Personal style is all about the evolution. That’s why those cringy moments from years, months, weeks and even days ago, while grimace-inducing, are forgivable. Take my eighth grade class photo for example: deep side part with thick blunt cut hair well below my shoulders, a baby blue mohair top and jelly bracelets, cuffs and hair ties layered on both arms from wrist to elbow. Top this off with full-on braces, as well as a pleated mini skirt—the year was 1999 if those style highlights do not ring a bell—and, as no surprise to me now, my parents refrained from purchasing any portraits that fateful year. Still, the tiny headshot appears in my gel pen riddled yearbook, and, across each page, fashion missteps and individual style, purchased from Limited Too, of course, pops from my classmates’ photos, too. I cannot help but wonder where in the world all those bracelets and cuffs went.
2px); width:calc(100% 2px);”>
While I may have ditched the baby blue for black and jelly bracelets for a more streamlined jewelry aesthetic, there is a hint of my eighth grade self in how I dress today. Call personal style what you will—whether a signature look, street style or uniform, how we dress and what we wear is a constant reimagining of who we have been, who we are and who we want to be. Inspiration may be in the eye of the beholder, and when reinventing a look sometimes going back to basics is the most natural. For me, attention to detail and an inventory of the little things has been one easy way to refresh a look that may feel tired and worn. New jewelry, an oversized watch and even something as simple as a silk scarf have the power to invigorate existing pieces. So if the summer uniform—sandals and sundresses for some, mini-shorts and crop tops for others—has your wardrobe in need of a little restoration, take it from a former eighth grade bracelet junkie, accessories are quick fixes when going for a new look.
2px); width:calc(100% 2px);”>
Though muted color palettes, monochromatic dressing and clean pared down styling has become the look du jour for some catwalks and style blogs—check into Mind for an awesome insider peek at how to achieve a stress free minimal wardrobe—the minimal style can feel a tad stale after months upon months of donning the same heather grey and blush tone tops. To rev up this basic uniform, long chain necklaces and stackable rings are an easy to way to give a little more oompf to a monochromatic ensemble. The jeweled pieces, either layered together since more is certainly more at the moment, or one strong accent cuff against this sparse canvas, creates a dynamic conversation between the accessories and your day to day basic looks. Nothing changes how you appear more than a touch of sparkle or gold against the same old, same old.