accessorize

American  

[ak-ses-uh-riz] / ækˈsɛs əˌrɪz /

especially British, accessorise

verb (used with object)

accessorized, accessorizing

1. to fit or equip with accessories.

   to accessorize a car with special seat covers.

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verb (used without object)

accessorized, accessorizing

1. to choose or wear accessories.

   Well-dressed women accessorize according to the occasion.

2. to be suitable for accessories.

   Some clothes accessorize more easily than others.

accessorize British  

/ əkˈsɛsəˌraɪz /

verb

1. (tr) to add accessories to

   accessorize a plain jacket with feminine jewellery

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Other Word Forms

• accessorization noun

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

You’ve got to accessorize with long shorts, football jerseys, ankle socks and high-tops.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

My only quibble is the costume team’s decision to accessorize Smoke in blue and Stack in flame red.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2025

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

And she does accessorize in other areas of her life, too, she said, pointing to various tassels she has for her Bogg Bag.

From Slate • Jul. 29, 2024

“Fifth Avenue is so on our way! We could accessorize, and monsters, like, totally hate the smell of Givenchy.”

From "The Last Olympian" by Rick Riordan