accessorize
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
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to choose or wear accessories.
Well-dressed women accessorize according to the occasion.
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to be suitable for accessories.
Some clothes accessorize more easily than others.
verb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of accessorize
An Americanism dating back to 1935–39; accessor(y) + -ize
Explanation
When you add a scarf, belt, or tiara to your outfit, you accessorize. That dress looks fine, but it'll look even better if you accessorize with this diamond necklace! The verb accessorize means to add accessories to what you're wearing — in other words, something extra that improves or enhances your basic clothing. You might prefer to accessorize with striped knee socks and a ball cap, while your younger siblings like to accessorize with feathers, sparkles, and plastic jewelry.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
You’ve got to accessorize with long shorts, football jerseys, ankle socks and high-tops.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026
Whether you’re staying cozy at home or venue-hopping, accessorize your Burberry with a pop of red — a sock, a lip? — and you’ve got the perfect holiday fit.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 3, 2024
That young Zuck feels leagues away from today’s Mark Zuckerberg, who’s now designing his own streetwear-inspired T-shirts, emblazoned with Latin phrases, which he’ll occasionally accessorize with a gold chain.
From Salon • Nov. 9, 2024
“There are ways to accessorize kitchen that add a lot of personality that are functional. Things can be functional and beautiful,” Scheff said.
From Seattle Times • Aug. 18, 2023
I’ve learned how to build a good, strong hut and accessorize it just right.
From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
