There are days when getting dressed means standing in front of your closet, wearing nothing but your underwear and a new pair of shoes. But starting to build an outfit using an accessory as your anchor is actually a pretty clever idea; the simple shift in order can sometimes inspire creativity you wouldn't necessarily get to otherwise. But — and here's the real reason we do it sometimes — it makes getting dressed a breeze, because the most basic items sometimes pair best with statement accessories. We're talking plain black skinnies, your most worn-in sundress, jean cutoffs, and graphic tees: These are the items that make your new thrifted choker necklace and Prince Charming shoes really pop.
Need proof? We've rounded up six outfits that've recently caught out street style photographer's eye. Each is great unto itself, don't get us wrong. But they're excellent because of what they're topped off (or maybe started off) with.
The most elementary trick to making a pair of cutoffs and a white T-shirt look street style-worthy? A pair of pretty flats (something you'd feel great about wearing to a wedding) and your favorite bag.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
As split-second styling tips obsessives, we're willing to bet that this is a T-shirt knotted over a dress to create a separates silhouette. It's genius, sure, but the outfit elements that really do it for us are the fabric choker, striped athletic socks, bold sunglasses, and candy cuffs.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
There are so many little styling decisions in this look, and we don't know which we're enamored with more: the belt bag cinch, the tucked-in hems, or the grandpa sneakers.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
This dress could have been paired with ladylike shoes, but aren't you so happy she wore it with cowboy boots, instead?
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
It takes two: The headband and extreme cat-eye really tie this oversized look up with a bow.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.
Even one unexpected accessory can change the entire look and feel of an outfit. These platform Birkenstocks give this printed jumpsuit a bit of a bite.
Photographed by Christian Vierig.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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