When it comes to putting together a non-summer outfit, I’m all about accessories. Each year, I pick out a few fall and winter basic sweaters in solid, neutral colors and end up wearing them all season long. I’ll just mix and match them with different layers and accessories to create different looks. And as I’m sure you’ve noticed, I usually end up buying the same sweaters in multiple colors too, so this is basically a way for me to create different looks with some of the same clothing.

Today I’ve got TWO different looks where (I think) accessories make the outfit. And it just so happens that (although I totally  meant to add a hat to one of these – oops), both outfits involve simple sweaters with fun scarves. And if you’ve been following along for a bit, then you know that I’m prone to wear the SAME sweaters over and over again but in different ways. I’m SURE I’ll style one of these again in an upcoming instagram or blog post too!

In this first outfit, I think the burgundy scarf (hands down) MAKES it. I loved the color of the scarf when I saw it and knew it would be a great throw-on with ivory and other neutrals on chilly (or not so chilly too…) days. I liked the thickness and length of it too – which I’ve found actually do matter when it comes to finding a good scarf that simple to style! I love how I can wear this one just around my neck without having to wrap it around or anything.

Outfit Details: Vince Camuto Tunic Sweater (wearing XS) // Burgundy Check Scarf (LOVE) // Jeans // Booties (fit TTS)

And my second outfit is a little similar except I went with more of a neutral-ish color palette and styled one of my favorite recent sweater purchases – this mock neck grey one (its $39 and comes in other colors!). I mentioned it on my instagram a few days ago (in that mirror selfie) and told y’all it’s a MUST. I loved how well it went with this pastel Free People scarf, which I think has ALL THE RIGHT colors in it AND it’s oh -so-cozy too!

And then I finished off the look with neutral suede lace up flats and a leather fold-over clutch that played up the grey-ish vibes I’ve got going on. Speaking of this clutch, I got it specifically for the color because I’ve found myself needing more grey accessories lately (especially clutches and hand bags!)

Outfit Details: Mock Neck Sweater (under $40!) // Free People Scarf // FRAME denim skinny Jeans // Stuart Weitzman Gilligan Flats (similar) // Tory Burch Clutch

Reasons Why Accessories Are Everything/Necessary

So back to me being ALL ABOUT accessories, I wanted to share a few reasons as to WHY I love them so much and thing they’re great investments – especially for putting together cute winter outfits.

Less to think about

Like I was just saying, I’m a big fan of finding a piece that I love (like a sweater) and buying it in multiple colors. I’m an even bigger fan of basically wearing the same outfit a few days in a row when I’m really busy and just can’t put into effort into styling a full outfit. And this is when accessories are my BFF. Even if I’m wearing a similar outfit over and over again, I can completely change up my look with accessories. I’ll throw on a different textured scarf one day and then will use a printed one the next, or will use neutral accessories (like nude booties and a purse) instead of darker ones that I wore the day before or something.

They can elevate a basic outfit

Both these outfits are actually pretty basic/neutral—something I do a lot if you haven’t noticed (hehe). But each outfit looks pretty cute, right? (**crosses fingers**) They’re both very ME outfits during the fall and winter – aka jeans and a sweater plus accessories. I’ll throw on a hat, fun earrings, OR a big scarf and can turn any blahhh tunic or top into something a little more interesting.

They can be (slash usually are) super cozy

Pretty much every look in this post is adding warmth without having to wear a jacket. Especially in a city like Dallas and this time of year when the temps are cool but not cold, I love having a big chunky scarf to keep me warm when I need it, but I can also ditch it easy. Scarfs are way easier to throw in a purse than a jacket, or I like to use them as a blanket or to sit on if I’m somewhere that calls for it. Basically they’re multi-functional too! Even adding a hat like I did in one of these looks is a nice way to keep your hear warm and still change up your outfit.

They can be transitional

This is handy all year but especially during the holidays when there are so many after-work events. It’s easy to bring more sassy or fun accessories and switch them out for your basic dainty earrings or whatever. Accessories in general can really transition an outfit without having to change your top or bottoms – so easy! I’ll even keep a couple pairs of earrings in my car or an extra fun bag in case I need to perk up my look on the drop of a dime.

Affordability

One of the reasons accessories are so much fun to buy is the price point. I never feel too guilty about spending some cash on an accessory since they don’t break the bank. It’s the perfect way to add a trend to your outfit and to experiment.

What about y’all? What’re your favorite winter accessories and are you on the same page as far as how necessary they are?

Thanks so much to Nordstrom for  partnering with BTD on this post.