Accessorizing: the most underrated art in fashion

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Entertainment Column

Accessories can make or break an outfit. But do you really ever stop to think about the implications a piece of jewelry or a belt could have on your look? For example, I bet you have a preference for gold or silver, but did you know there’s actually a way to tell which would fit your outfit more? Generally, the casual dress rule for those is: if you wear more black, wear gold, and if you wear more white, wear silver. This tip is for if you want your jewelry to stand out. If not, go for the opposite. There are so many contradictions that it can be hard to figure out what’s going to look good, so here is a guide on how to accessorize.

Accessorizing is heavily influenced by what fashion movements or “aesthetics’’ you take part in. This can range from punk to cottagecore, and there are some general suggestions for these genres. For instance, something more alternative or “alt” (think steampunk or emo), usually has a lot of focus on accessories, so belts, necklaces, and shoes are more noticeable here. Alternatively, in more colorful or minimalist styles such as cottagecore or loungewear, there’s an additional focus on ear- rings, necklaces, and wrist jewelry.

Here are just a few examples of accessories that you forgot were a huge deal: skinny sun- glasses, scrunchies, sun hats, and big belt buckles (although that one’s coming back), just to name a few. Accessories will obviously transcend from one style to another, but this is just a basic overview to introduce you to the idea that accessories can be a part of trends, or even act as trends themselves.

Berkeley High School falls into a weird place when considering fashion and trends. At a smaller high school, trends are easier to spot with a smaller quantity of students, whereas at a university, comfort is seen as a priority. Due to the larger quantity of students, people are bound to care a lot less about a stranger’s outfit. At BHS, I’ve noticed that we lean more towards comfort, but that there is also a strong presence of accessories as trends.

Students at BHS seem to favor streetwear or loungewear styles and there are also definitely some Y2K trends prevalent (think low-rise). While belts are being used less as statement pieces at BHS, long necklaces are making a comeback. Shoes, especially sneakers, are continuing to stay very popular but statement socks have seemed to die off. Fewer rings appear around campus, but necklaces and ear- rings are still staying popular.

Trends at BHS don’t fluctuate too much which, while it is a good thing for the environment, it remains possibly a little less good interest-wise. What is great about trends not shifting wildly is that you can take time to figure out how you feel about certain trends and make them custom to yourself.