I know it can be hard to imagine what certain pieces look like together only from the description, so when Kelly asked for pictures of various accessory options, it seemed like a good idea. I dug around in my closet and came up with a few things that I really wear (all of which, oddly enough, are from either Ann Taylor or Ann Taylor Loft).

I’ve stuck with necklaces, both because a necklace has the biggest impact in an outfit and because a necklace is the easiest thing to wear. It won’t get in the way when you are on the phone or talking with clients, it’s not noisy, and you don’t have to take it off to work on the computer. I also like a necklace because you can find both mass produced and one-of-a-kind pieces at a variety of price points; Target carries some great necklaces, and craft stores and art galleries will often have original pieces with low price tags.

Let’s look at four options — tee with a lightweight necklace, tee with a bulkier necklace, dressy jacket with artsy necklace, and tee with pearls — and talk about how to make each look work for you.

Tee with long, light-weight necklace: The necklace here is very light and airy; it is a good look for a casual office or for weekends. Pair with jeans or a simple skirt; add a jean jacket or cardigan sweater. This is a short sleeved tee with a scooped neckline, but you should choose a tee that is flattering on your particular figure.

Tee with more substantial long necklace: This necklace is heavier, which makes it a more dramatic look. A necklace like this works well with a sweater in a light color (it will disappear against a dark top) or with a tee and jacket. You can also wrap this necklace around your neck a couple of times and wear it as two strands, for a slightly different look.

Funky necklace with dressy jacket: The necklace is glass beads strung on a black wire cord; the jacket is silk, with three-quarter sleeves. Wear this with a tee for a more casual look or over a blouse for a dressier look, but don’t be afraid to pair the artsy necklace with the more conservative jacket, or even with a suit.

Pearls with a tee: The square neck on this tee gives it a little bit of an edge, but it’s still a tee. Pair with pearls and a simple skirt and dressy shoes for a more dressed up look. These pearls are dramatic in their size, but you could opt for smaller pearls instead, or for a crew neck or round scoop neck tee.

When you are picking out a necklace, keep in mind that you’re trying to make a statement, and think carefully about both color and size.

Color: Contrasting colors — a black necklace on a white shirt — are more dramatic; layering colors — navy blue beads on a pale blue shirt — is a softer look. You can use a necklace as a color accent in an otherwise neutral outfit; jeans and a white tee, for example, are the perfect canvas for a bright colored necklace. The same goes for a brown or black suit. Treat gold and silver as neutrals, and pair with pretty much anything.

Size: Scale your jewelry to your overall size. If you are petite, stick with smaller pieces, or pieces that are slim and sleek; if you are a larger woman, you can wear larger pieces. A strand of gumball-sized beads will overwhelm a very petite frame, but tiny seed pearls will be lost on a plus-size woman. Think also about the line of your outfit. You don’t want your necklace to hang past the bottom of your jacket, for example, or the waistband of your pants or skirt. But think carefully about a very short choker with a deep V-neck; that look CAN work, but not for everyone.

Once you have found an accessories look that really works for you, stick with it. It’s an easy way to dress up your basics.