Fall for Accessories
Get a fresh new look without starting from scratch
Accessories are an excellent way to update and refresh your wardrobe without buying a whole new one. They are also perfect for creating and expressing your own unique style.
Whatever you do, by all means, be original. "It's not what you wear, but how you wear it that shows your unique style," says Wong. To that end, the fall season is offering up an eclectic mix of unlimited possibilities. For inspiration, read on:
Fur-trimmed footwear: The furrier the better, and a perfect example of the Russian peasant vibe that was all over the fall 2005 runways (Jennifer Lopez showed fur-trimmed ankle boots to rave reviews). And last year's craze-Mukluks-are sure to be back. "They will be hot again and more widely available," says Wong, who suggests wearing the fluffy moccasin-like boots with straight leg jeans tucked into the top.
Scarves: Neckwear is coming in all shapes and sizes and can be worn any number of ways. Look for long skinny pencil scarves in sumptuous velvets and metallic yarns, extra chunky and extra long knit scarves, and ladylike chiffon or silk scarves knotted at the nape of the neck.
Long necklaces: This season, it doesn't matter what your necklace is made of, as long as it is navel-grazing. In other words, put away your chokers and go for some serious lengths of gold links, multi-strands of stones or the ever-classic and elegant string of pearls.
Brooches: These attention-grabbing pins were everywhere-nape of the neck at Marni, on scarves at DKNY, jacket lapels at Christian Lacroix, and belts at Missoni-on the fall runways. The brooch is also a standout this season on melange4women.com. "We have this great Margaret O'Leary Sophia top," says Fullmer. "It's a boat neck cashmere sweater with this delicate, little sequined brooch."
Capes: Considered by many fashion insiders as "the" item this fall, capes are the reincarnation of last year's ubiquitous poncho. Look for interesting fabrications in tweeds, plaids, and checks, along with cozier cable knit alternatives.
Cropped pants: With a neatly tailored silhouette and a straight leg that hits mid-calf, these versatile pants are generally flannel or tweed and look equally outstanding with a wooly belted cardigan or a silk georgette empire-waisted camisole.
Wide-legged pants: Often cuffed and slightly masculine in feel, these loosely tailored pants are full-legged and full-on gorgeous. Try pairing them with a billowy cashmere sweater and hip slung belt, with a fringed wool scarf wrapped around the neck.
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Jennifer James is a freelance writer for national magazines, newspapers and corporate clients. The former beauty and health director at Teen People, James has written for Shape, Lucky and The Washington Post and has more than five years experience reporting on beauty- and lifestyle-related topics. |
