The right accessories can transform a simple dress into a complete, polished outfit. Conversely, poor accessory choices can overwhelm or underwhelm an otherwise beautiful dress. Understanding how to accessorise different dress styles is a skill that elevates your entire wardrobe without requiring you to purchase new clothes.
This guide covers the fundamentals of accessorising, from choosing the right jewellery for various necklines to selecting shoes and bags that complement rather than compete with your dress.
The Golden Rule of Accessorising
Before diving into specifics, remember the most important accessorising principle: balance. If your dress is elaborate, keep accessories minimal. If your dress is simple, accessories can be more statement-making. This push-and-pull creates visual harmony rather than chaos.
The 3-Point Rule
Limit yourself to three main accessories or points of interest. This might be earrings, a belt, and shoes; or a necklace, bracelet, and bag. More than three can feel cluttered.
Jewellery by Neckline
The neckline of your dress largely determines which jewellery will work best. The goal is to complement the shape rather than compete with it.
V-Necklines
V-necks are wonderfully versatile. A pendant necklace that echoes the V-shape works beautifully, as do layered chains of varying lengths. For very deep V-necks, longer necklaces create elegant lines. Alternatively, skip the necklace entirely and let statement earrings take centre stage.
Round and Scoop Necklines
These open necklines pair well with shorter necklaces like chokers or princess-length chains (16-18 inches). Multi-layered delicate chains work particularly well. Avoid pendant necklaces that hang too low, as they can look lost against the curved neckline.
Square and Straight Necklines
Angular necklines suit angular jewellery. Geometric pendants, bar necklaces, and structured collar necklaces complement the lines beautifully. Chokers also work well with square necklines.
High Necklines and Mock Necks
When the neckline is covered, draw attention elsewhere. Statement earrings, interesting bracelets, or bold rings become your focal points. Skip the necklace entirely—it will only compete with the fabric detail.
Off-the-Shoulder and Strapless
These styles showcase your shoulders and collarbone. Keep necklaces simple or skip them altogether. Instead, focus on statement earrings that draw the eye upward. Dainty drop earrings or dramatic chandeliers both work depending on the occasion.
Earring Tip
Consider your hairstyle when choosing earrings. Hair worn up showcases long drop earrings beautifully. Hair worn down may hide elaborate earrings—in this case, choose smaller studs or hoops that peek through.
Accessorising by Dress Style
Maxi Dresses
Flowing maxi dresses have a relaxed, bohemian quality that pairs well with natural materials and layered pieces. Consider:
- Layered gold or wooden bead necklaces
- Stacked bracelets or bangles
- Wedge sandals or flat strappy sandals
- Woven bags or crossbody styles
- Wide belts to define the waist (optional)
Cocktail Dresses
Cocktail attire calls for polished, sophisticated accessories. Less is often more here:
- Classic pearl or diamond studs
- A delicate tennis bracelet
- Pointed-toe heels or strappy sandals
- A structured clutch or small crossbody
- A cocktail ring for subtle sparkle
Evening Gowns
Formal occasions allow for more dramatic accessories, but restraint is still key. Let one element be the star:
- Chandelier earrings OR a statement necklace (not both)
- Elegant heeled sandals or pointed pumps
- A satin or beaded clutch
- Consider a delicate hair accessory for updos
Casual Day Dresses
Everyday dresses benefit from effortless, comfortable accessories:
- Simple gold or silver hoops
- A dainty pendant necklace
- Comfortable flats, sneakers, or ankle boots
- A practical crossbody or tote bag
- Sunglasses as a style statement
Choosing the Right Shoes
Shoes can make or break an outfit. The key is matching the formality of the shoe to the formality of the dress, while also considering practical factors like comfort and the setting.
Heel Height Guidelines
- Maxi dresses: Flat sandals maintain the relaxed vibe; wedges add height without formality; block heels offer stability
- Midi dresses: Very versatile—flats, kitten heels, or higher heels all work
- Mini dresses: Balance shorter hemlines with substantial shoes; ankle boots or block heels ground the look
- Formal dresses: Heeled sandals or pumps are traditional; consider comfort for long events
Colour Matching
Nude shoes in your skin tone visually lengthen the leg. Black is always safe for evening. Metallics (gold, silver) are neutral and work with most colours. Match your metals (gold jewellery with gold shoes, for example) for a cohesive look.
Selecting the Right Bag
Your bag should complement both the dress and the occasion. Size and structure matter as much as colour and style.
Bag Guidelines by Occasion
- Formal events: Small clutches or minaudières in satin, leather, or embellished styles
- Cocktail parties: Structured small bags or chain-strap crossbodies
- Daytime events: Larger bags are acceptable; crossbodies and totes work well
- Casual outings: Relaxed styles like canvas totes, woven bags, or casual crossbodies
Belts and Waist Accessories
Belts add structure and definition, particularly useful for dresses that lack waist detail. However, not every dress needs a belt.
When to Add a Belt
- Shift dresses can be transformed with a waist-defining belt
- Maxi dresses sometimes benefit from a belt to prevent looking shapeless
- Shirt dresses often look polished with a coordinating belt
When to Skip the Belt
- Bodycon dresses—adding a belt creates unnecessary bulk
- Dresses with existing waist details (seaming, embellishment, ties)
- Empire waist dresses—the waistline is intentionally high
Key Takeaway
Successful accessorising is about intention, not accumulation. Choose pieces that enhance your dress and express your personal style, rather than adding accessories for the sake of it.
Seasonal Accessorising Tips
Australian seasons affect accessory choices beyond just warmth considerations.
Summer: Lighter materials—straw bags, delicate jewellery, flat sandals. Avoid heavy metals that heat up in the sun. Consider waterproof or beach-friendly options for coastal events.
Winter: Layer accessories for warmth and style. Add tights and boots to summer dresses. Scarves and structured coats become accessory pieces themselves.
Building an Accessory Wardrobe
You don't need dozens of accessories to be well-accessorised. A thoughtful collection of versatile pieces serves you better than a drawer full of trendy items.
Essential accessories to own: Quality stud earrings, simple hoop earrings, a delicate chain necklace, a structured black clutch, nude heels, black heels, comfortable flats, and a versatile everyday bag. These basics will accessorise most dresses in your wardrobe.
With these fundamentals in place, you can add statement pieces over time that reflect your personal style and special occasion needs.