Deck Yourself Out

As the rage of minimalism and “clean girl” aesthetics subside, the controversial idea that “more is more” has become increasingly popular in modern approaches and philosophies regarding the process of getting dressed. 

I am hardly contesting the timelessness, style, or care evident in an effective basic outfit. Still, while a classic, minimalistic outfit on its own is unlikely to ever go out of style, for the creative, newly adventurous (and, potentially bored) souls, with a few additions, it can serve as the optimal base for something arguably much more visually interesting that offers more opportunities for self expression.

Editor’s Note: Go Yankees!!

The easiest, and generally most effective, way to season an outfit is through accessories. Easy to forget when in a rush and seemingly minute (in size and importance), accessories – especially those less conventional – can make the biggest impact. When executed correctly, accessories manufacture a dialogue between each other, each part of the outfit, and its wearer – fundamentally altering the discourse of a cohesive look. 

Accessories are a vital (and oftentimes underutilized and unexplored) tool in creative expression. There are an infinite number of ways to accessorize an outfit, and thus an infinite number of ways to explore and spice up your outfit; any one person’s approach is likely to be unique. 

One might, for example, opt for a classic baseball cap to emanate an effortless and chill, elevated americana, laid back vibe. They may even actually be expressing support for whatever team or organization embellishes the cap, expressing regional pride or athletic superiority. On the other hand, one might channel their inner Hannah Montana (or Hillary Duff) with a cadet-style cap, as a fun y2k-esque fashion statement. 

And, despite the connection with the quasi-rococo “more is more” ideology and maximalist movement, accessories are far from superfluous. Aside from their aesthetic purposes, accessories are often functional, too. 

Coming in handy in these last couple months of the semester, items like the baseball or cadet cap can work to guard your face and eyes from the sun, while alternative hats (such as the ushanka or classic beanie) can help keep you warm in the winter. 

Similarly, glasses – reading, sun, and blue-light alike – are an accessory which serve an important purpose while adding a layer of interest to an outfit. As a bonus, they also serve as a great makeshift headband for keeping long hair out of the face and eyes. 

Hair accessories, as well, work to help keep hair in order and make an outfit interesting, and our common among students at St Andrews for aesthetic and practical purposes. Cloth headbands can add a fun pop of color or pattern to a look, and solid ones (like a zig-zag headband) can introduce a new shape and add visual interest. Claw clips can provide an effortless, casual, messy-bun-esque look, while something like a french barrette suggests a more put-together outfit. Either way, hair accessories are often a functional “cherry on top” to an outfit, indicating intention and style.

Popular, too, on the streets of St Andrews, is the ever-versatile belt. Pants a smidge too baggy? Belt. Outfit boring and needs something interesting to visually break it up? Belt. Belts can be the answer to many of your problems. A simple, classic belt can carry more than its weight, elevating a basic outfit in a clean, simple way while allowing the wearer to manipulate where the eye is drawn; while something more fun, like a studded belt, can add an especially interesting and unexpected pop to an otherwise basic outfit. The less-than-functional chain belt, as well, can also be a powerful accessessory, especially with more plain skirts and dresses in the summer months.

Interest can further be added to a basic outfit through the necessary component of a pair of shoes. Shoes, while hardly considered an accessory, can be made so when they do the work of an accessory to, as a small element, uplift an outfit greatly. An elevated pair, common on the streets of St Andrews, like boots or loafers, can easily upgrade most outfits. However, most apt to the cobblestone streets of St Andrews and the walking necessary for most uni students – as well as most comfortable, effective, and (in my opinion) fun – is a unique pair of sneakers. 

Whether through sparkles, pattern, color, or shape, interest can be so easily added to an outfit through choice of shoes.

Similarly, the primarily functional uni bag can simultaneously serve as a fashion statement – one surefire way for students to express themselves and spice up an outfit is through choice of bag. While not everyone has it in them for their everyday book bag to be sparkly or vibrant, an interesting shape, texture, or even small element – such as braided tassels on the zippers or a scarf donning the strap – can elevate an outfit. Even the ubiquitous, ever-utile Longchamp Le Pliage can add greatly to an outfit with the simple addition of scarves or charms, with which students can customise and use to express their individual identity.

While accessories may seem a minor thing, they can often serve a major purpose. Don’t be afraid to deck yourself out!