Accessories can make or break an outfit. A pretty patent peep-toe pump can jazz up a tee shirt and jeans combo instantly; an over-sized clutch paired with a wide-leg trouser and blouse toughens up a professional look while maintaining a feminine edge; and a chunky necklace layered over a basic turtleneck adds unexpected depth to simple fall staple. 

Think of accessories as frosting on your favorite cake—the cake will probably already be moist and delicious, but when the frosting is added, it becomes amazingly scrumptious. 

But there is an art to accessorizing; a method to expertly adding these extras, and if you accessorize incorrectly, you lose all fashion credibility. 

There’s no need to fret—below are a few dos and don’ts to serve as a guide to accessorizing. 

DO use accessories to update a basic wardrobe from season-to-season.

Instead of buying the latest cut of the wide-leg denim, or this season’s take on the pencil skirts, pick up a few of-the-moment extras to update your look. The key is to fill your closet with basic pieces that pair well with trendy accessories. Then pick-and-choose the major accessories of the season—an oxford pump, a warm scarf, a large tote in a fall color—since they are less expensive then buying a new wardrobe each season. 

DON’T become too matchy-matchy.

If the same color is being used in all of your accessories, they are all competing for one prize: serving as the statement accessory. A red bag, with red shoes a red bangle it too much—and it gives off an amateur vibe. Try a red pump—the statement accessory—and use a muted earth tone for your bag and necklace. Throwing in an accessory in an unexpected color shows courage and fashion savvy. 

DO know your body shape.

Belts can help achieve the favorable hourglass silhouette that most women desire. But picking the correct one for your body is important. Skinny belts flatter smaller frames; and the same goes for larger ones. Accessories serve a purpose; therefore, they should be used to make your shape look better, not worse.  Know your body and what works for you and accessorize accordingly. 

DON’T over-accessorize.

Sometimes an accessory isn’t needed. A chunky necklace with a logo tee causes confusion and leaves the viewer wondering what to pay attention too. A scarf in a bright color layered over bright colored sweater is accessory overkill. Again, choose a statement accessory and let it steal the show. Accessories serve as enhancement to an outfit; when they start to take over, you might be committing the over-accessorizing crime.