Extra! Extra!
Fashion Accessories, Fall 2018
October 2018 Issue
by Sharon Mosley
Coco Chanel may have famously said “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory,” but this fall, she might rethink that advice—and tell us to just pile more on! Big and bold clothes that are all the rage on the runways call for bigger and bolder accessories. So don’t be afraid to go the extra fashion mile this fall with these top accessories.
Oversize jewelry. The trendy buzzword for fall ready-to-wear is “oversize,” and the jewelry shows up larger than life, too. Go for the gold in chunky chain necklaces, dangling earrings and sculptural cuff bracelets. Mix with silver metals for even more of a modern touch.
Bold brooches. Pin on a starburst of crystals or pearls and give your jacket and coat lapels a reason to shine. Scour vintage stores and art fairs for unique designs, and don’t forget to peek inside your grandmother’s jewelry box. You never know what treasures you will uncover.
Printed scarves. After years of the pashmina, the printed scarf returns in retro designs reminiscent of the classics inspired by the legendary French luxury goods company Hermes. Think Hollywood glamour from the ‘50s, when stars such as Audrey Hepburn donned cat-eye sunglasses and wrapped their heads in silky scarves to ride through the countryside in windy convertibles.
Small sunglasses. Sunglasses have become a year-round necessity, and this fall they are given a whole new futuristic look in smaller versions with geometric angular frames, a la those of Keanu Reeves’ Neo in “The Matrix.” If you’ve got the bigger “Audrey” glasses, not to worry; they’ll always be in style.
Colorful gloves. Hands down, opera gloves are out to grab all the attention this fall and winter season. In a rainbow of bright colors, the newest gloves are long and lean, hitting right above the elbow, often fingerless. (The better to use those cellphones, right?)
Wide belts. With the volume turned up on the clothes this fall, belts are a cinch for reining in some of the extra fullness. Look for wide, strappy corset-like belts layered over suit jackets and soft big coats. The Western belt is another favorite accessory for casual outfits and high-waisted jeans.
Cowboy boots. This classic boot gets a major revamp this fall in dressed-up styles embellished with colorful embroidery, jewels and edgy studs. The white cowboy boot is one of the hottest trendsetters for fall. Yes, you can wear white shoes after Labor Day now!
Space-age sneakers. The clunky “dad” sneaker has been on the fashion footwear radar for a few seasons now. The newest sneaks still feature plush, thick soles but are turning up in striking color combinations and sleeker uppers with asymmetrical lacing —much cooler than those clunky “dad” shoes.
Textured handbags. From small pouchette—small enough to hold your passport, credit cards and phone—to circular crossbodies to giant weekend totes, the news in handbags is all about texture. Think fuzzy faux fur, shiny lacquered leather or snakeskin print. Add a little fringe and you’ve got a handbag that will shout “extra, extra!” no matter what you’re wearing.
Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association.