STYLE. COLOR. SPARKLE. CONFIDENCE.
How to Style Accessories to Transform Any Outfit
When it comes to style, clothes may get most of the attention — but the real secret is knowing how to style accessories. A necklace, bracelet, or pair of earrings can completely transform how you look (and how you feel) in just seconds.
And here’s the best part: You don’t need a brand-new wardrobe to look stylish. You just need the right finishing touches.
Accessories are the easiest way to level up your look, highlight your best features, and feel confident in your own skin. In this post, I’ll share why accessories matter, how they tie into your body shape and color code, and my favorite tips for choosing the perfect pieces.
If you’re new here, I help women discover their best colors, styles, and accessories so they feel radiant every day. You can learn more about me here.
Why Accessories Matter More Than You Think
Before diving into the how-to, let’s start with why accessories matter so much. Once you see the role they play in balance, proportion, and personality, you’ll never think of jewelry as “extra” again.
Clothes are the canvas, but accessories are the art. Without them, your look can feel unfinished — like leaving the house without lipstick or forgetting to style your hair. Accessories:
- Direct attention where you want it. This is the magic of the “Vital V” — the area from your shoulders down toward your chest. Neuroscience shows this space is noticed in the first 30 seconds of meeting someone. A well-placed necklace or scarf makes an instant impression.
- Balance your body shape. Whether your curves are in the tummy (“b”), the bust and midriff (“O”), the hips (“d”), or evenly all over (“X”), the right accessories bring harmony to your shape.
- Show personality. Jewelry is the quickest way to let your personality shine — without changing your whole closet.
Think of accessories as the punctuation marks of your outfit. Without them, the sentence is incomplete.
One of the easiest tricks for how to style accessories is focusing on the Vital V
Now that we know why accessories are essential, let’s talk about one of the most powerful styling secrets out there: the Vital V. This little trick has the power to slim, balance, and highlight your face in seconds.
Here’s how to make your Vital V work for you:
- Necklaces. Choose lengths that balance your features. Shorter neck? Try an 18–20” necklace to elongate. Longer neck? A 15–17” choker brings balance.
- Scarves. A long, draped scarf creates soft vertical lines that slim and draw the eye up.
- V-Neck Tops. Already flattering on nearly every shape — but add a necklace inside that V and the magic doubles.
When you dress your Vital V, people notice you — your smile, your confidence, your sparkle.
See the difference? On the left, the short chain cuts my neckline off. On the right, the longer necklace creates the Vital V — a simple trick in how to style accessories that instantly flatters your face and neckline
How to Style Accessories by Body Shape
Of course, no two women have the exact same shape. That’s why the best way to style accessories is to match them to your body type. Here are my favorite tips on how to style accessories for every body shape…
For the “d” Body (Hips, Booty & Thighs)
Your curves shine on the bottom half, so bring balance by pulling attention up.
Best Accessories: Bold earrings, layered necklaces, belts to define your waist.
For the “X” Body (Hourglass Balance)
You can wear it all, but belts are your superpower for highlighting your waist.
Best Accessories: Colorful statement necklaces, stacks of bracelets, belts in any width.
For the “b” Body (Tummy)
Keep eyes away from the midsection and up toward your face.
Best Accessories: Long pendant necklaces, scarves that drape, and bold earrings.
For the “O” Body (Bust & Midriff)
Balance your curves with proportionate pieces near the neckline.
Best Accessories: Statement necklaces, draped scarves, proportional earrings.
Metallics by Color Code
Accessories aren’t just about size or placement — color matters too. The metals you choose can either make your skin glow or wash you out. Here’s how to pick the perfect metallic based on your color code.
- Clear: Silver, Bright Gold, Rose Gold
- Cool: Silver, White Gold, Rose Gold
- Deep: Gold, Silver, Rose Gold
- Light: Silver, Gold, Rose Gold
- Soft: Gold, Silver, Rose Gold
- Warm: Gold, Bronze, Copper, or mixed metal
Translation? If silver makes you glow, go for it! If warm gold lights you up, stick with that. Park Lane has something for every color code, which makes shopping both fun and foolproof.
✨ Curious what actually happens in a color analysis? Here’s what to expect during a Color Analysis Appointment so you can see how we discover your perfect colors — including your best metallics.
Jewelry Size: Match Your “Star Style”
But size matters, too! Just like prints on clothing, the scale of your accessories should match your frame. Here’s how to know whether small, medium, or large jewelry will flatter you most.
- Glamour Girl (under 5’3”): Small-to-medium jewelry
- Movie Star (5’3”–5’7 ½”): Medium-to-large jewelry
- Rock Star (5’8” and taller): Large-to-oversized jewelry
The rule of thumb? If the jewelry is too tiny for your frame, it disappears. If it’s too big, it overwhelms. The right scale makes you look polished instead of “trying too hard.”
The 16-Point Accessory Rule
“If you’ve ever wondered how much jewelry is ‘too much,’ don’t worry — there’s actually a formula! It’s called the 16-Point Accessory Rule, and it helps you look polished without overdoing it. Want to see how your own accessory score adds up? 👉 Grab my free 16-Point Accessory Checklist here and find out if your look is ‘finished’ or needs a little extra sparkle.”
👉 Aim for 14–16 points to look finished.
👉 Less than 12? You probably look unfinished.
👉 More than 16? Time to edit down.
It’s not about piling on everything you own — it’s about striking the perfect balance.
Everyday Example: Leveling Up a Plain Tee
When you learn how to style accessories, even a plain tee transforms into a polished look. Let me show you exactly how a few simple accessories can take a plain tee and jeans from blah to wow:
- Add a statement necklace — instantly intentional.
- Throw on a jacket and earrings — hello, coffee-date chic.
- Stack bracelets or slip on an Impression bracelet — casual but polished.
See how quick that was? You didn’t change your clothes — just your accessories.
How to Style Accessories with My Favorite Park Lane Picks
Now that you’ve seen how accessories transform an outfit, let me share a few of my favorite Park Lane pieces that I use again and again with clients.
- Impression Bracelets — add a fun pop of color and tie your look together.
- Convertible Necklaces — create endless Vital V’s (short, long, or layered).
- Bold Earrings — brighten your face and bring balance.
The best part? Park Lane jewelry is designed to mix, match, and layer, which makes it easy to find your perfect accessory “formula.”
Final Thoughts: Confidence Is in the Details
At the end of the day, how to style accessories isn’t about perfection — it’s about confidence. And confidence is in the details, which is why accessories will always be your secret weapon.
The next time you throw on a simple tee or wonder how to refresh an old outfit, remember: it’s not about more clothes — it’s about better accessories.
✨ Ready to put these tips into action?
- Join my Styled Sisters VIP Group where I share outfit inspiration, jewelry styling tips, and exclusive specials.
- Want more style tips and accessory inspiration? Head back to my Radiate with Royanna homepage to explore services, blog posts, and ways to connect.
- Or, head over to my Park Lane boutique here and find your next accessory that makes you feel radiant.
Because you, my friend, deserve to sparkle. 💎
