The hottest trends in accessories for summer 2009
If you're struggling to weather tough economic times, buying new clothes can slip down the list of financial priorities and that sweet summer sundress suddenly becomes a want, and not a need. But you don't have to forgo summer style altogether. Smart accessories can make your existing wardrobe look and feel new again.
Why you need accessories
For summer 2009 accessories, go for big, bold and beautiful statement pieces. "Accessories define your style and underline the new trends," says Robin Keeler, fashion director at Toronto's Yorkdale Shopping Centre. "They make or break the outfit. They can pull all the components together, add a personal touch and they can become your signature."
Plus, you can use accessories to create various effects. With practice, the right accessories can add endless possibilities to your wardrobe, lending the look of high fashion at affordable prices.Before you hit the mall, heed Keeler's principles for accessorizing well.
1. Mood
Keep your accessories in the same mood as your outfit, so that nothing looks awkward, incongruent or out of place. Generally, the simpler the clothes, the more dramatic the accessories can be.
2. Balance
Uneven numbers tend to be more pleasing to the eye than even. With the exception of shoes and earrings, accessories tend to look better as one spectacular item or in a group of three.
3. Proportion
This is simple but very important. Your size should determine the size of your accessories. Large pieces will make what is around them look smaller. The bigger you are, the larger your accessories should be. Small pieces will make what's around them look bigger.
4. Focal point
The goal is to work towards one focal point that will instantly draw attention.
What's new in accessories?
Dressing up your existing wardrobe can be easy with statement jewelry, a fabulous new bag or even an inexpensive but dramatic scarf. Here are the best summer 2009 trends, according to Keeler:
Jewelry
-Big, bold costume jewelry is the must-have fashion accessory of summer 2009.
-Mix and match clothes and jewelry with bold colours; big rings, necklaces, stacked bangles or thick or thin cuffs.
-For an evening look, complete your outfit with chandelier or elongated earrings.
Hair accessories
-Headbands are hot and can be used to hold hair neatly away from the face while adding a flattering, adorning element.
-Hair clips, pins and barrettes are beautiful too, but beware: they do not belong at the office.
Purses
-A big bag is a dramatic way to make a style statement.
-Big bags have the effect of making most women look slimmer. Unless you are extremely petite, oversized bags make their owner look delicate in comparison.
-The big bag is practical. All those pockets and compartments provide great storage for items you can't leave home without.
Click to continue for more top accessories plus the hottest colours for the season...
Page 1 of 2
Why you need accessories
For summer 2009 accessories, go for big, bold and beautiful statement pieces. "Accessories define your style and underline the new trends," says Robin Keeler, fashion director at Toronto's Yorkdale Shopping Centre. "They make or break the outfit. They can pull all the components together, add a personal touch and they can become your signature."
Plus, you can use accessories to create various effects. With practice, the right accessories can add endless possibilities to your wardrobe, lending the look of high fashion at affordable prices.Before you hit the mall, heed Keeler's principles for accessorizing well.
1. Mood
Keep your accessories in the same mood as your outfit, so that nothing looks awkward, incongruent or out of place. Generally, the simpler the clothes, the more dramatic the accessories can be.
2. Balance
Uneven numbers tend to be more pleasing to the eye than even. With the exception of shoes and earrings, accessories tend to look better as one spectacular item or in a group of three.
3. Proportion
This is simple but very important. Your size should determine the size of your accessories. Large pieces will make what is around them look smaller. The bigger you are, the larger your accessories should be. Small pieces will make what's around them look bigger.
4. Focal point
The goal is to work towards one focal point that will instantly draw attention.
What's new in accessories?
Dressing up your existing wardrobe can be easy with statement jewelry, a fabulous new bag or even an inexpensive but dramatic scarf. Here are the best summer 2009 trends, according to Keeler:
Jewelry
-Big, bold costume jewelry is the must-have fashion accessory of summer 2009.
-Mix and match clothes and jewelry with bold colours; big rings, necklaces, stacked bangles or thick or thin cuffs.
-For an evening look, complete your outfit with chandelier or elongated earrings.
Hair accessories
-Headbands are hot and can be used to hold hair neatly away from the face while adding a flattering, adorning element.
-Hair clips, pins and barrettes are beautiful too, but beware: they do not belong at the office.
Purses
-A big bag is a dramatic way to make a style statement.
-Big bags have the effect of making most women look slimmer. Unless you are extremely petite, oversized bags make their owner look delicate in comparison.
-The big bag is practical. All those pockets and compartments provide great storage for items you can't leave home without.
Click to continue for more top accessories plus the hottest colours for the season...
Page 1 of 2
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