It’s romance season-everywhere you go you're hit with hearts and messages of love, but I think loving yourself should always be in season. And, loving yourself can often get a boost from loving how you look.

My favorite way to sprinkle some love into any look is through the perfect accessory. No accessories? You look unfinished, just the right accessories, and you look polished and put together. They're like the garnish on a perfect martini, taking your style from meh to mah-vel-ous.

Surprisingly, accessorizing is often the thing women struggle with most. In my six years as a stylist, I frequently coach style-savvy women (or those who want to be) in finding accessories that instill confidence in their signature look. A little knowledge can go a long way, so here are just a few of my tips for pulling together an accessorized look that you'll love!

Mix and Match....metals and materials that is! Gold, silver, wood, and metal. The key to a polished look is to wear similar styles. Are you going for a boho look? A feather necklace and mixed metal bangles are a good choice. Want to keep it classic? You can mix costume and fine jewelry. Coco Channel, the goddess of couture, was known for her mix of real and faux pearls. Keep the items similar, and you’ll find a look you love in no time!

Big vs. Small….Balance is the name of the game. There is no go big or go home when it comes to accessorizing (Unless you are Carmen Miranda, then put on that fabulous headdress and dance the night away!). Pair larger earrings with a small necklace or opt for an elegant bare neck to accentuate the neckline of your outfit. Likewise, if you have a statement necklace, choose a pair of classic stud earrings to let that piece have the stage it deserves. No one likes to compete for the spotlight!

If you are wearing small to medium earrings and necklace, you’re probably ok to add a small to a medium bracelet or two. And speaking of bracelets, it's perfectly fine to wear them on both wrists at the same time!

Prints, Patterns and Solids oh my!....Solid color tops such as sweater or turtleneck pair well with long necklaces as it helps break up the vast expanse of color. Skip the necklace if your top already has fab details, like large patterns, an interesting collar, or my favorite...a bow! Let those details be the star of the show that day.

The Neglected Accessory....Belts are one of my favorite accessories, but they can cause visual interference if you are opting for a long necklace with an outfit where the belt is seen. You’re going to want to ditch one of them. If you need a belt to keep your pants up (we don’t advocate for wardrobe malfunctions around here!) try one that matches the color of your pants or wear your top untucked, keeping the visual line long and lean. Oh, and there’s no need to be matchy-matchy with your shoes, belt, and bags. It’s a classic look for a formal event but otherwise outdated. 

Last but not least, don’t be afraid to trust you gut, it's pretty style savvy. Get dressed. Take a look in the mirror. When your inner Audry Hepburn tips her cat-eye sunglasses in approval and whispers “Life is a party. Dress like it.” you know you are looking fabulous!

Looking for in-person style assistance? I'd love to schedule a session with you. Email me at Paula@PaulaParisotto.com