All-purpose accessories that shoppers can wear day or night are expected to be popular this fall.
Neckties are becoming skinnier and more colourful. Some daring dressers will opt for bow ties over conventional ties and wear them to both the office and the opera.
Women are also finding multi-use items. An oversized cocktail ring, for example, can play up a simple cardigan or make a statement with an evening gown. When it comes to these rings, bigger is better, says Ella Goldin, founder of Chic Inspiration, a New York City-based personal shopping consulting firm. A cocktail ring should be worn on the right hand, middle finger, she advises.
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Both are part of a trend toward day-to-night wear. Since consumers have been forced to cut back on apparel purchases—opting for basics and classics to mix and match—an attention-grabbing accessory is a sure-fire way to make a fashion statement at work or play. Overall apparel sales in August fell 1.4 per cent from last year, according to a report released today by MasterCard Advisors.
"We have seen phenomenal business with … over-the-top costume cocktail rings, necklaces and bracelets," says Mercedes Gonzalez, director of Global Purchasing Companies, a full-service buying office that plans and implements retail strategies for merchants and new designers. "This is a typical pattern, when there is nothing new in apparel, consumers look to buy an accessory that is a conversation piece."
The market for more affordable accessories has become so in demand, even Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld decided to take a slice.
Lagerfeld entered into an agreement last week with Accessory Network Group to design an affordable line of handbags, small leather goods and luggage under its Prestige Brands Division. The collection will launch in the fall and will include a contemporary line starting at US$600.
Top tricks
Bags are one way for women to bridge the gap between day and evening. Others include shoes and, of course, jewellery.
"The three essentials every woman should own to take their outfit from day to night are a glamorous high heel, metallic clutch or a clutch in a bright hue, and a cocktail ring," says Goldin.
It was once a fashion faux pas to don bling during the day. Now it's trendy to wear elaborate rings, cuffs or necklaces to the office or with jeans on the weekend. A chunky gold vintage necklace, for example, can dress up a cardigan sweater or be worn with a little black dress at dinner, Goldin says.
Cocktail rings should be as big and elaborate as you can afford.
"The ring dresses up your look, and since most people talk with their hands, it is closer to the face and more noticeable," Goldin says.
The clutch has also been super-sized. Many are still small enough to store in your work bag and be pulled out for a night on the town. The most appropriate are ones in bright hues like yellow, deep berry and violet or in shiny silver and gold metallics.
When purchasing a less expensive bag, opt for shiny leather—like patent leather—since it is harder to distinguish one from the other, Goldin says. It is easier to spot low-end Italian leather.
Metallics are also popular for shoes and leather gloves since they match any color or style and are available at any price point.
Guys diving in
Like women, men are also looking for accessories they can put on in the morning and wear into the night
This is particularly true for watches, according to Leonid Khankin, managing and creative director at Ernst Benz watchmakers. Men are wearing sports watches and other non-traditional watches after 5 p.m.
"A man wants to wear a watch for all of his activities: going to the gym, office, after-work drinks and dinner," he says. "This is why all-watches are now water and shock resistant, because men use them all day. They want to be able to travel with one or two accessories and mix and match. All accessories need to be all-purpose these days."
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In Pictures: Blue Jeans To Black Tie Accessories
