Jewellery, hats, sunglasses, scarves and other accessories can make or break an outfit. Many people tend to pile on these accent pieces without a second thought, not realizing that there are rules to wearing accessories in a way that improves a look, rather than masks or detracts from it.

The first rule to live by when accessorizing an outfit is "less is more." Do not wear too many different accent pieces with any outfit. That may not make much sense, but it is true; too many accessories, such as a scarf with necklaces, rings, bracelets and a hat, could totally overshadow your outfit. A good rule of thumb is to put on the items you would normally wear with an outfit, and then remove one for good measure.

When it comes to necklaces, such as a series of pearl strands or thin silver chains, never wear them in even numbers. These adornments should always be worn in odd numbers, with no fewer than three for most styles. Of course, some necklaces, such as fancy diamond drops or other stones, are meant to be worn alone. But for multiple strands, never wear fewer than three or more than five to complete a look.

Next, remember that handbags and purses do not have to perfectly match any part of an outfit. In the 1950s and later, a woman was expected to carry a purse that in some way matched her clothing, such as her shoes. That is no longer the case. Today's purses come in a wide array of colours, textures and styles, and the rules of accessorizing have loosened to allow a woman to carry a bag in a complimentary colour to her outfit. Use a brightly coloured bag if you're wearing a neutral outfit, or a more subdued bag if an article of clothing already provides a pop of colour. Just make sure the bag's style matches that of your clothing - casual, formal, trendy or classic.

The rules for wearing accessories are varied, and really depend on the person. When preparing to go out for the day or night, just make sure you are comfortable with the accessories you are wearing. Comfort brings confidence, and nothing looks better on a man or woman than the obvious knowledge that he or she looks good.