Recently in Accessories Category

Q. I have been eyeing a metallic tote to add some dimension to my mostly neutral wardrobe. Would a metallic tote look out of season in the winter? Thanks so much for your help! I love your website!

A. While not as "hot' as they have been in past seasons, there are many gorgeous metallic handbags out there right now. They can absolutely be worn in the winter and are great for brightening up a neutral wardrobe. Another handbag color to consider is red. Not only is red super hot this season, but it's a classic color that is ideal for adding dimension to a neutral wardrobe since it pairs well with so many colors. Here are some tote options for you to consider:

Angie & Lola Drawstring Tote - Purple $27 - Target

Kooba Jagger Zipper Tote $595 - Neiman Marcus

Marc by Marc Jacobs R Special Genius $452 - Zappos Couture

Melie Bianco Curved Side Pocket Tote $98 - Endless.com

Carla Mancini Tote with Front Tassel $360 - CoutureCandy

Signature Large Spotlight $298 - Coach

Hype luna snake print 'Marella' large top zip tote $195 - Bluefly

Metallic bag $49 - Newport News

Elie Tahari Selena Metallic Leather Tote $398 - Bloomingdale's

Q. I am an active college student searching for a large stylish bag to hold a couple of books, my school supplies, makeup, etc. Where can I find something large enough that's still trendy and affordable?

A. We found several stylish handbag options to take you from class to shopping to dinner with friends, and not a boring tote or collegiate backpack in the bunch. The best part? Nothing costs more than $100:

Q. I am 54 and going on a job interview. I have a black silk dress with matching blazer. How can I soften this look?

A. You have several options for softening up or adding style to a black work suit while still looking professional. A sophisticated, yet chic, necklace is a great option since it will bring focus to your face while you're talking. Look for something strong, yet feminine, like a chunky beaded necklace or twisted strands of pearls. An alternative would be an artfully tied scarf, just make sure it looks stylish and not matronly. Keep your earrings small and subtle.

Depending on the cut of your dress and jacket, you can add a pop of color in the form of a belt. Wear the jacket closed with the belt around the outside of the jacket, or wear the jacket open and wear the belt around the waist of your dress.

You can also convey style with your shoes, there's no rule saying you have to wear a basic black pump. Look for something professional, yet stylish and appropriate for an interview.

Seychelles Women's Rave Review Cross Strap Pump $99 - Endless.com

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Croc-Embossed Leather To Patent Reversible Belt $42 - Macy's

Dangling-pearl necklace $68 - J.Crew

Pearl-cluster necklace $125 - J.Crew

Brooch cluster necklace $98 - Banana Republic

Faceted collar necklace $80 - Banana Republic

Q. I just bought a long, single-breasted raincoat that didn't come with a belt and wondered if I could add a belt to it? If so, what sort of belt should I look for? It's stone colored with a yellow floral lining.

A. Whether your coat comes with a belt or not, adding your own belt is a great way to give your coat come personality. Wide belts tend to work the best with most coats, but you can also try experimenting with skinny belts or even scarf ties, depending on how lightweight your coat is. Here are some looks to consider for your stone colored coat with the yellow floral lining:

Q: I just bought a gorgeous, and very practical, red leather handbag (the Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Teri Tote). Its my first red purse and I'm just wondering if I have to match the red handbag with red shoes?

A. Red handbags are one of our favorite ways to accessorize, since you can wear them with almost any color in your wardrobe. Forget about matching your red bag to red shoes and instead opt for brown, black, camel, tan, white, gold, silver, bronze, blue, green... In other words, wear your red bag with everything and don't worry too much about matching the color to your clothes or shoes.

(The Teri tote is no longer available online in red, but we found a similar Marc bag at shopbop.com, shown here)

Q. Please help! I purchased a tie dyed scarf from Old Navy with combination of hot pink, coral, and light lavender. I don't know what color shirt to wear with it. I am thinking of wearing a jean jacket with it. What color shirt should I wear with jean jacket? If I wear denim trousers, what color shirt would look best? I love this scarf, but I am afraid of wearing too much pink if I combine it with a hot pink shirt.

A. Great purchase! We are huge fans of colorful summer scarves. Your pink dip dye scarf will really "pop" when worn with denim, so go for it. In addition to denim and white, don't be afraid to mix colors (another trend we are huge fans of!). Here are just a sample of colors to wear with your scarf. Don't worry too much about looking "matchy", just experiment and have fun!

Women's Lightweight Dip-Dye Scarves $12 - Old Navy

Q. I'm attending an anniversary party and would love to wear this dress I found at Express. I'm not sure what accessories (shoes, bag, jewelry) I should wear though. Do you have any suggestions?

A. Great dress! Let the bold graphic design dictate your color palette: yellow, black, white, gold - any of these colors would look great with the dress. We opted for black strappy heels, a lemon yellow clutch, a chunky gold necklace and bangles.

A white or gold bag would also look great, as would gold shoes. You can also substitute great dangling gold earrings instead of the chunky gold necklace or add a skinny black patent belt to change the look.

Logo Bangle Bracelet Set $38 - Liz Claiborne

Knotted Multi-Chain Necklace $34 - Express

Kooba Pleated Clutch - $195 - Footcandy

Kenneth Cole New York Women's Hit Or Miss T-Strap Platform $249 - Endless.com

Cotton Sateen Tube Dress - Pattern $79 - Express

Q. I found a very simple cut rayon tank dress with a very small floral print at a thrift shop and it hits about mid-thigh. Can I wear this as a belted tunic over skinny jeans? What would be the most updated way to use this dress? Accessory ideas, shoes, etc. would also help.

Also, I have a pair of Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses from 1987. Would I look dated if I wore them? They are good quality sunglasses and they just sit there. It seems the big glasses are back in again, am I right?

I like to be Thrifty but stylish.

A. Sounds like your floral tank dress was a great find! A classic shape in a classic print that just also happens to be very in style this season. You can certainly belt the dress and wear it with skinny jeans, or of course wear it as a dress with flat summer sandals or feminine heels or wedges. We've shown some ideas below using two floral tank dresses that can be found on the racks now.

As for your original Ray-Bans - not only can you wear them now, but people are paying big bucks for vintage originals and the new "original" reissues.

Nine West Women's Aleksander Platform Sandal $99 - Endless.com

Ray-ban Original Wayfarer Sunglasses $139 - Lord & Taylor

Danica Leather Hobo $29 - Forever 21

Motif Silver Paris $49 - Steve Madden

Frenchi® Floral Print Tank Dress (Juniors) $44 - Nordstrom

Natural Skinny Jean $24 - Wet Seal

Women's Vintage Hip Belt with Perforated Hole Detail - NEW! $125 - Linea Pelle

Large Floral Tank $21 - Wet Seal

Q. I bought this little dress for an upcoming wedding that I will attend. How do I pull the look together with accessories without going over the top and looking too trendy? I was hoping to wear a pair of nude or beige shoes. What about a necklace or bracelet? Can the style chefs help me whip up a winning (and timeless) combo?

A. Colorful, printed and asymmetrical - a trio of trends in one chic little dress! Let the dress be the star of your look and choose neutral accessories in colors like nude, bone and gold. Skip the necklace (too fussy with the asymmetrical neckline) and opt for dramatic drop earrings and a chic gold cuff instead. Gold or nude shoes and a neutral evening clutch complete the look.

Clutch $185 - Calypso

Cascade Large Link Bangle Bracelet $42 - Liz Claiborne

Beaded Flower Dangle Earrings - Coral $19 - Target

Stuart Weitzman Evening - Swag Gold Leather $335 - Jildor

BCBGMAXAZRIA Women's One Shoulder Floral Printed Matte Jersey Dress $158 - Bloomingdale's

Q. I work at a conservative law firm on the east coast and I'd like to know what a feminine (yet appropriate) way to wear a skinny belt is. Can I wear it around my waist? If so what kind of shirts can I wear it with?

A. Not only can you wear a belt around your waist to work, but it is a major fashion "do"! Wear your skinny belt over tailored jackets, button down shirts, feminine blouses, shift dresses and fitted sweaters. Of course, the belt also looks great with pencil skirts, full skirts and trousers. Below are a few ideas for you:

Soulmates ruffle sweater $34 - Dillard's

DKNYC Crosshatch Pencil Skirt with Belt $119 - Bloomingdale's

Tropical Wool Bateau Neck Dress $148 - Ann Taylor

Semantiks 'Flying Colors' Suit Jacket $158 - Nordstrom

Tahari Belted Black Skirt Suit $280 - Macy's

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Keeley Cardigan with Patent Belt $109 - Bloomingdale's