If you don’t want to overhaul your wardrobe for fall, good news: you can create new looks-and save a few dollars-by updating your accessories. With a plethora of styles to choose from, this season is a great time to start.
This fall, trends lean toward jewelry and handbags that make a big statement; the types of pieces that can instantly glamorize a simple, casual outfit and that are best worn with neutral colors and minimal makeup. Accessories with oversized chains, medallions, stones, metals, beads, leather and crystals highlighted many runways during fall fashion week. Massive, extravagant jewelry with plenty of metals and geometric shapes were featured in the collections of John Galliano, Marc Jacobs, Thakoon and Lanvin, glamorous necklaces of silver and gemstones were launched by Oscar de la Renta, and several designer necklaces and earrings had gold leaf, bronze metal and vintage silver chains and accents.
“In terms of jewelry, Art Deco-inspired pieces are a big trend this fall,” designer Elie Tahari told The Malibu Times. “The Brie necklace ($448, pictured above left) is a great example. You can wear it casually with jeans and a T-shirt or wear it with a classic sheath dress … either way it instantly updates your look.”
Piled-on necklaces,?? ?namely numerous ropes of pearls in different lengths, or a tangle of bronze, gold or silver chains, are also in. The same bold styles of this season’s jewelry are also present in its shoes and handbags, many of which are satchels, totes or clutches accented with studs, ruffles, snakeskin, or chain straps.
“Metallic accessories are very popular for fall,” Tahari said, advising that women invest in clutches “that can be worn with everything.”
The designer referenced the Elie Tahari Kimberly clutch ($298, pictured far right), available in printed python or croc, with a metal box frame and subtle stone embellishments, as one such piece.
“Clutches will never go out of style,” he said. “Big or small, simple or embellished, every woman needs a great clutch.”
Tahari’s accessories are easy on the eyes, but for some in this economic recession, their price tags are not. Check out stores like Banana Republic, J.Crew and Top Shop (www.topshop.com) to find similar looks for less.
You might be surprised to hear that this fall’s statement jewelry is no longer only used to accessorize clothing. Thanks to a clever creation called “shoelery,” you can now transform the shoes in your closet without having to buy new ones.
“Our shoelery pieces are a recession-friendly way to stay current and fun, without breaking the bank,” Malibu native Jessica Garb, vice president and designer for shoelery company Bluff NY, said. “The accessories are interchangeable and won’t harm the shoe or boot they are worn on.”
In keeping with this season’s hardware trend, shoes can be revamped using various metal embellishments like studs, spikes and chains, and even feathers. What makes shoelery even more economically advantageous is its versatility.
“There is no wrong way to wear Bluff, I think that is why it’s so fun, easy and creative,” Garb said. “I wear them with heels, sandals, boots, platforms, as necklaces or bracelets.”
While the variety of this season’s statement-making accessories creates endless ways to revive your wardrobe without several swipes of your AmEx card, don’t make too many statements at once. Choose one extravagant piece, like a necklace, as the focus of your outfit, because the addition of big earrings, a big bracelet and a big ring equals a big mess.
Lastly, don’t hesitate to experiment with other instant outfit transformers like bright scarves, studded belts or colored tights. Let the revamping begin!