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)