A cheap way to make a small wardrobe feel big

These accessories will lift your mood and transform your outfit

Accessories are a way to make a small wardrobe feel big.

That means they can be great for looking good on a budget while looking out for the environment.

Apparel and footwear industries account for 8 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

So any way to make use of the clothes you already have, rather than buying more, is helpful in reducing your environmental impact — and saving you money, too.

The bonus is that the right accessories can last a long time and add a level of personality and uniqueness to your style that clothing alone rarely can.

So what accessories should you go for and how can you get the most out of them?

Stylists Anna Mabin and Amy Richmond share their tips.

Minimum effort for maximum effect

During her past life as a flight attendant, stylist Amy Richmond fell in love with accessories.

Packing scarfs, belts, hats and jewellery for trips allowed her to expand her modest travelling wardrobe.

“My love of accessories has definitely been influenced by travel and … wanting to mix up outfits in different ways.

“And to wear the wardrobe I had in my suitcase, which was obviously limited.”

Now the Gold Coast “accessory queen” dresses other people for a living, and says accessories are a minimal-effort and often affordable way to expand your wardrobe.

Brisbane stylist Anna Mabin regularly travels to regional areas to see clients.

She says no matter where you live, embellishments can “elevate your mood” and make you look like you’ve put in more effort than you actually have — without blowing the budget.

And you don’t need to access major retail outlets to accessorise. Visiting op shops or markets, or simply collecting trinkets during your travels, means anyone can have a selection that is budget-friendly.

Scarfs

“Travelling with a capsule wardrobe, I always had a scarf,” Amy says.

A scarf can be worn so many ways, she says, pointing to YouTube as a great place for tutorials.

“So many people think ‘it’s just a scarf’, but it’s coming back in a massive way, being worn as bandanas or in our hair. It doesn’t have to be draped around your neck,” she says.

Amy recommends having a few plain scarfs and some patterned options in different materials.

“Silk ones that are a smaller size can be worn around your neck or in your hair as an accessory.”

The same kind of scarf can also be tied on your cross-body bag to create interest in an otherwise basic outfit, Anna says.

And she recommends finding a long lightweight scarf that you love because it can be worn in both winter and summer.

Hair accessories

Hair accessories like clips and pins are huge right now, says Amy.

“Even the scrunchie,” she says.

“You can make a scrunchie for a dollar … and completely change your look.”

Anna says hair clips are great for dressy events. They can save you styling time or the cost of paying for a hairdresser if you are heading to a wedding, for example.

“There are a lot of pearl hair accessories at the moment, like hair clips and head bands.

“Although this isn’t an everyday look for me, I do appreciate them for special occasions, especially in winter teamed with rich velvet textures [of clothing items].”

Belts

Belts are an underrated accessory, according to Amy, but many people are scared to wear them since the fashion moved from wearing them on the hips to the waist.

“We are celebrating femininity and shape again, cinching in that waist. Celebrate the fact you have some curves.”

But equally, if you like your belts on your hips, then wear them there.

Amy’s favourite belts are those that are embellished with pearls and gold.

For winter, she likes to put a chunky belt over knits to dress up a casual look.

“Even over a [suit] jacket, a belt changes the look again.”

Hats

Becoming a hat-wearer is a win-win — they can look fantastic, but more importantly if you choose something with a brim they also help prevent sunburn and skin cancer.

While bucket hats are trending, Anna recommends sticking to a classic style for longevity.

“A straw hat for the summer months and a winter felt fedora for the cooler months” are her favourites.

“Finding a hat that’s right for you can be a little time consuming,” says Anna, “but when you find the [right] one it’s always a ‘When you know, you know’ moment.

“It’s important to choose a colour that works for your skin tone as it sits so close to your face.”

Sunglasses and spectacles

What’s better than one pair of sunnies or specs? Two, says Anna.

“One pair that’s a more classic style but then a fun, cheap and cheerful pair that are on trend,” she recommends.

“They’re great for drawing the attention away from the fact you’re not wearing eye make-up and people just think you’re being ‘extra’.”

And, like with hats, sunglasses can make being outdoors a little more comfortable, especially if you are short of sleep for any reason — from a night out and shift work, to sick animals or kids.

Shoes

Having a variety of shoes will help you change a look easily, says Anna.

For example, she says a white button-up shirt and black pants can be totally reinvented dependent on your footwear.

“A brogue on your feet and reading glasses can make you appear preppy, where if you ditch the glasses, put on an outrageous pair of earrings and high heels, you’re literally going from desk to date within minutes,” she says.

Amy says shoes are a great way to introduce prints you might be afraid of.

Animal print can be quite intimidating if you’re wearing a dress, but if you choose boots or a scarf in the same print, it’s a subtle but effective addition.

And if you own riding boots or work boots, don’t rule them out for wearing outside of the yard or work site.

Plenty of people who’ve never been near a horse or a crane have adopted them as part of their style.

Being inventive with what you’ve already got opens up a whole world of options.

Jewellery

Both Amy and Anna are big fans of earrings, which they say is an affordable way to change up a look.

“My favourite earrings at the moment are a pair of burnt orange resin and wood earrings from my favourite clothing boutique in a little country town called Roma,” says Anna.

“I try to buy earrings whenever I travel as they’re not heavy to travel with and they remind me of the trip I bought them on whenever I wear them.”

Earrings are a great way to try out some bold looks without it being too scary because they are quite a small item in the scheme of things — even when they are big ones.

Amy encourages her clients to be experimental and have fun. She suggests even trying a different earring on each ear.

You don’t have to stick to trends

For most of us, making over our wardrobe each season isn’t affordable, environmentally responsible or practical, but Amy says accessories can help you vary your look.

“You can have a seasonal trend without changing your whole wardrobe,” she says.

Amy says she finds people outside cities are particularly good at working with their existing wardrobes.

“My regional clients are less about trends and more about … pieces that match their lifestyle and fit them well,” says Anna.

“I like to mix and match some city brands in with regional finds [when I am working there].”

But she says, regardless of where you live, thinking about how new accessories will work with the clothes you have at home is important to making good buys.

“If you’re second-guessing an item … chances are your instincts are right and you’re about to make a questionable purchase.”

STYLE – ABC Australia