Summer 2010 Accessories

With a belt-tightening moment upon us, getting creative with accessories is a way of brightening up an outfit without spending a fortune.

In the past a lady wouldn't leave the house without the appropriate accessories – a scarf, jewelry and a bag to match her shoes. Today accessories are even more essential as a way of singling yourself out from the crowd rather than blending in with it. Accessory designers are powerful players – they make some of the most high profile pieces in fashion. Never mind your clothes – your accessories speak volumes about you.

Just take a look at the trend towards IT bags – arm candy, literally, that elevates your outfit from a B- to A+ in the click of the clasp. The Olsens are masters at this- they might dress down in a moody monochromatic outfits, but their bags dress any outfit up just enough. Kate Moss is another icon who uses bags to elevate her daily uniform of skinny jeans. And then there is the phenomenon of the scarves.

Perhaps what makes these girls so modern is that, they do not match their bags to the rest of their look. The color, shape or finish of your statement accessory should be juxtaposed with your outfir in some way, or at least to pop out in terms of color or texture for impact. This is the 2009 way of wearing accessories, and itworks whether your bag came with a three figure price tag or you picked it up at a second hand store.

Thankfully this season provides enough inspiration to create killer accessory looks yourself. Many shows featured scarves as head wraps, while other designers showcased chunky jewelry with a hint of handycraft. Out word of advise when reaching for an accessory this season: if it matches your outfit, change!