A beautifully chosen accessory can transform a simple dress into a head-turning ensemble. The right jewellery, shoes, bag, and finishing touches elevate your look, express your personal style, and can take the same dress from day to night, casual to formal, or understated to statement-making.
Accessorising is both an art and a skill—one that becomes intuitive with practice. This guide will walk you through the principles of accessorising dresses, helping you create polished, intentional looks every time you get dressed.
The Foundation: Understanding Balance
The golden rule of accessorising is balance. Think of your outfit as a visual equation—if your dress is the statement piece, your accessories should support rather than compete. If your dress is simple, accessories become your opportunity to add personality and interest.
- Busy print dress → Simple, understated accessories
- Plain, solid dress → Opportunity for statement accessories
- Detailed neckline → Skip the necklace, focus on earrings
- Simple silhouette → Add interest with layers and textures
Jewellery: The Transformative Power of Adornment
Necklaces and Necklines
The neckline of your dress determines your necklace options. Understanding this relationship is essential for creating harmonious looks:
- V-neck dresses – Pendant necklaces or chains that follow the V-shape create elegant elongation
- Round/crew necks – Chokers, collar necklaces, or layered chains work beautifully
- Off-shoulder styles – Statement necklaces or layered looks shine; the exposed collarbone is your canvas
- High necklines – Skip the necklace entirely; focus on earrings instead
- Halter necks – Avoid necklaces that compete; simple studs or statement earrings are best
- Strapless dresses – Dramatic necklaces create beautiful focal points
Earrings
Earrings frame your face and can dramatically change your look. Consider your hairstyle and neckline when choosing:
- Hair up/pulled back – Statement earrings shine with nothing competing for attention
- Hair down – Smaller studs or hoops work well; very long earrings can get lost in hair
- High necklines – With no necklace, earrings become your statement piece
- Busy neckline details – Simple studs prevent visual overload
Bracelets and Watches
These accessories often depend on sleeve length and personal style. Sleeveless and short-sleeved dresses offer the most opportunity for wrist accessories. A quality watch can elevate any outfit, while stacked bracelets add bohemian charm to casual dresses.
The style consultant's rule: Before leaving the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory. This prevents over-accessorising and ensures each piece has room to make an impact.
Shoes: The Foundation of Your Look
Shoes do more than complete your outfit—they affect your posture, comfort, and the overall vibe of your look. The same dress can appear completely different with different footwear.
Heels
- Stilettos – Elegant and formal, perfect for evening wear and special occasions
- Block heels – More comfortable while still adding height; work for day-to-evening transitions
- Kitten heels – Sophisticated without the height; ideal for professional settings
- Wedges – Summer-appropriate and practical for outdoor events
Flats
- Ballet flats – Classic and feminine; dress up or down depending on style
- Loafers – Add a preppy or masculine touch to feminine dresses
- Mules – Effortlessly chic for casual and semi-formal occasions
- Sandals – Range from casual thongs to elegant strappy styles
Boots
Boots with dresses create contemporary, fashion-forward looks:
- Ankle boots – Work with midi and mini dresses; create edge and interest
- Knee-high boots – Perfect for autumn and winter with shorter dresses
- Cowboy boots – Add bohemian flair to casual and maxi dresses
Bags: Function Meets Fashion
Your bag choice should complement your dress while meeting practical needs for the occasion.
Bag Styles for Different Occasions
- Clutch – Evening events, formal occasions, when you only need essentials
- Crossbody – Casual outings, travel, when you need hands-free convenience
- Tote – Professional settings, everyday wear when you need capacity
- Structured handbag – Professional and dressy casual; elevates any outfit
- Woven basket bag – Summer dresses, beach-adjacent events, garden parties
Bag Coordination Tips
- Bags don't need to match shoes exactly—coordinating is more modern than matching
- Metallic bags (gold, silver, rose gold) work as neutrals with almost any colour dress
- Black, nude, and tan bags are versatile investment pieces
- A pop of colour in your bag can energise a neutral dress
Belts: Defining the Silhouette
Belts add structure, define your waist, and can completely change the proportions of a dress.
- Thin belts – Subtle waist definition; feminine and classic
- Wide statement belts – Create dramatic waist emphasis; best on simple dresses
- Chain belts – Add glamour to evening looks
- Woven or braided belts – Casual, bohemian touch for summer dresses
Experiment with belt placement—at your natural waist, slightly higher for an empire effect, or at the hip for a relaxed look. Different placements create different silhouettes with the same dress.
Layering Pieces: Extending Your Dress Wardrobe
Layering extends the versatility of your dresses and allows for climate adaptation.
Cardigans and Knits
- Cropped cardigans work with high-waisted styles
- Long cardigans add drama to simple dresses
- Cashmere wraps elevate evening dresses
Blazers and Jackets
- A structured blazer transforms any dress for professional settings
- Denim jackets add casual cool to sundresses
- Leather jackets create edge with feminine dresses
Scarves and Wraps
- Silk scarves tied as headbands, around handbag handles, or at the neck add sophistication
- Pashminas provide warmth and elegance for evening events
- Large scarves can be wrapped as cover-ups for beach-to-restaurant transitions
Accessorising by Dress Type
The Little Black Dress
The LBD is a blank canvas—you can take it virtually anywhere with the right accessories:
- Work – Pearl studs, structured bag, modest heels
- Date night – Statement earrings, clutch, strappy heels
- Cocktail party – Bold necklace, sparkly clutch, stilettos
- Casual weekend – Crossbody bag, ankle boots, layered bracelets
Maxi Dresses
The length and flow of maxi dresses influence accessory choices:
- Stacked bangles or a statement cuff work beautifully
- Long pendant necklaces complement the flowing silhouette
- Wedges or flat sandals suit the relaxed vibe
- Crossbody bags or large totes work for daytime
Printed Dresses
Let the dress be the star with printed styles:
- Choose metals that complement print colours
- Simple, delicate jewellery prevents visual overload
- Solid-coloured accessories in a shade pulled from the print
Accessorising is ultimately about expressing yourself while enhancing your dress. There are guidelines but few hard rules—fashion is meant to be fun. Experiment with combinations, trust your instincts, and remember that confidence is the most attractive accessory of all. When you feel good about how you look, it shows.