When we think about accessories, what often comes to mind are sparkly jewelry worth thousands of dollars or expensive designer handbags. Spending on jewelry and bags is at an all-time high, and online jewelry sales reached $7.6 billion in 2021, while bag sales for brands such as Louis Vuitton are up 123%.
But while having these things can certainly amp up your daily style, there are other, more affordable items that can enhance your look. If you’re on a budget and you’re looking for ways to add a fun twist to your style, consider adding these accessories to your collection.
Colorful Shoes and Bags
You probably already own a pair– or several pairs– of black or nude shoes, plus some matching bags to wear with them. But if you want to add a playful touch to your outfit, consider effervescent handbags and colorful shoes, such as those worn by celebrities like Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner. Shoes and bags in hot pink, lemon yellow, bright purple, or neon green can be worn with athleisure sets in neutral colors, and these can also add pops of color to an all-black outfit.
Meanwhile, cobalt blue, cherry red, or orange pieces can add color to a formal work outfit. Make sure to choose bags in classic shapes if you’re wearing them to work, as well as shoes made of good quality leather. For casual wear, anything goes, so feel free to experiment with tiny shoulder bags shaped like vegetables, fruit, or animals, drawstring bags, sneakers, mules, or slides in vibrant colors.
Bag Charms
If you’re not much of a jewelry person, but you still want a hint of bling, consider bag charms. They come in a variety of shapes, colors, and styles, and they’re easy to swap out if you need a change. You can also find them everywhere at all price points. Brands like Burberry, Celine, Chloe, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, and Thom Browne carry bag charms that range from delicate monogram charms with a gold finish to cute fabric dolls.
While you can certainly buy designer charms, you can also get similarly adorable ones from Amazon or Etsy at a fraction of the price. Even Bath and Body Works have their own take on the bag charm– they’re essentially covers for their pocket hand sanitizers that can be attached to a bag, and they’re shaped like tiny animals, mermaids, astronauts, flowers, and the like. Try attaching two to three delicate charms to your bag for a sweet and feminine look, or have one oversized charm on your bag to make a style statement.
Face Stickers
Face stickers are in again, thanks to the Y2K fashion trend. During the French Revolution, face patches were used by notable women like Marie Antoinette to conceal imperfections such as scars. In the 90s, face stickers served a more decorative purpose, with teenagers wearing them to go to clubs or the mall.
These days, people use tiny stickers to enhance their facial features, and they look amazing, especially when worn with colorful makeup. Try placing crystal or gem stickers on the outer corners of your eyes, or have a cluster of three to five small stickers on the outer edge of your cheekbone, right below your temple.
Some well-chosen accessories can add a fun and playful touch to your look. Consider adding colorful shoes and bags, bag charms, and face stickers to your accessory collection to upgrade your style without breaking the bank.
