A beautiful dress is just the beginning of a stunning formal outfit. The right accessories can transform a simple gown into a show-stopping look, while poor accessory choices can undermine even the most gorgeous dress. Understanding how to accessorise is an essential skill for anyone navigating the world of formal fashion.
This guide covers everything from jewellery selection to choosing the perfect shoes and bag, helping you create a cohesive, polished look for any formal occasion.
The Golden Rule of Accessorising
Before diving into specifics, remember this fundamental principle: balance is everything. If your dress is heavily embellished, keep accessories minimal. If your dress is simple, accessories are your opportunity to add personality and sparkle.
Key Principle
Choose one focal point for your outfit. If it's your stunning dress, let accessories support rather than compete. If your dress is understated, let accessories take centre stage.
Jewellery: The Finishing Touch
Necklines and Necklaces
Your dress's neckline largely determines what necklace (if any) works best:
V-Neck: A pendant or Y-necklace that follows the V-line is most flattering. The necklace should end above where the V ends.
Strapless/Sweetheart: Statement necklaces shine here, or skip the necklace entirely and focus on dramatic earrings.
High Neck/Halter: Generally, skip the necklace to avoid visual clutter. Let earrings and bracelets do the talking.
Off-Shoulder: Chokers or short pendant necklaces work beautifully, drawing attention to the collarbone area.
Boat Neck: Princess or matinee length necklaces (17-24 inches) complement the horizontal line beautifully.
When in doubt, skip the necklace and invest in stunning earrings. They frame your face, appear in photos, and never compete with your neckline.
Earring Selection
Earrings are often the most important jewellery choice for formal events:
- Statement earrings: Perfect with simple dresses and minimal other jewellery
- Drop earrings: Elongate the face and neck; ideal for most formal occasions
- Studs: Classic and understated; pair with busy dresses or other statement pieces
- Hoops: Modern and chic; choose refined styles for formal events
- Chandeliers: Maximum drama; reserve for your most glamorous occasions
Bracelets and Rings
These accessories are often afterthoughts but can complete your look:
- Tennis bracelets add subtle elegance without overwhelming
- Cuff bracelets make a statement with sleeveless dresses
- Cocktail rings add personality without competing with other elements
- Stack delicate rings for a modern, editorial look
Metal Mixing
The old rule of matching all metals is outdated. Modern styling embraces mixing:
- Mixing gold and silver creates an intentional, fashion-forward look
- Rose gold bridges warm and cool tones beautifully
- Match the most prominent metal to your dress's hardware (zips, buttons)
- Choose one dominant metal if you're unsure
Shoes: Style Meets Practicality
Heel Heights and Styles
Your shoe choice affects both your look and your comfort throughout the event:
Stilettos: Maximum elegance but challenging for long events. Best for venues with smooth floors and limited walking.
Block heels: Stable and comfortable while still elongating the leg. Perfect for outdoor events or all-day affairs.
Kitten heels: Elegant yet comfortable; increasingly fashionable for formal events.
Wedges: Ideal for outdoor or garden events where stilettos would sink into grass.
Flats: Absolutely acceptable for formal events when chosen carefully. Look for embellished styles, pointed toes, or luxurious materials.
Always check your hemline with the shoes you'll actually wear. If you buy the dress and heels separately, bring the dress (and shapewear if applicable) when shoe shopping.
Colour Coordination
Shoe colour options for formal wear:
- Nude/Skin-tone: Elongates the leg; works with virtually any dress colour
- Metallic (gold/silver): Versatile statement-makers; choose based on jewellery tone
- Black: Classic choice for dark or black dresses; can appear heavy with light colours
- Matching: Same colour as dress creates a monochromatic, elegant look
- Contrasting: Makes a deliberate style statement; ensure it's intentional, not mismatched
Bags and Clutches
Choosing the Right Style
Formal events call for small, elegant bags:
Clutches: The traditional choice for formal events. Ensure it's large enough for essentials but small enough to tuck elegantly under your arm.
Minaudières: Hard-shell decorative clutches often in metallic or jewelled finishes. Perfect for very formal occasions.
Small crossbody: Modern and practical when you need hands free for cocktails and canapés.
Wristlets: A middle ground between clutch and crossbody; stay secured to your wrist while leaving hands relatively free.
What to Pack
Essentials for your formal clutch:
- Phone and keys (if needed)
- Lipstick or gloss for touch-ups
- Blotting papers or setting powder
- Mini perfume
- Emergency supplies: plasters, safety pins, fashion tape
- Cash and cards (in a slim cardholder if possible)
Wraps, Shawls, and Cover-Ups
These pieces serve both functional and aesthetic purposes:
When to Add a Cover-Up
- Religious ceremonies requiring shoulder coverage
- Outdoor events where temperatures may drop
- Over-air-conditioned venues
- To add a layer of elegance to a simple dress
Types of Cover-Ups
Pashminas: Versatile and available in every colour; can be worn multiple ways.
Faux fur stoles: Glamorous and warm; perfect for winter events.
Boleros: Structured short jackets that stay in place without adjusting.
Capes: Dramatic and elegant; ideal for making an entrance.
Hair Accessories
Hair accessories add the final polish to your formal look:
Options to Consider
- Embellished hairpins: Subtle sparkle for updos
- Headbands: From subtle to statement; choose based on your dress
- Hair combs: Secure updos while adding decoration
- Fascinators: Traditional for racing events and some weddings
- Fresh flowers: Romantic touch for garden or bohemian events
Hair accessories should complement, not compete with, your earrings. If wearing statement earrings, choose subtle hair accessories. If your ears are bare, hair accessories can take centre stage.
Putting It All Together
Before the Event
- Lay out your complete outfit, including all accessories
- Try everything on together to ensure cohesion
- Take a photo to reference when getting ready
- Check that your bag fits all essentials
- Practise walking in your shoes
Day-of Checklist
- Do hair and makeup before putting on jewellery (avoid snagging)
- Add necklace first, then earrings, then bracelets
- Final mirror check from all angles
- Pack touch-up essentials in your clutch
Final Thoughts
Accessorising is both an art and a skill that improves with practice. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations—you might discover unexpected pairings that become your signature look. The goal is to enhance your natural beauty and complement your dress, creating a complete picture that makes you feel confident and camera-ready.
Remember, the best accessories are the ones that make you feel like yourself. Whether you prefer understated elegance or dramatic glamour, stay true to your personal style while adapting to the occasion's requirements.