There are so many different categories of accessories to choose from to complete your outfit. Accessories may have a functional purpose to keep us comfortable and safe. They may also be there to complement the look. Some accessories may be extra special and carry sentimental value. These heirlooms are passed from one generation to another.
In the past for many people of high status, like royalty, they wore jewelry all their lives and even in death. Many of the accessories we found from their time are actually funerary objects meant to be buried with the wearer. These accessories live on as relics and give us an important glimpse into history.
People have been wearing footwear for thousands of years. Foot coverings are utilitarian accessories, and they can be very stylish too. Archaeologists believe that sandals were the first crafted shoes. Ancient sandals were similar in design to modern summer shoes.
The Egyptians made the first flip-flops in history. Unlike modern shoes, these leather flip-flops did not have a right and left shoe. All the relics from Ancient Egypt showed that everyone wore two of the same shoes. It must have made it more difficult to walk around!
Our footwear has really come a long way. We have footwear for different activities and seasons. Not only do we have footwear for different occasions, but there is also footwear that can aid with mobility and balance issues. There are even shoes that are self-lacing!
Necklaces have also been around since 40,000 years ago. These necklaces were made with teeth, bones, feathers, rocks, shells, and other items found in nature. As humans began to work with metal, these skills were used in necklace-making as well.
By the first century, the Romans began to add gemstones to their necklaces. In the Middle Ages, gold chain necklaces adorned with gemstones were more popular. These necklaces showed off their wealth and statuses. Some of these necklace styles have carried over to the present day. A lot of the jewelry for special occasions like weddings is adorned with gold and diamonds as well.
The oldest bracelets are believed to have first appeared way back in 7,500 BC. Some of these bracelets were made with gold and bronze. The gold ones were often unadorned, while the bronze ones had designs. Bracelets may be a popular accessory today, but they also provided protection in the past. Around 1,200 BC, the men in Britain wore bracelets and armlets to protect themselves from sword attacks.
Bracelets lost their popularity around the Middle Ages, but they came back in the 17th century. By the 20th century, plastic bracelets gained popularity with children and teenagers.
The earliest headwear was a bearskin cap dating back to 3,300 BC. In hot places like Egypt, people wore headdresses to keep themselves cool. By the 19th century, there were many different hat designs. Hats for women became larger. Milliners adorned the hats with many embellishments like feathers and flowers.
With the right accessories, a simple outfit can be transformed. For example, timeless pearl earrings can add a touch of elegance. Earrings have been around since 2,500 BC. The first earrings were hooped and disk-shaped. Like other jewelry, they were a symbol of wealth.
The Romans added gemstones to their earrings, which influenced other groups of people to do so as well. As time went on, this design fell out of style. In the 11th to 16th century, hairstyles and headgear often covered the ears. So there wasn't much point in wearing earrings. Earrings didn't reappear until the 17th century.
Whether you like conspicuous fashion or simple looks, there is an accessory for you. Fashion mavens know that accessories can make or break an outfit. Which accessory do you want to wear to complete your attire?