Statement Pieces for Your Wardrobe

Some days you need an outfit that makes a statement! Neutrals are fun and chic but a statement piece can really elevate your look. A statement piece is an item that, well, makes a statement! It catches your eye and is the focal point of your outfit. Whether it’s a pop of color, an interesting silhouette or fabric, something about the piece catches the eye and makes a statement. It could also be an interest detail on the item. A statement piece just has that little extra something. In this post I’m sharing a list of statement pieces for your wardrobe to really show off your personal style.

In a past post, I put together a list of the best pieces to create a Winter capsule wardrobe (here). While most of the wardrobe staples in that list are more neutral and classic, there are several that also make a statement. Statement pieces are one of the best ways to really personalize an outfit and express your unique style. For the most impact, only wear one or two statement items in an outfit. They’ll grab your attention and up the impact of your outfit. But too many statement items will have your outfit out of balance.

Statement Pieces for Your Wardrobe

A few statement pieces are a wardrobe essential for everyone! They allow you to express your personal style. It’s also a way to add some trends to your closet and even try something new. While it may seem like many of the pieces are trendy, many statement items can be wardrobe staples too!

Headband

Since Gossip Girl (the OG), headbands have moved from a preppy accessory to a fashion forward item. Now you can find them in all styles: girly, edgy, formal, punk, boho etc. Think of headbands as a piece of jewelry. The thin simple ones are like a simple necklace or basic stud earring. As far as the statement makers go, they are ones that are embellished or are big thick ones.

You can pair headbands with almost any outfit. When styling them, make sure the style of headband is the same style as the rest of your outfit. I love adding a headband to a really simple, neutral outfit. Then your headband is the main focus and really sets the outfit off.

Cocktail Ring

Small but might, a cocktail ring can be a big pop to an outfit. I love interesting ones with unique details. Cocktail rings are mainly an evening accessory. From cocktail dresses to black denim, an evening out look will be even more special with a fun cocktail ring.

Large Gold Hoops

While gold hoops are a classic item, they have a major impact to any outfit you wear. Take the simplest outfit, jeans and a t-shirt, add big gold hoops and you have immediately leveled up your outfit. Even athleisure can have the gold hoop treatment. Gold hoops take very little planning when wearing, so they are probably the easiest statement piece to wear!

Silk Scarf

Silk scarves are an underutilized accessory. I love them for the pop of color they provide! There are numerous ways to wear this wardrobe staple. Tie them around your neck or your purse. Use them as a headband or even tie them around your ponytail or bun. They add a bit of glamour! What is so nice about this statement piece is that you can really find them at any price. I have a few designer scarves and some that are under $20.

A great packing tip is to pack a couple scarves when you go on longer trips. They can change up a look easily so it’s nice to have when I may wear the same outfit or pieces more than once on a trip.

Big Sunglasses

Reminiscent of old Hollywood, big sunglasses have gone from trendy to a classic wardrobe staple. They make a statement and go with almost anything you wear. When purchasing a pair, focus on ones that flatter your face. As a simple rule: the rounder your face the more angular and straight edged you want the sunglasses. For example, I have pretty round cheeks so I like a pair that is straight across the bottom. If you have a more angular or long face, round lenses will look cute on you!

Statement Earrings

It’s amazing how even a small accessory like an earring can have an impact on your whole outfit. I love statement earrings in the evening. They are a great final touch to any outfit. If you really want to play up the earring pull your hair back or up so it’s even more of a focus.

Puff Sleeve Blouse

Puff sleeves are my favorite detail on blouses! I love the impact they make and also how flattering they are. Puff sleeves can help create an hourglass figure. In contrast to the large shoulders, your waist looks smaller. Look for blouses that

All the volume should be countered with a straight on slim fit on your bottom half. Straight leg pants or jeans and a puff sleeve blouse with heels is a perfect date night outfit.

Printed Blazer

Blazers are so much more than a workwear staple. A printed blazer can take a night out look and make it super special. Or even create an amazing workwear moment. There are two ways to go when styling a printed blazer. Either keep the rest of the outfit neutral or use it as an opportunity to mix prints. It’s a great way to really express your personal style.

For an evening out I love a printed blazer with a silky cami and dark or black denim. Then add heels and a clutch for a great date night outfit. When styling a blazer for night, I like the mix of a sexy cami and the coverage a blazer adds. Printed blazers go with all cuts of denim, skinny leg, straight leg or wide leg.

Blazers aren’t limited to styling with pants either. A printed blazer can look amazing with a solid colored dress. I love slip dresses with blazers! The juxtaposition of the silky slip dress and structured blazer is a chic combination.

Bodycon Dress

Don’t worry, I’m not recommending the bandage dresses we all loved years ago! I’m talking about a dress that is mostly or all fitted. This look is all about the silhouette! The right bodycon piece shouldn’t be tight or restricting, it should just skim your body! It is very important that the dress feels comfortable. While the statement comes from the fit you can double down on the impact by picking something with a bold color pattern.

Faux Fur Coat

Faux fur, in any form, makes a statement! A fur coat has a place in everyone’s closet. They not only will keep you warm but make the outfit all on their own. Even solid color ones will have a major impact on any outfit. When styling a faux fur coat, don’t think of it as an after thought or something you throw on at the end. Plan your outfit with your coat in mind.

Leather Pants

Real or faux a pair of leather pants are super versatile. While they may seem like a lot, I promise you can wear them! And I promise you can find a pair that feels comfortable. Black leather is the most classic but you can have fun with color too! Find a fit that you are confident in by thinking about your favorite pairs of jeans or pants. Do you love high waisted jeans? Then get high waisted leather pants. Both skinny and straight leg leather pants are versatile!

As far a styling leather pants, there are a lot of options. I wear mine so often that they have become a wardrobe staple. You can stay cozy and chic with sweaters and flats. Leather pants add a bit of edge to the outfit. Mix leather with a velvet or silk cami for a night out look. Honestly pairing leather pants with anything will just change things up from your regular outfits.

Sequins

Not much needs to be said about sequins being a statement maker. For all of the sparkle lovers, you probably don’t need to be told to add some sequins to make a statement. What I love now is that sequins have come a long way from just prom dresses. You can find sequins on sophisticated silhouettes and in lots of pretty colors.

Velvet Piece

Any velvet item is instantly a statement. The luxe fabric is mainly for Fall & Winter but can work for day or night. Velvet adds depth and texture to an outfit without actually having to add a print. Even if you pair velvet with items that are in the same color family, your outfit still has a lot of interest.

Printed Maxi Dress

A printed maxi dress not only makes a statement but can be an asset for your wardrobe. The warmer months have a lot of occasions that you’ll want to pull out this dress. When a wedding is a little more casual than cocktail but you still want something special a printed maxi is the perfect dress.

Colored Pumps

Color is one of the easiest ways to make something into a statement piece. A colored heel is one of the chicest ways to add a pop of color to an outfit. While any heel can be worn in a bold color, I love a pointy toe stiletto the most. Colored heels can be bright, dark, printed, or even pastel. Wile shopping for shoes, I strongly recommend making sure you find a pair that feels comfortable.

Styling a colored heel is pretty easy. If you want the biggest focus to be on the shoes, keep the rest of your outfit simple. It doesn’t have to be neutral but just something that doesn’t pull focus from the heel. Another way to style is to wear items that have a hint of the color of the shoe. For example if you have a bright red shoe you could wear a blazer that has a pin stripe of red in it. The shoes will pop but you’ll also notice the blazer since it has some red in it too!

Thigh High Boots

Thigh high boots can really make a statement. If they seem a bit intimidating get a pair that has a lower heel. I find that it balances the edge to it and is easier to style. Thigh high boots can go with skirts, dresses and leggings. For a night out, try thigh high boots paired with mini skirt and sweater. The sweater will balance the sexiness of the boots. A sweater dress paired with the boots is a bit more refined of a look while still making a statement.

Chunky Heeled Sandal

Another byproduct of all the 90’s trendy coming back is chunkier shoes have made their way back too. One particular style I am loving is a chunky heeled sandal. As soon as it starts warming up, this will be a shoe I pull out all the time! I love the juxtaposition of a chunk heeled sandal with a light sundress or summery top. Denim shorts are also really cute with them.

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