How to use a top as an accessory. 6 ideas for you to try.

Part of the style philosophy I live and teach is that what's already hanging in our wardrobe probably has more potential than most people realise.

And we're not only talking outfit combinations. This past week I was doing some initial planning for an upcoming solo trip to New York. And top of the list I wrote "maximum versatility from minimum items."

Does this mean I'm planning on hand luggage only? Good god no!

What I want is the clothes I take to work hard to give me maximum versatility in outfit choices. Because I don't know about you, but in the past I've landed places, got to my accommodation, opened my case and looked at my choices and wondered what the hell was I thinking?

Which results in feeling irritated every time I get dressed because everything feels a bit meh. Uggh!

Anyway one thing I'll definitely be applying for this trip is using items that aren't meant to be accessories as accessories to help make outfits feel pulled together.

And below there are 6 ideas for you to try.

In this instance I'm using one long sleeve top as the very hardworking accessory. But there are no rules — you can use shirts, jumpers, jackets, dresses. All it requires is some experimentation to find the ones that work and feel right for you.

Oh and just quickly before we get to styling I first want to address something I heard someone say on a podcast recently (which you might also be thinking).

The person was saying "why do people drape other pieces of clothing across themselves? Do they think they're a clothes horse?!" The underlying tone was it seems pointless and a bit stupid.

I can't speak for everyone (obviously) but I know for me (and this is what I teach my clients) that there's always a reason why something is there. It’s bringing something to the table.

In this outfit the draped top is there to make the outfit feel intentional and pulled together using what in my style coaching I refer to as colour nods. Which in this outfit translates to bringing black and white to the top of the outfit to nod to my black and white shoes.

So with that out of the way let's get into the meat and potatoes of the styling.

Idea 1: The drape and go

Showing the drape and go layering method — The Drape and Go: Literally what it says on the tin!

Idea 2: The drape knot and go

Showing the drape knot and go layering method — The drape knot and go: Need it a bit more secure? just add a knot and play till your happy with how it sits.

Idea 3: The side drape knot and go

The side drape knot and go: Same as above but twist to the side.

The waist tie over the top

Showing the knot at the waist and go layering method — The waist tie over the top: I often put this on a diagonal. The eye loves Diagonal lines in outfits.

Idea 5: The waist tie under the top

The waist tie under the top layering method — The waist tie under the top: This one is on a diagonal as the top.

Idea 6: The diagonal drape knot and go

The cross over knot and go layering method — The cross over knot and go: This how I wore it with this outfit and I also added a shirt so the B&W nods carried on down the leg.

You can watch the full video demo over on my Instagram here

In conclusion your wardrobe probably already contains items that would make great accessories and all it requires is some experimentation to find the ones that feel right for you and I hope these ideas have inspired you.

Till next time

Sarah xoxoxo

Who I am and what I do.

Hi I’m Sarah a Holistic Personal Style Coach and I work with women who are done being a colourful person in a beige outfit and non stop guessing themselves. The women I work with are ready to own what they want break free from holding themselves. Using style and my Fuck Yeah Methodology I help them become the version of themselves who breaks rules, takes up space, goes all in what she wants and stops shrinking for anyone.