Which type of person are you? Do you already own a lot of jewelry but wear the same pieces over and over again? Maybe you say, “I’m not a jewelry person.” But you admire jewelry on other women and want to learn how to wear jewelry well. Are you trying to find ways to jazz up your outfits but don’t know where to start? Or perhaps you’re one of those who LOVES jewelry, and learning new ways to accessorize. Whichever one you are, here are some ways to stretch your wardrobe with these accessorizing tips.

1. Start with the basics.

Whether you work in an office or stay home with your kids, there are certain jewelry pieces that most women will want in their jewelry wardrobe. Here are some of them:

1. hoop earrings. They go with everything and aren’t too heavy.

2. pearl necklace (20″ is the most versatile). If you’re not into pearls, go for a chunky gold or silver necklace instead.

3. long, multi-functional necklace

4. short, simple necklace

5. statement necklace

6. fun and functional watch

7. cuff bracelet

8. right-hand ring

COLOR CODE TIP: You’ll want most of these pieces to be mixed metals for maximum versatility. If you are a Cool Color Code, go for silver. If you’re a Warm Color Code, go for gold. The other Color Codes can do silver or gold, a mix of gold and silver, or rose gold. Yay!

Wondering what Color Code you are? Read more here.

2. Have a Signature Color.

When your clothes and jewelry coordinate, accessorizing is so much easier.

What’s your favorite color to wear? What color do you naturally gravitate toward? What color do people say is “your color?” Having a Signature Color means that you can buy jewelry, bags, scarves and shoes in your Signature Color, knowing it will go with what you already have.

Discover your Signature Color when you take advantage of a Signature Color Experience here.

3. Decide what you’re going to do…wear neutral clothes with funky accessories OR colorful, exciting clothes with neutral jewelry…

Interior designers often recommend having neutral furnishings with POPS of color in your accessories, rugs, pillows, etc. Many women dress this way, too.

Here’s me in brown pants and a classic white linen blouse with a pop of color from my kantha bead necklace, turquoise and gold earrings and a few fun bracelets.

The brown top relates to my eyes but the colorful earrings and pop of teal jazzes it up.

Plain, neutral pants with colored tops are great to mix and match for an easy wardrobe, as long as you add colorful accessories.

However, if you tend to wear a lot of patterns and quirky pieces of clothing, you’ll need accessories that are more plain and multi-functional.

4. …OR do both colorful clothes AND colorful jewelry!

I admit, I like LOTS of options…which is why I love having lots of jewelry!

It’s fun to wear colorful outfits then add colorful jewelry–it’s definitely an attention-getter!

5. Have your jewelry on display so you can see and enjoy what you have.

It’s OK to keep your fine jewelry in a jewelry chest but when it comes to your more playful accent pieces, have them out in the open so you can see what you have.

Get lots of organizing ideas from my Pinterest board.

6. Get in the habit of planning your outfits ahead of time.

Doing this will allow you to choose your wardrobe pieces and play with your accessories when you’re not in a rush. Lay everything out on the top of your dresser the night before.

Here are tips for getting dressed. Also check out common mistakes we make when getting dressed.

6. Re-purpose what you have.

That long necklace can be doubled for a whole new look.

You can wear your vintage scarf as a headband.

Attach a pin to a strand of pearls.

Wear a chain necklace as a belt.

7. Invest in necklaces.

Necklaces are what people see and notice the most, plus they draw attention to your face. You can always collect bracelets and earrings to mix and match but necklaces are where you want to get the most bang for your buck.

Consider several chains then mix it up with charms and pendants.

8. Invest in the pieces you can see.

You wear earrings and even necklaces for other people to enjoy…so buy bracelets and rings that YOU want to see all day.

9. Get inspired!

I AM a “jewelry person” and love accessorizing my outfits…and I am happy to teach you!

10. SHOP!

I have fair trade, handmade and secondhand jewelry in my mini boutique and my office and you’re always welcome to play.

Come on over to my home studio or let’s talk about a style party or accessory swap for you and some friends!

What questions do you have about accessorizing??