Fashion for Moms: Accessorize!

Accessorizing is a great way for any mom to update her look for a lot less time and money. (Two things we moms are always looking for!) Instead of going out to buy a new dress, you can pick up a chunky chain necklace, throw it over your favorite LBD (little black dress), and presto, change-o, you've updated your look. Yes, accessories are that powerful—and that affordable. Perfect for moms, who are always on the go. But you've got to know how to channel that power. So here are some basic tips for accessorizing with style:

• Check the clock. Where you are and what time of day it is will determine the kind of accessories you wear. You want your daytime look to be simple gold or silver, or even pearls or scarves. Certain accessories can go from day to night, but generally speaking, you want to sparkle more at night!
  
  
• Less is more. Don't wear too many accessories all at once. Statement pieces should, well, make a statement. If I wear my grandma's vintage cocktail ring, I only throw on simple studded earrings for a little sparkle around my face. For daytime looks, you don't need to be matchy-matchy; but you don't want to mix, say, chunky wood with heavy metal. Go for the Rule of 3: Try not to wear more than three pieces of jewelry at once. (And simple hair accessories, like headbands count!) Coco Chanel said it best: When accessorizing, always take off the last thing you put on.
  
  
• Accessorize according to your body shape. Generally speaking, you want the size of your accessories to match your frame. The larger your frame is, the bigger accessories you can pull off. (Big, chunky baubles on a teeny tiny frame will overwhelm you!) The eye is drawn to wherever your accessory lies. So if you want to draw attention to your face, then a pair of sparkly earrings or a choker would do the trick. Conversely, don't call unnecessary attention where you don't want it! (e.g., a big brooch on a large bust; or dangly earrings if you have a short neck). Placement is everything: A belt worn tight across the waist highlights an hourglass figure. But a belt slung low across the hips with a blouse covers up a pooch.
  
  
• Stick to your own style. Remember the big-flower pin trend (Thanks, Sex and the City!) Well, I wore a gigantic flower pin on national TV, despite all my better instincts, and it was a fashion disaster! While it's great to be trendy and hip, you still want your accessories to match your own style, otherwise you risk looking silly. Plus, you don't want to compete with your tween daughter! (Take it from a mom of a tween!)
  
  
• Be creative. You don't have to run out and buy new accessories every season. You can find ways to use the items already in your jewelry box, and wear them in different ways. Can you layer your strands of pearls? Can you bunch up your bangles? Can you wear that broach as a clasp to a jacket or that scarf as a belt?
  
  
• Accessories are one of the ways you can make your fashion mark. If you're a vintage fan, scour flea markets and secondhand stores for that one great piece. If you're classic, find ways to rock those pearls and gold. Knock-offs are great. Stores like Forever 21 and H&M always have inexpensive versions of pricier jewelry. And off-price stores like Loehmann's, and TJMaxx are great too.
  

From jewelry to belts and scarves, the main thing to remember is keep it simple. Above all else, accessories should be FUN! And if you absolutely have to have that awesome green bag, then wear all black and make it stand out!

This advice and more can be found in Emme's book Life's Little Emergencies.

Get more fashion, beauty and self-esteem advice from Emme!