Written by Wendy Mak

Can you (and should you) accessorise an outfit that already has a large/obvious pattern or print?

Our natural tendency is to not bother accessorising for fear of taking things over the top - after all, prints, colour AND accessories to boot? What an outrageous thought!

In truth accessorising prints and patterns can work - and there is a very simple rule of thumb that you can apply when trying to bling up your patterned outfits.

Everything in fashion (as in life) is about balance, so when I have a client in something busy in terms of a print or colour, I tend to use accessories that are more sleek and minimalist. So, the rule of thumb is to use simple, solid, one-colour accessories with anything patterned or "busy". Equally, with an outfit that has simple lines and a block or monochrome colour throughout, you can afford to use "fussier" accessories and get bolder with your choice of colours and details in the accessory.

Easy peasy!! Happy Styling! xx

Blazer: Stella available from Myer Dress (bottom left): Karen Millen Dress (bottom right): Marcs Necklace (gold): Forever New Necklace (multi coloured): Sportsgirl