The Art of Accessorizing
From bold color pairings to the perfect everyday tote, accessories have
the power to shift your entire style story. Just ask handbag designer and 2023 Over 40 & Fabulous! Advisory Panel Choice Award winner, Alexandria Alli. As the founder of luxury handbag brand F&W Style, Alli has made it her mission to help women feel confident and empowered, one bag at a time. Her recent collaborations with Atlanta fashion icons like Titilola Sogunro and Monica Awe-Etuk prove that great style shouldn’t be gatekept—it should be shared. Here, Alli breaks down her top tips for mastering the art of accessorizing so you can step out feeling like your best self.
1. Let Accessories Do the Heavy Lifting
If you feel like your wardrobe is missing something, don’t rush to overhaul it. Start small with one standout piece. “Go bold with color!” Alli says. “A vibrant handbag can instantly elevate your outfit and mood. Even if your wardrobe leans neutral, adding a pop of color makes a powerful style statement.” Whether it’s a colorful tote, a handmade earring or a pair of statement shoes, one striking element can pull your whole look together and leave you feeling fresh, even in jeans and a tee.
2. Build a Confidence Capsule
According to Alli, timeless basics will always serve you better than chasing trends. “Invest in a crisp button-up shirt, a great blazer, a statement tote and a go-to clutch,” she says. These key pieces in her confidence capsule not only elevate your wardrobe but make getting dressed easier. Her own go-to? “Our Imani Tote! It’s my everyday essential, perfect for work, travel and life on the go. It’s versatile, functional and chic. Every woman needs a bag she can count on.”
3. Make it Personal, Then Look for Inspiration
True style starts with knowing yourself. “Start by looking inward! What do you truly love?” Alli says. “Then seek inspiration from people whose style resonates with you. Gradually incorporate elements that reflect your identity and tell your story.” And don’t be afraid of change! “I’ve always loved feminine and colorful pieces, but as I’ve grown, I’ve embraced more tailored, sophisticated silhouettes,” Alli admits. “Now, I combine bold colors with a polished, refined aesthetic.”
When designing her own collections or collaborating with muses
like Sogunro and Awe-Etuk, Alli always starts with the individual.
“I focus on what makes that woman unique, her lifestyle, energy and what she represents,” she explains. “It helps me create pieces that not only reflect her essence but also resonate with her audience and ours. The best designs come from blending those worlds seamlessly.”
Secrets Meant to Be Shared
Great style doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch, and it certainly shouldn’t feel exclusive. Alli’s recent collaborations are rooted in community and shared creativity, not gatekeeping. “Titi and I have been friends for years, supporting and inspiring each other as we built our brands. This collaboration felt like an organic next step, merging her world as an influencer with mine as a designer,” Alli said. “Titi was the perfect muse because she brings a keen sense of style, knows her audience, and introduced a fresh color perspective that beautifully complemented F&W Style.”
Through it all, Alli reminds women, especially those over 40, that style is about confidence and there are no rules. “Wear bright colors, rock that mini skirt, go sleeveless…whatever makes you feel confident and alive,” she says. “We only get one life, dress for yourself, not for others.”
