible price-point than my Tod’s ones, below:
Above, burgundy loafers from Flattered. Below, I wear my Tod’s loafers with a Scanlan Theodore turtleneck, Lululemon leggings, Kapital coat, Uniqlo mid-calf socks and Able earrings.
I will also admit, as a freelancer living in New York, I neither want nor can afford to constantly add to my wardrobe each season. The beauty of investing in your accessories is if you pick well, you can style the same shoes/scarf/jewelry/bag/etc. over and over again without falling out of fashion. It’s my little life hack: Feeling bad that you’re wearing that top again? Grab that fabulous purse you have had for ages or those sunglasses that make you feel like a movie star, and I guarantee you will feel a self-esteem boost.
French brand Joseph Duclos’s Saint-Clair messenger bag is inspired by 18th-century royal cases, and can certainly be worn throughout the ages. Here, two colorways styled for men and women:
A Joseph Duclos bag in chestnut & honey and chestnut & blue, here.
Finally, this beautiful autumn weather makes for plenty of layering opportunities. Here, I wear my Uniqlo x Ines de la Fressange dress as a base:
In a wrap dress from Uniqlo x Ines de la Fressange. DÔEN has similar, gorgeous dresses.
I added a Uniqlo sweater vest that I easily removed after warming up in the sun. Brooks Brothers has a similar tennis sweater vest, currently on sale!
Swedish cashmere brand Soft Goat creates investment pieces that are intended to be styled with minimal effort. Below, their cable knit scarf, alpaca scarf and knitted headband:
Soft Goat cable knit scarf, alpaca scarf and knitted headband, above.
The below knitted headband from Orkney brand Elaine Ward was gifted to me by my dad:
Elaine Ward viking headband, here.
While we are not quite in knitted headband-wearing weather yet, I am ready to get on with styling it! Until then, thank you so much for being here. I hope to see you next week, and I gently encourage you to subscribe below if you have not done so! I would love to greet you each week in your inbox. x
Yours Truly,
Kyoko
I am not compensated for the features listed in All-Year Season. My sincerest thank you to Alterre, Flattered, Joseph Duclos and Soft Goat for supporting the creation of this post.
