How to Choose the Right Accessory Colors (Without Overthinking It!)

Accessory Confidence: 5 Easy Ways to Choose the Right Colors

Accessories can make an outfit—or leave it feeling unfinished. If you've ever stood in front of the mirror wondering what color handbag, earrings, or shoes to wear, you're not alone. Fortunately, there are a few simple color strategies that can help you choose accessories with ease and confidence.

Whether you're headed to the office, brunch, or date night, these five foolproof tips will help you pull it all together—fast.

1. Pull One or Two Colors from a Print

Wearing a printed blouse, scarf, or skirt? Let it do the work for you. Choose one or two colors from the print and match your accessories to those.

• A teal floral skirt? Try a matching teal earring or handbag.

• A pink-and-orange patterned scarf? Go for coral shoes or a pink belt.

Style Tip: Don’t pull more than two colors from the print for your accessories—less is more. Let the print shine and use accessories to reinforce the palette, not compete with it.

2. Use a Contrasting Color to Pop a Neutral Look

If your outfit is mostly neutral or monochromatic, like black, navy, or cream, accessories are your chance to add punch.

Use a contrasting color (something across from your outfit color on the color wheel) for bold, stylish impact.

• All-black outfit? Try red shoes and a matching red bag.

• Navy dress? Add a bright yellow earring or a coral clutch.

Style Tip: Stick with all accessories in that same contrasting color (shoes, bag, earrings, etc.) for a high-impact, pulled-together look.

Best For: Solid or monochromatic outfits that need a little extra personality.

3. Go Monotone for Subtle Elegance

Sometimes less is more. A monotone look—where your accessories are in a similar color family to your outfit—creates a sophisticated, intentional vibe.

• Wearing soft sage green? Add earrings in olive or pistachio tones.

• Rocking a rich burgundy dress? Try a wine-colored clutch and garnet studs.

Style Tip: Choose slightly different tones or textures to avoid looking flat.

4. Metallics Always Work

When in doubt, go metallic. Silver, gold, bronze, and rose gold all act like neutrals—but with a little sparkle.

• Gold warms up warm undertones and earthy palettes.

• Silver flatters cool undertones and icy tones.

• Rose gold is beautifully soft and feminine on many skin tones.

Style Tip: Use metallics to bring cohesion to outfits with complex prints or color blocking.

5. When All Else Fails, Use a Neutral (but Don’t Skip Accessories!)

If none of the above options feel right, you can always reach for a neutral accessory.

• Nude shoes, tan bags, or ivory earrings go with nearly everything.

• Black accessories work with darker, higher-contrast outfits.

• Taupe and gray blend beautifully with softer palettes.

Style Tip: Even a simple neutral accessory can elevate your outfit and make it look finished and intentional—so don’t skip accessories entirely!

DON’T: Go Too Matchy-Matchy

Matching necklace, earrings, bracelet, and ring? That was a vibe in the '90s—but today, it can look dated. Stick to no more than two pieces from the same jewelry set. Mix in a little variety for a more modern, stylish look.

Q&A: What Women Are Asking About Accessory Colors

Q: Can I wear multiple bright accessories at once?
A: Yes—but stick to the same color family or pick one to be the hero. Too many competing colors can look chaotic.

Q: What’s the best metallic for my skin tone?
A: Warm skin tones tend to look best in gold and bronze. Cool skin tones shine in silver and platinum. Rose gold is a beautiful in-between that flatters most.

Q: How do I make my outfit look cohesive when I’m in a rush?
A: Pick one color (from your print or a contrasting pop) and repeat it in two places—like your shoes and earrings. Easy, polished, done.

Q: Are nude shoes still in style?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure the nude matches your skin tone. They’re perfect for elongating the legs and pairing with colorful outfits.

Final Thought

Accessories aren’t just the “extra”—they’re the glue that brings an outfit together. Whether you're in a bold mood or just need to get out the door, these five color strategies will make getting dressed easier and more fun.

Would you love personalized help choosing your best clothing and accessory colors? Check out our styling services. 

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Gail Scott

Gail Scott is Creative Director for Style and Beauty. She is a makeup expert and personal stylist. If you would like professional advice with Gail, please sign up for her exclusive 2-hour 1:1 session. Or schedule a 15 minute Style Chat with Gail to ask your questions.