Statement accessories for fall: From It bags to strappy shoes, the Style Panel shares must-haves for the season
It’s impossible to deny our dependence on statement accessories when faced with the challenge of upping our outfits. We lay gem packed baubles on our necks, slip into OTT heels and carry the new It bag whenever possible. Say “aye!” if you agree that the bolder, the more vibrant and the more elaborate the accessory, the better.
With this season’s riot girl trend requiring metallic hits and the power skirt suit relying on femme’s demand of opulence, it’s no surprise that the Fall 2013 runways featured many statement accessories. From decadent gold crosses at Dolce & Gabbana, to fur-covered heels at Fendi and a globe shaped purse at Chanel, we love that accessories have morphed into nouveau shapes and textures this season.
And here to help us navigate these new statement accessories is the Style Panel. Barbara Ann Solomon of Barbara Ann’s Style Blog upped the ante on her composed look by slipping into her on-trend plaid Erdem for Nicholas Kirkwood heels. Proving that it’s possible to pair neon and animal print, Becky Kung of Velvet & Vino shared one of her street style looks from New York Fashion Week, and we have to say brava on the lacey neon skirt and studded animal print clutch combo. And a Rebecca Minkoff bag makes a double appearance in this week’s challenge: Anum Khan of SummerXSkin wears the mini Morning After Clutch (M.A.C) in “Bittersweet” while Nicole Wilson of Dainty Girl rocks it in “Port.”
It’s safe to say that our girls are all for accessories that add a little va va to their voom. Keep reading to see all the statement accessories that our Style Panelists are wearing this season.
Question 69: Which statement accessory are you rocking this season? Read the answers now! »
Or jump to: ANUM KHAN, TORONTO | BARBARA ANN SOLOMON, TORONTO | BECKY KUNG, CALGARY | CEE FARDOE, PARIS VIA VANCOUVER | IVA GRBESIC, TORONTO | JACQUELYN SON, VANCOUVER | KAYLA SHORT, HALIFAX | NICOLE WILSON, TORONTO | ZOE SMYTHE, NEW YORK CITY
Anum Khan, 23
Toronto | SummerxSkin
Big, bold necklaces have been really popular this year, but lately I’ve been loving the style of pairing two or more together to create a statement on its own. Last week I wore delicate little necklaces together on my blog, and here I’m wearing a bright contrasting colour along with a long gold chain, and that brings out the print on my pants. Of course, there are lots of accessories that can make a statement this fall, including a nice warm-coloured bag or an autumn-themed scarf.
Anum’s wearing: Pants, Massimo Dutti. Bag, Rebecca Minkoff. Yellow Necklace, Cocoa Jewelry. Everything else, H&M.
Barbara Ann Solomon, 25
Toronto | Barbara Ann’s Style Blog
The season where I believe all the fashion magic happens is during the fall. The temperatures are cool enough allowing you to layer and yet warm enough to wear your amazing heels that you are too afraid of salt stains to wear during the winter.
Plaid and lucite are big trends this past year, so when I found these incredible Erdem for Nicholas Kirkwood pumps on sale I quickly snatched them up. As the season changes, we will have no choice but to accessorize more with toques, gloves and mitts, so when wearing bold shoes like these, keep everything else rather simple.
Barbara’s wearing: Pumps, Erdem for Nicholas Kirkwood. Sweater, Banana Republic. Pants, Kimchi Blue. Scarf, The Gap.
Becky Kung, 30
Calgary | Velvet & Vino
The studded-animal print clutch paired with studded heels is my favorite go-to pieces this season. Combining these with sharp colors such as a bold-neon skirt finishes off the statement look with flair and color.
I wore this outfit to Day 6 of New York Fashion Week this Fall and plan to style it many more times for other activities such as date night and to the office when I feel the need to add some pizazz to my day!
Becky’s wearing: Skirt, J. Crew. Heels, Expression. Top, H&M. Clutch, Elleven K. Sunglasses, Tory Burch. Bracelet, Bliss (L.A.). Necklace, Tristan. Watch, Michael Kors.
Cee Fardoe, 27
Paris via Vancouver | Coco and Vera
When it comes to statement accessories, I always reach for jewelry – my outfits tend to be simple and classic. And let’s be honest, without the right accessories, that can be… well… boring. But a little bit of glitter goes a long way. I love dressing up jeans and a white tee with a statement necklace like this sparkler from Olive + Piper. Just add your favourite pair of booties, a fun blazer, and you’ll have the perfect effortlessly chic outfit.
Cee’s wearing: Jacket, H&M. Tee, COS. Jeans, Gina Tricot. Boots, Maje. Necklace, Olive + Piper.
Iva Grbesic, 37
Toronto | One Chic Mom
Accessories have really been a staple for many women these last few years because they able to dress up or transform any simple outfit into something interesting and modern. Furthermore, while waistlines may change accessories never judge. It’s just a win/win every time.
Black is a huge trend this season. While black on black can get a little boring it always seems fresh when paired with a statement necklace or two. That’s how I approached this outfit. A simple black tee with faux leather sleeves is an easy every day staple I decided to take it from day to night with the addition of these two necklaces that are made with Swarovski elements. I could have also worn a great cuff and earrings and gotten a very similar look. Black plays a great canvas to sparkle and metal
Iva’s wearing: Tee and pants, Banana Republic. Shoes, Jimmy Choo. Clutch (old), Danier. Necklaces, JCrew and Divana.
Jacquelyn Son, 21
Vancouver | Style Worthwhile
My statement piece currently is my Alexander Wang Rocco Bag. Wang is one of my favourite designers and I love how his designs are simple, basic and structured. They always have details that stand out but also go easily with every outfit. His pieces are perfect for every season and this bag will definitely get a lot of wear from me in the coming months!
Jacquelyn’s wearing: Dress, Wilfred Free. Plaid flannel, Zara. Sunglasses, Fossil. Bag, Alexander Wang.
Kayla Short, 26
Halifax | Short Presents
Accessories, accessories, accessories; where would we be without accessories? Perfect for adding that little extra umph to any outfit; accessories are the cornerstone of styling. Whether embellished with crosses, bows, or chunky jewels; it seems like the crazier the better. Personally I’ve been favoring statement bracelets lately, and I love this over-sized gold bow bracelet. Perfectly girlie it’s great when stacked with other bracelets, but it also holds its own flying solo.
The best advice for styling accessories has got to be not to over do it. Although Joan Rivers would never advise against it, don’t let your piece get lost in heaps and heaps of jewels. If you want your piece to stand out; it’s probably best to leave it stand alone.
Kayla’s wearing: Polka Dot Jumper, Tommy Hilfiger. Shorts, Forever 21. Stripped Shirt, H&M. Bag, Massimo Dutti. Frames, DKNY. Bracelet, Simply Lush.
Nicole Wilson, 29
Toronto | Dainty Girl
When it comes to statement pieces, I definitely go through phases. Two years ago it was all about clutch purses and last year it was all about statement necklaces for me. Don’t get me wrong, I still love those things, but this year – it’s all about statement shoes. I have invested in some fabulous new shoes this season and in the summer I even rocked a pair of neon yellow sandals for Style Panel.
Upon first glance, this look is all about the fall floral dress (which I got for less than $30 at Forever 21), but people always linger on the shoes. They’re not your average pair of ankle booties – they’re laser cut peep toe shooties! Classic shoes with extraordinary details – the statement that has everybody asking “Where did you get those?!” Not only eye-catching but comfortable with a half-inch platform and versatile enough to wear with pretty much anything! I’ve styled them with transitional pre-fall dresses, skinny jeans and leggings – the possibilities are endless. This is the year of the statement shoe for me and I’m loving every step!
Nicole’s wearing: Dress, Forever 21. Bag, Rebecca Minkofff from eLUXE. Shoes, Ann Taylor. Bracelet, Shop for Jayu. Watch, Michael Kors.
Zoe Smythe, 30
New York City | Zoe’s Fashion Feed
My goal, this fall, is to narrow my wardrobe to a collection of easy to wear classic pieces. To do this without feeling dull, I’ll use statement accessories to keep things interesting. Bold necklaces are my go to, this season, to add some excitement to classic or casual outfits. This Erickson Beamon Rocks necklace is at its best over a classic white button down or basic V-neck t-shirt.
Zoe’s wearing: Shirt, Vintage Brooks Brothers. Necklace, Alexis Bittar and EBRocks. Skirt, Mango. Heels, Atelier Mercadal Paris.
