Accessories are a double edged sword. Without them your look can simply be forgettable, but pile them on and you look cluttered or just like you’re trying too hard. In fashion time changes everything, but the perfect balance of baubles and frills has been hotly debated for decades. Coco Chanel herself supposedly issued the advice to look in the mirror and remove one accessory before leaving the house, and extravagant dressers the world over have wondered if they’ve gone too far since!

I rarely pay attention to those famous words (since usually that would mean ditching my purse or shoes, yeah right!) but when I have a little more going on it’s easy to question how much is too much. Sometimes it’s fun to be a bit more adventurous, but how do you know when to stop?

For me this outfit had me on the fence because it included two bolder accessories – over the knee boots and a fedora. Going with all neutrals toned things down and helped keep the peace between them. You guys know I haven’t been able to put down my Chloe lately, but the gold hardware would have been too much on top of everything and the leather jacket’s detailing so I swapped it out for something more subtle.

It might seem silly, but pairing something very junior (pigtail braids) with something more risque (over the knee boots) also made me feel less over the top. In the end, I always draw the line when an outfit makes me feel more self conscious than confident. Happy to report that this one passed the test!

Jacket: Consignment Store, similar $ from Zara and $$$ from Aritzia, Sweater Dress: Thrifted, similar from Forever 21, Hat: Forever 21 (similar), Over the Knee Boots: Forever 21, similar from Steve Madden, Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs (similar)