Every season we see lots of trends that look great on the runway but would look like costumes if we tried wearing them head to toe in real life. A great and less expensive solution to looking fashionable to is to find these trends in accessories. Rather than indulging in a “whole meal” of an outfit, accessories can add just the right amount of “spice and flavor” to plainer, more user-friendly clothes that may already be staple pieces in your closet. Discover some trends you can easily translate from runway to real life and that update outfits in a flash without breaking the bank:
Trend: Texture
Faux fur accessories
Texture differs from print in that it isn't a pattern but a particular fabric weave that has visual interest. This season fur (or faux) and shearling were all over the shows. But this clothing trend can get bulky and be expensive to wear. Adding faux fur boots to jeans is a great way to stay updated. You can even look for fur bootie warmers if you already own a great pair of plain boots. Try a cross-over body bag with a slouchy sweater and a cargo pant for a weekend-on-the-go look. There’s faux shearling, which is infinitely less expensive than the real thing. This is a trend that mixes well with casual, comfy pieces, like jeans and knitwear and more organic jewelry like stones and wood.
Blanket Cardigan: Kensie, Macy's $78 Aztec in gray, available at Macy's NYC 151 West 34th Street, New York - (212) 695-4400
Turtleneck: Jeanne Pierre, Loehmann's $19.99 teal knit, available at Loehmann's NYC 101 7th Ave, New York - (212) 352-0856
Jeans: Kut, Macy's $59 stone washed in black, available at Macy's NYC 151 West 34th Street, New York - (212) 695-4400
Boots: Naughty Monkey, Zappos.com $79.95 D Lux Faux Fur Sku 7679480 in black, available at Bag: Aldo $50 faux shearling shoulder tote, available at Aldo stores nationwide
Belt: Esprit $39.50 gray leather, available at Esprit stores nationwide
Bracelet: Marlyn Schiff $68 retail, Style: 6764B "fabulous oval stretch cuff" in Black & Gold, available at Bracelet: SGS Designs $49 "Concrete" in Neutral/Brown, available at Bracelets: Adesso $48 ea. / Zodiac bracelets Color: brown with yellow, red, or green, available at
Knit accessories
For a less rustic, more urban look, try knit accessories. Chunky knit hats, arm warmers, cowl scarves, even boots are all spot-on this season and complement minimal, architectural, casual outfits, solid colors like black or red.
Leather messenger bag: Esprit $89.50 available at Esprit stores nationwide
Hat and Arm warmers: Steve Madden @ Filene's Basement $14.99 knit beret w/ matching arm warmers available at Filene's Basement 40 E 14th St, New York - (212) 358-0169
Boots: Steve Madden @ DSW $99.95 P-Source boot w/knit leg warmer, available at select DSW stores and
Trend: Print
Animal accessories Every season, there are a few prints that become popular trends. This season was no exception, with animal prints everywhere. And while prints are great to add personality to an outfit, many women fear wearing printed clothing, afraid they’ll look clownish and that patterns can add visual pounds. A great way to perk up a plain dress for work is to add print in a shoe, a scarf or handbag. Think of a solid dress for work as a blank canvas. By changing the accessories, you can change the whole look and feel of the same item. Adding animal print keeps this dress looking modern and relevant for the coming season with ladylike, sexy and slightly retro looks. This print looks great with kitten heels, framed bags and pearls. Be careful though — never pile on too much of the same print or it’s just like wearing the trend head to toe! Keep it simple by choosing one or two pieces (they don’t have to match exactly, just be in the same family) and add in a neutral piece to offset them.
Dress: Anne Klein, Lord & Taylor $118 tan double-knit sheath, available at Lord & Taylor 800.348.6940
Bag: Janie Bryant, QVC $79.75 / MOD Retro Animal Print Handbag, available at Shoes: Bandolino, DSW $59.95 DB Cheetah taupe, available at select DSW stores and Scarf: Echo $38 Vintage Cheetah Neckerchief in #215 Rum-line, available at Bracelet: Banana Republic $39.50 pearl twist bracelet available at Banana Republic stores nationwide and Earrings: Carolee LUX $60 Pearl Cluster Button Earring, available at Bloomingdale's
Ring: ABS $65 / Antique Gold and Crystal Animal Print Ring, available at Ring: Tom Shot $84 made with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Titanic Ring in Golden Shadow, available at
Plaid accessories
Another big print trend this season was plaid. This is another great touch to add to a work outfit — especially the menswear style — if you want something a bit more conservative and less girly. Try it with platforms and a wider-leg trouser.
Bag: Aldo $45 framed tote in black, available at Aldo stores nationwide
Shoes: Aldo $80 patent platform pumps, w/ faux snake in gray, available at Aldo stores nationwide
Scarf: Elgin, Filene's Basement $39.99 plaid cashmere available at Filene's Basement 40 E 14th St, New York - (212) 358-0169
Gloves: Portolano, Filene's Basement $29.99 leather gloves in wine, available at Filene's Basement 40 E 14th St, New York - (212) 358-0169
Bracelets: RJ Graziano $45 enamel in black, red and cream available by calling (212) 685.3737
Trend: Embellishment
Hard-edge accessoriesThere were a lot of rocker looks on the runway this season, tons of leather and chains and zippers and studs. Buying clothing items with this embellishment limits the use-value in your wardrobe. Think of a studded leather jacket: It really only works for cool, funky evening. But if you buy a plain leather jacket and get some heavy metal accessories, you can wear this jacket to the office as well as in the evening. Look for items with studding (like shoes or a clutch) or metallic sparkle (like hard darker metals, e.g., oxidized silver and darker or black rhinestones) to add edge to your simple evening pieces.
Jacket: H&M $14.95 style faux leather jacket #071641 in black, available at for store locations
Dress: H&M $34.95 style dress #557020 in silver, available at www.hm.com for store locations
Shoes: Kathy Van Zeeland Pumps $58.50 gray studded pumps, available at Clutch: Elliott Lucca Lucca 3-Way Demi Gold Snake $78 available at Earrings: Carolee LUX $55 pewter and smoky stone, available at Necklace: Banana Republic $39.50 smoky topaz chain necklace, available at Banana Republic stores nationwide and Bracelets: Express $26.90 black jet rhinestone stretch bracelets, available at Express stores nationwide
Ring: Beyond Rings $58 / "Rocker" silver pyramid ring, available at WINK 155 Spring Street New York, NY 212.334.3646
Femme fatale accessories There was also a lot of more feminine accessories this season. Look for ruffled leather shoes, or a clutch with florets, brighter metallic jewelry and clear rhinestones for a more tough and tender look.
Fur Stole: Express $69.90 faux fur in black, available at Express stores nationwide
Clutch: Sasha $18.50 red faux snake clutch, available at Charlotte Russe stores nationwide
Bootie: Report, DSW $79.95 Cookie in black, available at select DSW stores and
Earrings: Tejani $95 clear crystal, available at
Bracelet: Ann Taylor $118.00 Swarovski Crystal Stretch Bracelet, Style #18135 available at anntaylor.com
Ring: Beyond Rings $58 / "Orion" round cz ring with blue center stone, available at WINK 155 Spring Street New York, NY 212.334.3646