Accessories are the finishing touches that elevate our style, adding a touch of sophistication to our outfits. However, knowing how to hold and handle accessories elegantly can truly make a difference in our overall appearance. In this blog post, we will explore simple yet effective tips on gracefully managing four essential accessories: sunglasses, gloves, bags, and coats. Let's dive in!

Sunglasses

Sunglasses serve a dual purpose: shielding our eyes from harmful rays and adding a touch of allure to our appearance. When you're not wearing your shades, it's crucial to handle them with care. By following these simple tips, you'll maintain their pristine condition while preserving your own mystique:

• Use both hands to delicately remove your sunglasses from your face. Hold the frames firmly with one hand while supporting the temples with the other. This ensures a secure grip and prevents accidental drops or damage.

• Once you've taken off your sunglasses, gently fold the temples inward. This action protects the frames from unnecessary strain and minimises the risk of bending or misalignment. Treat your shades like a precious accessory, and they'll continue to enhance your style.

• It may be tempting to perch your sunglasses on top of your head when not in use, but this habit can lead to stretched-out frames. Instead, opt for a dedicated case or a secure pocket in your bag to keep them safe. By avoiding head placement, you'll maintain the proper fit and shape of your sunglasses.

• When your sunglasses aren't shielding your eyes, they deserve a safe haven. Invest in a sturdy and well-fitting protective case to safeguard them from scratches, impacts, and dust. This simple step will extend their lifespan and ensure they're always ready to adorn your face with style.

Gloves

Gloves are a beautiful and often overlooked accessory that can elevate your entire look while providing warmth. Whether you're attending a formal event, a cocktail party, or going about your daily activities, gloves can add a touch of sophistication.

There are various types of gloves to suit different occasions and seasons, including leather gloves for versatility, wool gloves for colder weather, silk gloves for formal events, and shorter gloves for cocktail parties. Opera gloves, which are longer and above the elbow, are traditionally worn for gala dinners, white tie events, or fancy opera nights.

When choosing glove colours, consider the occasion with white, off-white, beige, and ivory gloves commonly worn for formal events, while black gloves can be stylish for daily wear. And when gloves are part of your formal attire, it's important to adhere to proper etiquette:

• When meeting someone, especially for the first time, it's customary to remove your glove before a handshake. For men, this means removing the right glove if shaking hands with the right hand. Women should follow the same practice in the business world.

• When sitting down for a meal, always remove your gloves and place them on your lap. Covering them with a napkin is a polite way to keep them discreetly out of sight.

• Avoid wearing rings on top of your gloves, especially silk gloves which are meant to fit snugly. You may wear a bracelet over silk gloves, but it's recommended to let the gloves shine on their own as a statement accessory.

Additionally, when not wearing your gloves, it's essential to safely store gloves in the cloakroom along with your coat or consider using a glove clip to keep them accessible and secure.

Clutch Bags

Carrying a clutch bag is more than just a functional accessory; it's an opportunity to showcase your style with grace and confidence. And when it comes to handling a clutch or evening bag, there are a few techniques to consider.

If the bag has handles, hold it in your left hand, allowing your right hand to be free for greetings, handshakes, waving, or holding a glass. This is the safest and most elegant way to carry a bag with handles. However, most evening bags come in the form of a clutch without handles. In that case, hold the clutch in your left hand, allowing your right hand to be free for other tasks. The clutch can be positioned facing downwards or held vertically or horizontally on your left side.

Another common technique, often used by members of the royal family and first ladies, involves holding the clutch in front of you with both hands. This technique is useful when you're unsure what to do with your hands or if you want to project readiness. For clapping while holding the clutch, place it between your left elbow and lower rib cage, allowing your right hand to clap freely.

This technique accommodates the majority of right-handed individuals. For formal events with a clutch bag that has handles, you can drape it over your forearm, allowing for easy clapping. Additionally, consider using a bag organiser to keep the contents organised and protect the interior lining.

Coats

When it comes to coats, proper handling and removal are essential for maintaining their elegance. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to elegantly take off your coat:

• Start by unbuttoning your coat from the top downwards. This allows for a smooth and controlled removal.

• Gently lift up the shoulders of the coat and let it slide onto your back. Keep your arms relaxed and free to facilitate this movement.

• While the coat is sliding onto your back, bring your right hand over your left hand and pull the left arm of the coat towards the right arm. This helps align the coat properly.

• Once the coat is on your back, pull both arms of the coat together towards the front. This ensures that the coat is neatly aligned and ready for folding.

• Fold the coat in half lengthwise, bringing the right side over the left side. Let the coat rest on your right arm by your side, allowing it to drape gracefully.

When it comes to storing your coat, consider draping it over your arm or hanging it on a coat hanger to maintain its shape and prevent wrinkles. Avoid carelessly throwing it over a chair or piling it on the floor, as this can diminish its elegance. Additionally, invest in a coat brush to remove lint or dust, keeping your coat looking fresh and well-maintained.