Accessories make the uniform - when done properly Published May 21, 2009 By Senior Master Sgt. Karilyn Schmidt 446th Maintenance Squadron MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Every outfit needs accessories, right? Well, you can dress up you your uniform with accessories, as long as you remain within the guidelines outlined in AFI 36-2903. Women often add additional items to the basic uniform, which raises questions about whether it is in compliance. Here are some quick tips to remember: Handbags - Must be solid black leather or vinyl with no more than a single silver or gold clasp for ornamentation. Cannot have white stitching, patterns, tassels or buckles, or exceed 13 x 9 x 4-1/2 inches deep. A fabric, suede or shiny patent leather clutch purse is only authorized with the mess dress uniform. Hair bands/clips - Hairpins, headbands, and barrettes must match your hair color. Hair ribbons, scrunchies, and beaded/jeweled pins are not authorized. Earrings - Must be small, conservative, and round, and can be diamond, gold, pearl, or silver. All earrings must be worn as a set, and can be worn with any uniform combination. Nail polish - Must be a single color that compliments your skin tone, or a French manicure. Extreme colors such as purple, gold, blue, black, bright fire-engine-red, or fluorescent colors are not allowed. Nail length cannot exceed one quarter inch. Sunglasses -Faddish styles and mirrored lenses are not allowed. Sunglasses with minimal ornamentation are allowed, and frames may be black or brown material or gold or silver wire. A small brand name logo is allowed if it is the same color as the frames or lenses. Conservative wrap-around sunglasses may be worn. No sunglasses (to include darkened photosensitive lenses) are allowed in formation. Glasses cannot be worn around the neck, on top/back of head, or exposed hanging on the uniform. Now that you have this quick reference, go ahead and make your fashion statement! But, of course if you have additional questions, ask your first sergeant, or look it up in AFI 36-2903.