Coco Chanel is famously quoted for saying “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off. It is always better to be underdressed.”

As someone who always out dresses the occasion, this was a tough one to learn. I’ve been through a lot of fashion phases in my life, anything and everything from minimalism to maximalism. At the beginning of junior year, accessories were MY THING. I would show up to school, to events, to parties with at least 13 rings on and about five necklaces cluttering my neck.

I began to build this reputation for myself – this incessant need to be different, to stand out. When I would visit shops, the owners would affectionately say “Oh look, it’s ring girl!” Although part of my personality does include a love for fashion, I had begun to base my personality on my clothing rather than basing my clothing on my personality.

When I eventually realized my excessive accessorizing made me uncomfortable and started to change my style, I felt bad. I thought if I changed this style I had developed that everyone knew and loved, I’d be unrecognizable. I was afraid of being so-called “basic.”

Here’s the thing – “basic” just doesn’t exist. Wear what makes you happy simply because it makes you happy. Liking it and being comfortable are valid reasons to wear something.

So, now in the last few months of my senior year, here is what I’ve learned about accessorizing, emphasizing and putting together a cohesive outfit.

I’ve learned that in any style – no matter how simple or how crazy – there’s a balance to accessories, to putting pieces together. Despite my saying that “if wearing something makes you happy wear it,” there are still general rules to accessorizing that I think everyone should be aware of.

For example, if your outfit includes a really vibrant shirt or any bold piece of clothing, keep the accessories simple. However, if an outfit is plain with little pattern or embellishment, a few extra pieces of clothing will complete the look.

For some, the style or the piece speaks for itself and accessorizing is not needed, however, a simple outfit may call for attention in certain areas. This might include a belt, sunglasses, a scarf, jewelry or a ring or two.

Another way to gauge whether or not your outfit needs more or less is by layering your clothes. By accentuating layering, there is less of a need for accessories. For example, instead of a tee shirt and jeans (a great staple combo) you might layer a long sleeve underneath with a jacket. Personally, I prefer to layer my clothes and use accessories as a way of completing or putting the outfit together.

Shoes are probably, at least in my opinion, the most essential accessory you can add to an outfit. Your outfit can look like nothing goes, nothing matches, and then you add the right pair of shoes and it all comes together. They can tie in with the belt, the jacket, the accent colors in the shirt or even a bag. As long as they match some other component the outfit will look complete. I guarantee it.

When trying to find inspiration for outfits, I like to keep a few people or brands in mind. I’ve made a note of a few to keep in mind depending on the style I’m looking for. A few are on the eccentric/eclectic side, meaning unconventional with more elements to them. Also, there are some more simplistic ones if you’re looking for a classic, basic look with less accessorizing.

Eccentric – Iris Apfel, Johnny Depp, Wisdom Kaye, Free People, Urban Outfitters
Simplistic – Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Emma Chamberlain, Banana Republic

To accessorize or not to accessorize – that is the question. Now that you know my way, the answer is up to you!

Join me next time to discuss everything trends! Learn the difference between following trends and having style, runway fashion, how trends are born, washed-up trends, fleeting trends and how to pick trends you know will suit you forever.

To read a previous blog, go to Sense of Style: How to build your own.

To read more from The Feather, go to Noah Feldman speaks at San Joaquin Valley Town Hall and Moving Forward: Navigating Friendships.