In my younger years, safety was not a consideration in my fashion choices. I endured shoes that challenged my balance and destroyed my feet as well as waistbands that crushed my core. Those pieces may have looked amazing, but they felt awful — and I didn’t mind that trade-off.
Those days are long gone, and my feet and core are better for it. To be clear, I didn’t give up on looking amazing. I just realized that safety and style are not mutually exclusive. No matter what your age, looking great shouldn’t be dangerous or uncomfortable. To prove it, here are my top accessory hacks that add comfort and panache to your wardrobe.
Read next: 8 signature accessory ideas for the 40+ fashionista
Jewelry
Retire heavy or irritating metals for titanium or resin.
Cosmetic jewelry made of brass, zinc alloy, and stainless steel can drag down your earlobes and feel heavy on your wrists. The weighty feeling gets worse with chunkier designs and large pendants and charms.
Nickel and nickel alloys, also commonly used in jewelry, don’t feel terribly heavy, but they can be irritating. Itchy earlobes or, worse, a rashy ring around your neck are possible outcomes.
You can keep things light and irritation-free with titanium-based jewelry. Titanium is lightweight, hypoallergenic, and more affordable than precious metals.
Resin is another lightweight, budget alternative, especially if you prefer chunkier, bolder designs. It can be colorful and statement making, without the weight of metal and stones.
Resin is also generally well-tolerated, but irritation can result if it’s not cured properly. To avoid that, stick with jewelry brands you know and trust.
Wearable tech
Wear sleek, stylish tech.
Wearable tech has come a long way since my first running watch — which honestly looked like house-arrest monitoring device. Today, you can opt for a sleek Oura ring, Ringly bracelets, and gorge InvisaWear safety accessories that can send emergency alerts to select contacts. If you compare medical alert brands, you’ll see those devices, too, are taking on a less cumbersome feel.
The point is, you no longer have to choose between personal safety and feeling self-conscious about your wearable device. If you do dangerous things alone or have a health condition that can flare and incapacitate you, it’s wise to invest in some protective technology. Dangerous things include walking in the city at night, jogging or hiking a mountain trail, or riding a horse.
Footwear
Lean into loafers and block heels.
Tall, pointy heels and sexy, narrow toe boxes will always hold a special place in my heart, but there are so many other footwear styles to enjoy. And many — including chunky loafers, block heels, and kitten heels — are far easier to wear.
Even better, comfy shoes can look fab in the right context. Consider these proven outfit-and-shoe combos if you’re tired of treating blisters and sore feet:
- Slinky evening dress. Opt for strappy block heels.
- Midi skirt. Try chunky loafers or platform loafers.
- Wide-leg trousers + blouse. Go with low block heels.
- Cocktail dress. Choose kitten heels.
- Maxi dress. Pair with heeled ankle boots.
- Tailored jumpsuit. Reach for block-heel sandals or dressy mules.
- Pencil skirt + fitted top. Add low block pumps or structured loafers.
- Dressy jeans + blazer. Finish with platform loafers or heeled boots.
- Wrap dress. Pair with mid-height wedges or block heels.
Read next: Hosiery style tips: How to wear stockings, leggings, and pantyhose
Handbags
Give up the heavy tote for a crossbody bag.
The large capacity of a tote is a benefit and a curse. Sure, you can carry everything you need in a big tote, but then:
- Your bag is super-heavy.
- You can’t find your keys quickly.
- You may be a target in crowded places.
A good cross-body bag is lighter and safer, especially if it has a zipper closure. The straps won’t dig into your shoulder and it’s less likely someone can grab your wallet undetected. You can also access your keys and other essentials without looking down or standing on the corner with your bag open.
Eyewear
Prioritize UV protection, fit, and suitability for the task.
Ultra-cheap eyewear can strain your eyes and your face. For example, tinted lenses without UV protection can be worse for your eyes than not wearing sunglasses — they allow your pupils to open wider, but they don’t block the harmful rays. As well, heavy frames can cause headaches by putting pressure on your nose bridge and your ears.
To keep your eyes protected and your head free from unnecessary pressure:
- Require lenses with 100% UV protection or UV400.
- Have glasses fitted professionally, especially if you’re wearing them while active.
- Try lighter weight resin or acetate frames.
- Opt for glare reduction if you wear glasses while driving.
- Consider blue-light filtering if you wear glasses for long periods.
Read next: Classic accessories we all need
Safe and stylish
It’s time to let go of the ‘no-pain, no-gain’ beauty mantra. Safety, comfort, and style can co-exist. Opt for lighter materials, more wearable silhouettes, and better-fitting accessories as intentional style choices that also make your life easier. Because you deserve to move through your day confidently.
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