Developing a personal style is an important part of our identity. Even people outside of the fashion world understand the importance of cultivating a personal look.
The one problem is that personal style can quickly slip into uniform territory. The solution – accessories! A few strategically selected accessories can change up the look of an outfit instantly. Unlike clothing, accessories can also have real longevity and transition from season to season.
My love for designer accessories is well-known, but a brand name isn’t always a necessity. There are times to splurge on designer accessories, but there are times when it makes sense to save money on a cheaper version.
Sunglasses – Worth the Investment
Let’s start with the summer staple accessory – sunglasses. They not only add style, they also serve a functional purpose. They’re an accessory that will get daily use, so dropping a little extra cash on a good pair is justified.
That said, there are plenty of affordable sunglasses that can get the job done and look just as good as expensive designer brands. Women’s and men’s celebrity sunglasses can be found for as little as $30 a pair online. It’s proof positive you don’t have to spend hundreds on a pair of stylish shades.
Another thing to consider is sunglasses can take a beating. They’re easy to break or lose no matter how expensive they are. If that happens, it’s much easier to handle if they can easily be replaced without spending a good portion of your paycheck.
Shoes – Splurge Away
As discussed in a previous post, shoes are one of the accessories to splurge on. Anyone who’s had to endure a painful night out in a cheap pair of dress shoes or heels knows exactly why designer brands are worth every penny.
Designers spend a lot of time, energy and money perfecting the fit of their shoes. As a result, they not only look great they also feel great. Well-made designer brand shoes also tend to last a lot longer. More miles mean more value.
Scarves – Going Cheap is Perfectly Fine
As long as a scarf looks good and helps you keep warm, that’s all that really matters. Scarves don’t require an exact fit or any special design. They’re essentially a swath of cloth that’s super simple to sew together. Plus, no one will know if it’s a designer brand unless the logo is incorporated into the print.
Jewelry – Authentic Designer Brands Hold Value
Jewelry is often the most expensive accessory a person can don – if it’s the real deal. Unlike many other accessories, real jewelry from a designer brand can increase in value over time. The same can’t be said about cheap costume jewelry.
Case in point, jewelry from Tiffany’s. The precious metals and stones will of course make a difference since they’re a limited resource. But having that iconic Tiffany & Co. stamp immediately denotes value. It also helps that the brand specializes in classic designs that never go out of style.
One piece of jewelry men and women should splurge on is a nice watch. Sure, you can check the time on your smartphone, but nothing beats beautifully crafted Swiss watch brands or other designer watches on your wrist.
Hair Accessories – Save Your Money
Barrettes, clips, headbands, ponytail holders, bun cuffs – there are a lot of hair accessories for women out there. The real issue with dropping cash on design hair accessories is they’re usually in style for a short period.
There are plenty of designer knockoff hair accessories, so you’re better off buying those and saving your money for the accessories that aren’t as affected by the latest trends.
Moral of the story – when craftsmanship and/or comfort are required it’s worth splurging on well-made designer brands like Paris mode headbands makes a big difference.
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