We are nearing the end of the process of building your fall wardrobe layer by layer! So far, we’ve covered: layer one (classic garments), layer two (classic shoes and accessories), layer three (statement garments) and now we will explore layer four— statement shoes and accessories! Layer four is a small layer in my wardrobe, but the items in it are highly impactful in my outfits because they add contrast and visual interest.

If you are just now joining in on this series, you can head back here to start at the beginning!

Layer Four: Statement Shoes & Accessories

• Shoes and accessories that have color, prints, texture, interesting shapes, cuts, and/or details that add visual interest to outfits and may last for a shorter time in your wardrobe.
• Shoe categories: sneakers, boots, heels, flats.
• Accessories categories: bags, belts, hats, scarfs, jewelry, hair accessories.
• Examples: vintage pieces, pieces that are very on-trend, classic cuts in bold colors and/or prints, modern/unique cuts in classic or bold colors.

Snake Print Flats (old from Target) | Baseball Cap (same hat in a similar color) | Cheetah Print Mules | Blue Bag (old from Joy Gryson) | Checkered Sneakers | Green Bag (same style in a different color) | Red Bag (old from ABLE – similar)

See something you like? You can shop it an support my blog at the same time by purchasing through the affiliate links in this post.

How To Decide What You Need In Layer Four:

The same strategies that were used for the last layer are also used here:

Make a list of trends/styles you want to try. Just like in layer three, my list for this layer is less exact than my list for my classic, foundational items. The list exists in my mind as I see ideas of things I like— or I might jot it down in my phone. I usually just tag it on to my layer three list. Like the last layer, I allow myself to buy things that I find on a whim and love, while still being mindful of not getting duplicates.

Remain true to your styles and also experiment. Your lifestyle and style preferences should always be considered through every step of building your wardrobe. If any item does not align with those things, do not get it. This isn’t about a checklist to just fill up space, but rather a strategy that uses intentionality to build a wardrobe that you feel good in, with items that work for you. With that said, I would also encourage you to take steps (not leaps) out of the center of your comfort zone and expand on your wardrobe in ways that work for you. If you only love neutrals, then I suggest experimenting with different shapes, details, and textures. If you prefer only classic cuts, then I suggest challenging yourself to expand the colors and/or prints you buy. Maybe like me, this layer will be small for you, and that is totally fine!

Outfit research. As with all of the previous layers, you can find inspiration on Pinterest, Instagram, in magazines or on style blogs. Finding inspiration is a helpful strategy in giving you ideas of what you want to add to this layer of your wardrobe.

How to Determine How Many Shoes & Accessories To Have In This Layer:

I sound like a broken record at this point but it is worth stressing that there is no exact number of items you need to have in any specific layer in this process. Fill your layers with what you like, will wear, and will use. Also, allow yourself to experiment into new things. Build, learn, adjust— walk through the process and you will gain an awareness of what works for you. Take the lessons and each season you get better at the process.

Where I Shop For Shoes & Accessories In Layer Four:

When it comes to buying statement shoes and accessories for this layer, I have less defined go-to’s but a few places I like are:

ZARA. As I mentioned before, they are super fast in duplicating designer items/styles. I find that the quality of their items is really good, and they are affordable. When I am looking for the items that are newer trends, this is the first place I go.

Standout favorites: shoes, boots, handbags.

H&M. The prices are low, so it is good for experimental pieces that you are not wanting to invest a lot in. I mentioned in another post that I think their styling is pretty on point, but I have found that the quality of the materials they use varies from item to item.

Standout favorites: hair accessories, heels/pumps

TARGET. I love their flat shoes if you are looking for something super affordable. So far they’ve held up well for me. They also have cool hats and bags.

Layer Four Shoes & Accessories In Outfits:

Hat (same hat in a similar color) | Earrings | Tee (old from H&M)

Jeans (I sized down one size) | Shoes

Bag (old from ABLE – similar) | Bracelet | Shirt (gifted, I sized down one size for a fitted look but stay true for a relaxed fit – use code MICHELLETOMCZAK for $25 off your purchase) | Jeans (I sized down one size)

This completes the last essential layer in the buildable wardrobe strategy for fall! As you finish intentionally filling in your wardrobe, layer by layer, you will be able to make a variety of interesting outfits!

My next post will be the final post in this series! I will go over layer five—an optional lifestyle-based layer. I’ll share ideas of what this lifestyle layer can be and show you my layer five, which is a workout collection, where I shop for items in this collection, and outfits made with some of the items from this collection!

***This post was originally published on August 26, 2020 and was updated on September 9, 2021.***