Fall on a Budget: Accessories

Photo: Photo by Jim DeYonker

Maybe it’s the fun hat that saves you on noncooperative hair days or that jewel-colored scarf that keeps out the chill and goes perfectly with your complexion, but every girl has her go-to accessory that has the power to punch up an outfit or rescue one in a pinch.

Well-placed pieces in up-to-date colors or designs are the easiest and most economical way to freshen up your fall 2011 look. They also have the power to transform a familiar ensemble into a new, hip version of the tried-and-true – without straining your credit cards.

Make an (Economical) Statement

When it comes to accessories, this fall is all about making a statement, and the clever fashion lover can use practical pieces to create a fresh look inspired by the runway.
Besides keeping the chill out and warmth in, hats are expected to be very in this season, said Alison Levine, Los Angeles-based freelance celebrity stylist and movie costume designer. Berets, which popped up on runways, and classic knitted caps are a couple of hot styles available in high-end versions by big-name designers. But varieties for every taste can be found at more affordable stores, such as Kohl’s, Marshalls and Target, Levine suggested.
“Berets are truly always in fashion, but this fall we will see them pop up in different designs and sizes more and more. Bright, monochromatic and gorgeous blacks will be looking great,” Levine said. “Throwing on a hat can take your casual, everyday look too cute or decked-out, depending what you wear and pair it with.”
The glammed-up wallet goes the extra mile with the clutch -- also a hot accessory for the girl who needs just enough space for her credit card, driver’s license, lipstick and cab fare.
“Picking one single clutch to last you all of the fall season is wise, and it saves you cash,” said Tiffany Phillips, stylist for Phoenix Fashion Week. “The chicest look I have seen so far is the two-toned, color-blocking envelope clutch. The best colors to get would be neutrals such as brown and nude, black and white or gray and light gray.”
Scarves remain a safe bet this season, with psychedelic prints and colors on trend for fall, according to Phoenix fashion blogger Lauren Pfingstag, founder of Phoenix Fashion Week's “One Nation Under Fashion” online poll series. Anything fur or laced with fur trim is a sure hit as well.
“These trends were seen on the runway of Michael Kors, Diane von Furstenberg and Hermes. However, less expensive versions of the clutches can be found at H&M, Forever 21 or Topshop,” Pfingstag explained.

Versatility Rules

Once you’ve settled on that new scarf, get the most out of your purchase. Use it to create a different look by taking it off your neck and shoulders.
“A head wrap or headband is super cute for fall," said Tess Loo, chief fashion stylist for My Sister's Closet, an upscale consignment shop in Arizona. "You can buy a cute scarf, tie it around and do it Jackie O. style," she suggested.
Belts in varying widths and a variety of materials and textures are also en vogue, so it’s time to break out those that are hanging in your closet or the one looped around the shirt dress it came with when you bought it last year.
Levine said belts easily transform an outfit: “Say you are having a casual day at work and you wore a long shirt and jeans with a belt to hold those jeans up for during the day. That night, throw those jeans off, throw that belt on that top, put on a pair of cute leggings and pair it with some cute jewelry and you are ready to go.”

Mix and Match, Pick and Choose

The art of picking and choosing the accessories on which to spend top dollar is key to maintaining a fashionable edge without maxing out your credit cards. Mixing less pricey items from discount and thrift stores with high-end pieces is Phillips’ secret. She keeps an eye on what her favorite celebrities and designers flaunt and finds ways to duplicate them by using many items that she already owns before making any purchases.
“Just because something is expensive doesn’t mean that it looks better," she said. "Finding items at places like Target and Forever 21 and mixing them with pricier items is how a true stylish person works. I also like swapping items with friends sometimes. That is the best shopping ever because you give up things you don’t wear anymore and walk out with an armful of new clothes.”
When it comes to the ultra-trendy items that are sure to disappear with the season, check out the inexpensive or thrift versions, Pfingstag advised. Save your hard-earned cash for well-made, upper-end pieces that can transition from season to season. When in doubt, black -- a color that is likely the most popular in every girl’s closet -- is always in for fall, making it an instant canvas ready to host the season’s color or accessory of the moment. Just avoid a funeral look by adding a bright clutch or vibrant scarf for some zing.
“Accessorizing is key to making a statement in any fashionista’s wardrobe,” Pfingstag said. “To save money and decrease your styling worries, invest in a few key pieces that will be your go-to wardrobe in a snap.”
But buying a gorgeous clutch, scarf or accoutrement that hardly sees the light of day is a mistake too many women make, Loo said.
“People tend to buy something beautiful and put it away. Invest in one piece that you can wear, wear, wear. For example, invest in a scarf that will go with lots of other things,” she advised. “You can look great for $300 if you put some effort into it and make it yours. Dress age-appropriate and body-appropriate and you are halfway there. The best accessory is self-confidence.”
With creative use of a few well-thought-out items and knowing which ones deserve top dollar or the thrifty treatment, your accessory stash can be your secret to a fashionable -- and affordable -- fall.