Update Your Accessories: 30 Days to Gorgeous Mom Style - Nada Manley

Have you ever looked back at a missed opportunity with regret? Well that’s the way I feel about statement necklaces. When I look back at the years and years of outfits that could have been so much cuter had they only been properly accessorized, I feel actual physical pain. But one must move past these things. After years as a stylist, I have seen too much to buy the lie that it’s all about the clothes. I have witnessed the utterly transformative magic of the right accessories, and it has changed me. Now, I am as likely to buy the necklace as I am the dress, and to feel amazing about it, because I will wear it again and again and it will make all my old stuff feel fresh. And with fun, frugal accessories available everywhere, there’s no reason not to jazz up your everyday outfits with some cute new pieces.

My favorite sources for accessories include local boutiques (I love to shop small!) and Etsy, but I love picking up steals at Charming Charlie, Target, and those random accessories stores in the mall. J. Crew, Loft, Banana Republic and Anthropologie are always reliable choices, and online, check out BaubleBar and Mint & Lolly.

If today is all about the what (what you need to buy), tomorrow is all about the how – how to layer, pair and wear accessories to create the look you want.

1. The Necklace

I’d like to sit here and tell you that you only need three necklaces, a gold one, a silver one, and a black one, but that would be hypocritical. While that’s a good place to start, you can never have too many. Never. As long as they are all awesome. What makes it so is largely up to you. I always look for quality in timeless pieces I will wear for years, but I am not above inexpensive fast fashion finds. When it comes to flattery, consider your shape. A short bold statement necklace draws the eye upward and balances hips, while a long necklace works best on proportional body types. Here, 5 fabulous necklaces you’ll want to own now.

Rhinestone necklace, $34.95, H&M

Rebecca Minkoff Arrow necklace, $48, Amazon

Tassel necklace, $68, J. Crew

House of Harlow 1960 Eden’s Pendant necklace, $86.40, Amazon

Dogeared Cross Tassel necklace, $162, Amazon

2. Select a Stack

A stack of bracelets isn’t just a chance to accessorize an outfit; it’s a chance to express your add sentiment and personality to it. The ideal stack should include 3-5 bracelets, including at least a few of the following:

A. Shine

A classic gold or silver bangle or chain bracelet anchors the stack.

Michael Kors chain toggle bracelet with padlock, $80, Amazon

B. Color

Enamel, bead and crystal bracelets with color liven up a look.

Kate Spade New York turquoise bangle, $78, Amazon

C. Texture

Look for an earthy element, like leather or beads, to ground your stack.

Tory Burch leather wrap bracelet, $95, Saks Fifth Avenue

D. Sentimental

A personalized or heirloom piece makes the look completely your own.

Sarah Chloe “Eva” 14K bracelet, $349, MoltoBellaBoutique.com

E. Sparkle

Nothing draws the eye like a little bit of sparkle, and it doesn’t have to be real to have impact.

Swarovski zirconia tennis bracelet, $75, Amazon

3. The Earrings

If I had to narrow it down to only three pairs of earrings, I would chose a stud, a hoop and a statement pair, but limits are so limiting, don’t you think? Start with these essentials, and you’ve got your bases covered.