Accessories: Form and Function

accessorizing

And the blue coat is back…

Let’s call this a bonus post, in addition to the 3 posts featuring outfits created around this coat (maximalist, minimalist and casual).

Why? Well, because, in my opinion, you should be able to create at least half a dozen outfits around one coat. Or simply wear one coat with everything you have in your wardrobe. I think that’s the way most people (except hose with unlimited budgets and wardrobes) wear their clothes: over and over again.

Besides, I really wanted to wear this coat with this particular scarf (I also wore this combo exactly a year ago…)

Prada sunglasses

how to accessorize over 40

over 40 blogger

Yes, I planned this outfit around the coat and the scarf: everything else is there to complement this combo.

I do that a lot. Create and outfit around one or two details, I mean. Often it’s the bag, sometimes the sunglasses. Accessories, rather than the clothes. My clothes are seldom that interesting.

My accessories, on the other hand, are what I spend most of my clothing budget on. It makes sense as they’re meant to last longer and transcend fleeting trends. Besides, you’re never too fat/thin/short/tall for fabulous accessories.

You see, I don’t see accessories as something merely for decoration. Quite the contrary: most of my accessories always have a very practical purpose.

I don’t wear a scarf to ‘add colour or interest’ to an outfit. I wear a scarf to protect my neck from the cold. Which is why I like my scarves big enough and in materials that feel soft on the skin.

Similarly, I wear sunglasses to protect my (very sensitive) eyes from the bright sunlight, and my bag needs to hold all the stuff I carry with me.

For me, most accessories are functional: they must do the job they’re for, or I won’t wear them. For example, I’ve never understood why some women buy shoes they can’t walk in. Not only should I be able to walk comfortably in my shoes, I should be able to do that all day.

However, even though I am unashamedly comfort-driven, I expect my accessories to ooze style, too.  Or, rather, I expect the perfect union of form and functionality. It’s the same as with people: brains and beauty must go hand in hand, otherwise they’re useless (well, beauty without brains is useless…).

how to wear blue

wearing bright colours

designer accessories

Outfit details:

Coat: Jaeger (old) / top: Vila (old) / trousers: Marks and Spencer (old) /

bag: Furla / shoes: Clarks (old) / sunglasses: Prada / scarf: Alexander McQueen (old)

What about you, do you expect your accessories to be functional?

Tiina

Linking up with:

Not Dead Yet StyleElegantly Dressed and StylishHigh Latitude StyleThe Pleated PoppyStyle ElixirA Labour of LifeDoused in PinkCurly Crafty MomFashion Should Be FunRachel the HatSincerely Jenna MarieMore Pieces of MeColor and GraceThe Wardrobe StylistNot Dressed As LambStyle NudgeCoco et La Vie en Rose,  Living on Cloud NineA Well Styled LifeElegance and MommyhoodPosh Classy MomNancy’s Fashion StyleShelbee on the Edge Over 50 Feeling 40 A Pocketful of Polka Dots Style SplashThe Fashionista MommaTina’s Pink FridayFake FabulousLazy daisy JonesVanity and MeSheela WritesJodie’s Touch of StyleGlass of Glam, Mummabstylish

6 Comments

  1. mummabstylish
    12 April 2018 / 3:54 pm

    What a gorgeous coloured coat, your scarf is a perfect match. I'd love you to add your post to my #chicandstylish #linkup Tiina. It's every Thursday over on Mummabstylish. Jacqui xx

    • Tiina L
      16 April 2018 / 12:24 pm

      Thanks, Jacqui!

  2. Elegance and Mommyhood
    13 April 2018 / 4:23 pm

    You make a great analogy about form+function in comparison to brains+beauty. I love accessories too and your body can change always, they will still fit. Your blue coat and matching scarf are great. You look so put-together as usual.Welcome by and join my new linkup, it goes live every Thursday. Thanks, Ada. =)http://eleganceandmommyhood.blogspot.com/2018/04/thursday-moda-110-trying-something.html

    • Tiina L
      16 April 2018 / 12:25 pm

      Thanks, Ada. Yes, accessories never fail, and they always make you feel good (unlike clothes, which might get moody and not fit all of a sudden..)

  3. señora Allnut
    16 April 2018 / 11:52 am

    Once more, I totally agree with you (which is amazing, as I'm a maximalist!). But I'm also a huge fan of comfort, particularly concerning shoes, and many times I pick my clothes to match a pair of shoes, a scarf, a bag that I want to wear for a practical purpose. I also agree about coats, they have to match as many outfits as possible, at least 6-7 outfits. I think that your coat is a fabulous piece, versatile, cool and elegant, which ticks all the boxes!. And I always love your accessorizing, Brilliant!!besos

    • Tiina L
      16 April 2018 / 12:28 pm

      Thank you. Well, whether you're a minimalist or a maximalist, the same principles still work: comfort comes first, and clothes (and accessories) should fit around your life (and not the other way round)…

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