The Only 5 Things You Need to Know About the Art of Accessorizing

By this point in your sartorial life, you likely understand the important role good accessorizing plays in any outfit. (Thanks, Olivia Palermo.) But it bears repeating: Without a solid approach to planning your accessories, you're going nowhere fast—they're crucial to any stylish look.

Our resident styling expert Marissa Webb agrees, and she took the time to share her thoughts on the matter with us (and now you!).

"I consider accessories the icing on the cake," Webb says. "Even if you consider yourself a more conservative or classic dresser, accessories are where many woman are willing to be a little more daring. It's about taking accessories, thinking about them differently, and incorporating them into your wardrobe and personal style, but not taking them so literally."

Keep scrolliing to see what she means!

Shoes are one of the items that can easily take your look from work to play, or from casual to dressy. This is where I would definitely invest in colour and pattern.

Yes, scarves all year round! There are many ways to utilise scarves. I've actually found some of my favourite scarves in the men's department. Think of other ways you can style them beyond the traditional "wrap around the neck." To add movement to your outfit, drape it around and let the two sides hang loosely down the front. I also love to layer scarves under blazers for an added touch of texture and dimension. Scarves are also a good way to incorporate colour and print into your look.

It's rare that I leave the house without my jewellery. Besides having sentimental value, jewellery is a great way to express your unique style. Jewellery can be season-less, but it's also one of those items you can update in an affordable way for each season. For example, I tend to gravitate towards more casual, bold-coloured jewellery during summer, like opaque, bright coloured bracelets and necklaces. I love to layer bright necklaces for a bold colour vibe, and I also love a strong statement necklace.

Belts are one of those items that I'm a little fickle on. Sometimes it's all about the belt, other times, belts can complicate the look. When I do wear belts, I tend to go for a wider style if I'm going to wear it at my true waist. I've also been known to double up on the belts, especially if they are thin and can be layered over each other. Sometimes, if I feel like I need a little extra graphics or texture in my outfit, I'll reach for a belt that isn't just classic black.

I gravitate towards statement earrings during the warmer seasons. They add a great finishing touch to the less layered, easy way of dressing during spring and summer. I like the contrast of a dramatic earring with that ease; most of us think of pulling these out for dressed-up occasions, but the juxtaposition is what I find more interesting.