Repetition makes the human eye happy! It can move from one element to another without getting stuck. Too much repetition and the grouping becomes boring. This is the time to add some contrast. See below for an explanation of how these two ideas are working in the image and how you can apply these concepts to your own wardrobe...
Keep some basic design principles in mind when choosing your accessories.
Each of the bracelets above repeats its shape over and over. The large red rectangles repeat as do the crocheted flowers, the pearls, the links and the brown rectangles. The contrast comes into play with the softness and texture of the crocheted yarn and twisted silk rope (with pearls attached) against the smooth, hard red and brown rectangles. There is even more contrast in terms of size: the extra large red rectangles against the tiny pearls or smaller brown rectangles. But then the repetition comes back into play: the brown rectangles pick up the brown in the red bracelet. And then there's more contrast: the dark red and brown colors play against the creme and gold. But then the creme and gold colors are repeated in three consecutive lines.
These principles of repetition and contrast can be used when choosing many accessories from necklaces to neck ties: layer your necklaces to create the repetition and contrast--wear a tie with a repeating pattern that picks up a color or pattern in your dress shirt or pocket square. Keep these ideas in mind the next time you're finishing an outfit. Attention to these principles with elevate any look you put together.
