On “Today’s Style,” we look at the hottest fall accessories to dress up your wardrobe. Bobbie Thomas, the show’s style contributor and author of The Buzz for In Touch Weekly, tells us about the latest trends in hats, gloves, scarves, stockings, and bold jewelry. She even suggests some accessories that let you give back.
Bold baubles
Make a statement this fall with wow-worthy jewelry. Today’s retro-inspired pieces will help your wardrobe take center-stage! Whether you choose chunky chains or opt for little loops, you’ll want to get linked to the hottest trend of the season! Chains are taking over your accessories department this fall. Jewelry designers Yochi ($14 to $99, 212-947-7826), Lee Angel ($18 to $575, shopbop.com), and CC Skye ($75 to $250, shopintuition.com) offer a mix of metals from polished and sophisticated to layered and edgy. Also joining the chain gang, bold chunky belts ($98 to $160, StanleyKorshak.com), watches (Anne Klein $125 to $175, macys.com; Movado $750 to $2,995, 212-218-7536), and even headbands ($18 to $75 intermixonline.com and LordandTaylor.com).
Black is back in a big way this season, and it’s more dramatic than ever! Pair standout pieces with winter-white fashions to create contrast and demand attention. While high-end designers such as Erickson Beamon and Stephen Dweck have paved the path of darkness, you can find these jet jewels at every price point — from your local department stores to sites online such as Rampage.com and Bebe.comAnd rock candy is re-living its glory days, as jumbo gems are creating quite a stir this season! You’ll feel like you’re in an episode of Dynasty, with a kaleidoscope of costume jewelry. Brands like Noir ($60 to $190, noirnyc.com), Stacey Lapidus ($50 to $400, StaceyLapidus.com), Emporio Armani ($150 to $275, 212-317-0800) all offer bright baubles.While companies like Kenneth Jay Lane ($65 to $375, 877-953-5264) and Girl Props ($2 to $65, Girlprops.com) have heard the call of the wild. Critters and creatures, from snakes, tigers, rams, zebras, lizards, to even insects are Mother Nature’s inspiration for current collections. Take a walk on the wild side and flashback to the ‘70s with glam serpent rings and sculpted cuffs.Glamour girls are also going back in time to find vintage-inspired jewelry that is magically fashionable once again. Whether you’re bringing the cameo back to life, or lusting over a locket, vintage-looking jewelry has never been more en vogue. Check out Candace Ang’s modern cameo ($200; shopintuition.com) or more traditional looking trinkets from Ben Amun by Isaac Manevitz that tell the story of another place and time ($98 to $188, ScoopNYC.com). Stylish stockings
Cover up those gorgeous gams and pull up those pantyhose ladies! There are plenty of patterned hose, textured tights and new knee-highs to go around.
Opaque stockings are all the rage this season and will keep you warm while making a style statement ($11 to $18, Hue.com). Tights are also getting textured with thick, cozy styles from brands like Free People ($28; girlshop.com) and Voila! ($6.50- to $25, Carson Pirie Scott, 800-374-3000). And Trasparenze and Givenchy Pret-a-Porter offer their hose in plenty of patterns ($16 to $89, Nordstrom, 800-723-2889; $7 to $18 Barenecessities.com). Socks are moving up in the fashion ranks – all the way up to your knees and over in fact! Nab knee-highs in solid colors or argyle patterns, like the ones from Old Navy ($4.50, OldNavy.com) or J. Crew ($12.50, JCrew.com), give you a preppy look goes great with Mary Janes or classic loafers.Knitting factoryHone in on one of the biggest trends of the season — hand-made styles that are reminiscent of a grandmother’s greatest achievements.Stop the presses! There’s a new take on newsboy caps this season, with knit berets that feature a soft brim in the front. Whether you opt for a sweet crochet beret or knit derby stores like Banana Republic ($28 to $48, bananarepublic.com) and Lord and Taylor ($24.99 to $100) offer great selections of these must-have hats.Gloves get glam this fall, as extra-long lengths are popping up everywhere. Dip your arms in this dressed-up trend with styles from Carolina Amato ($150, eluxury.com), Club Monaco ($49 to $79, clubmonaco.com), Kenneth Cole ($68, kennethcole.com).Go graphic with brights from Missoni ($165 to $420, intermixonline.com) and more! There’s a woven rainbow of knit accessories this season, so standout in stripes or make a statement in mod patterns! Both Urban Outfitters and Echo offer a variety of vibrant and printed gloves and scarves ($18 to $38, urbanoutfitters.com; Echo $20 to $250, echodesign.com).
Red hot
We have never been more inspi(red) to give back! Since Bono and Bobby Shriver launched the (Product) Red campaign in the U.S. last month to help fund the fight to eliminate aids in Africa, cause-cautious shoppers have put these accessories on their most-desi(red) list!
Gap is giving back by donating 50 percent of proceeds from 40 items that are branded as part of the (PRODUCT) RED campaign. Unisex accessories include belts, bracelets, scarves, hats and safety pins ($1 to $350, gap.com).
Apple’s iPod Nano now comes in the color that symbols aids relief in Africa ($199, apple.com.) Also available at Apple stores, Sumo Cases has created red iPod and laptop accessories, with proceeds that go towards the Global Fund ($20 to $35, sumocases.com).
Giorgio Armani answers the charitable call with a capsule collection from Emporio Armani that features accessories such as a watch and sunglasses ($58 to $228, Emporio Armani stores).
Motorola makes a donation to the Global Fund through sales of its RED-hot MOTORAZR phone ($64.99 with two-year contract; Sprint).
And last but not least, Converse is keeping your kicks cool with a variety of sneakers that support the (PRODUCT) RED campaign ($47 to $140, converseone.com). In addition, the footwear favorite is launching the MAKE MINE RED feature, which offers shoppers the option to customize any Converse (PRODUCT) RED Chuck Taylor Canvas Hi and Low shoe.