8 Basic Clothing Accessories for Women
Clothing accessories have been around for a long time. Various fashions and trends in British culture had emerged and developed in the United Kingdom, the British Empire and throughout the Victorian era.
In that period, women usually worked in the private, domestic atmosphere, whereas in earlier centuries, women assisted their husbands and brothers in labour and also in the family business. Regardless, clothes were seen as a way for a woman to be identified in society; which had to fall under social class.
Upper-class women often wore tight lacy corsets over a bodice and they paired them with skirts adorned with embroideries and trims. They wore those over layers of petticoats. Middle-class women dressed similarly to the upper class; they were fished out by their non-extravagant layers.
Each layer of clothing or accessory were heavy, as corsets made movement stiff and restricted. Even though the clothes screamed wealth, they weren’t comfortable at all.
I wouldn’t want to be in that position neither do you, which brings us to the ‘’turning point’’. In the 20th century, simpler and lighter accessories came to light. Corsets and skirts embroidered with trims and God-knows-what were put aside and ‘’anything goes’’ had come to stay. Women wanted to wear a blouse and a skirt and go to factories or offices that made them dress simple, neat and at the same time smart.
Corsets were replaced with elastic girdles and brassieres. Their hair was cut shorter and made into perm (permanent waves). The ideal figure was slim, backless gowns and mouth-watering necklines were embraced in the society.
Definition of Clothing Accessories.
They are defined as items or materials that help complement your style and outfit. They may not be essential, but when they are added to your piece of clothing, they help make a statement and make you look more efficient and make you seem like a person of taste.
Just like corsets and embroidery skirts helped distinguish the upper-class women from the middle-class, our simpler and modern accessories help add a bit of function to what we put on. We wear them to basic gatherings, social or religious activities, dates and most time, to feel comfy at home.
This leads us to the important section. Read on to know the basic clothing accessories a woman needs to have.
Basic Clothing Accessories for Women
In this section, we’ll cover 8 basic accessories for women to own. We will also look at their uses and case examples as to where you can use them so they can complement your look and outfit.
1. Earrings
Earrings have been worn in different historical periods and are also known as the oldest form of body modification. This is an important piece of jewellery every woman should own, as they come in several materials including precious stones. Wood, bone, glass, metal, plastics, and other materials. They also come in various aesthetic shapes and sizes.
We have various types of earrings. They include statement earrings, minimal/stud earrings (which happens to be my favourite), hoop earrings, dangle earrings, ear thread and barbell earrings. A big reason for wearing earrings is that they help bring out your feminine side.
2. Handbags and/or Purse
A handbag is a large piece of accessories that are used in carrying our personal effects beyond money. What do I mean by my personal effects? I mean things or items that will come in handy when we are out. They serve as our mobile wardrobe on a day-to-day basis.
Let’s say you’ve got your visitor and you have to be at an event, your pad or tampon can go in your handbag for easy access. You can’t take your wardrobe out in public just because you need to change, but your bag comes in handy.
Other personal effects that can be kept in a handbag include a hand sanitiser (it’s needed daily, not until a pandemic occurs), some cash, your credit card, lip balm or gloss, a pen (this is a lifesaver, you don’t know when you or a seat partner will need it), some wipes (after using the restroom) and whatever essential you may need daily.
If the handbag is too big, a purse can also come in handy. It does the same function as that of a handbag and requires less amount of personal effect.
3. Shoes
Shoes are footwear worn to protect our feet. They are also a form of fashion and decoration. When you have a quality shoe on, they add strings to your steps which makes you confident.
As a woman, the basic shoes you should own should include a flat shoe that complements your clothes, shape and style; a sneaker for going on a hike or going to the gym, a pair of sandals or heels that will flatter you in that gown. You should aim for the basics before heading over to brands like Christian Louboutin and the likes (link this) for fashion statement pieces.
4. Belts
This is another important accessory to own as a woman. They are flexible fashion pieces worn over a pair of jeans or a gown across the waist.
Belts come in the following materials: suede, leather, rope, canvas, and webbing just to mention a few. They also help complement your outlook and help in colour blocking.
5. Scarves
This is a piece of clothing worn around the neck or head. It serves as a piece for protection, warmth, religious gatherings, to show support for a game or club and most of all, fashion. They come in different materials — wool, silk, linen and cotton.
They are also used to improvise. In a situation where a hairband is not available, a scarf will do just fine. When styled properly, they make heads turn. They are also tied on bags for fashion statements.
6. Cardigan
It is called a sweater or pullover in Australian and British English; and a windcheater in most parts of Australia. But whatever you call it, it serves the same purpose. They are worn by everyone, over a blouse, a tee-shirt, or a dress. They act as a bigger layer over your piece of clothing and are worn during cold weather.
Without being told, this is a basic accessory to own as a woman.
7. Wristwatch
I feel naked when I don’t have a watch on my wrist regardless of what I have on. And when I have it on, I feel complete and have a good feeling that I am going to have a great day. Ladies, having a watch is very essential as it makes you look and feel responsible.
It adds aesthetics and charm to your demeanour. They don’t also act as a decorative piece of fashion, they add function, class and grace to your steps.
Oh, and I pair mine with some bracelets to make me feel more powerful. How do you pair yours? I’ll love to know. Hit me in the comment section.
8. Socks
They add a sporty look to your outfit when worn properly (let’s say going for a run, a hike or the gym)
The socks trend has come to stay, as there are many ways to rock and style them. In this video, you will see how socks can be styled and worn for different occasions. I promise that you’ll be wowed.
Conclusion
This brings us to the end of this journey. Let me know about other clothing accessories that tickle your fancy. Perhaps you own some accessories not mentioned here, let’s hear in the comment section.
