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Fall 2021 Accessories

With the whirl of Halloween behind us, and as we gear up for the holiday season ahead, the chill is officially in the air, and you may be finding yourself ready to pull out boots, hats, and scarves as we continue into fall. But functional pieces aren’t the only accessories you can use to mark the season. Here is a list of some of my favorite fall add-ons to bring out the autumnal spirit in any outfit.

I don’t know why, but something about the changing foliage and the overcast days makes me want to wear a belt. Maybe because clothes become more tailored and layers require cinching as fall unfolds, but belts, whether standard or statement, are a fun way to add some structure and change up the fit of autumnal looks. Consider throwing on a wide belt over a blazer or open-front cardigan. Wrap belts with loose shift dresses can help define your silhouette, while leather belts with either studs or embroidery bring texture and flair to a simple jeans and sweater ensemble.

From belts to bags. Tiny bags have their place, but for day-to-day, the bigger, the better. Most of us have lots to schlep back and forth from home to work to errands to pick-up to home again. A canvas tote is a durable bag for fall. Go for more polish with a leather version with minimal hardware. When the cold weather hits, it’s hard to resist a furry accessory. You probably already have a cozy coat on deck, so take it up a notch with a shearling or quilted shoulder bag.

Big bags aren’t the only accessory that is getting upsized this season. Larger, retro-style sunglasses are on-trend for fall. For me, on mornings when makeup just isn’t happening, a tinted-lens boxier frame hides a lot of sins and gives me the appearance of being ready to take on the day. Oversized aviator-style glasses bring a cool-vibe style to any look and protect your eyes on a bright, windy day. A rounder frame pair will add a bit of playfulness to a T-shirt and joggers outfit.

Every year, there’s always a new shoe on the scene, and for this season, the boot of the moment is the over-the-knee boot, which can be hard to pull off. And hard to pull on. If you’re up for the challenge and ready to make a statement, go with an OTK in oxblood and wear with a chunky knit sweater dress. For a more streamlined look, go with a pair in black with tights and a little black dress. This type of footwear doesn’t pair easily with pants or leggings, so if you’re not a dress person, you can always default to ankle boots, but taller boots can be a fun alternative.

Like sunglasses, the right hat can pull a look together with minimal effort. This season, consider adding a bit of Parisian flair with a knit beret. This soft, rounded cap is more sophisticated than your standard beanie and brings a bit of romance to more casual looks. Black berets can be clichéd, so opt for a version in a fair isle or herringbone print.

One of the best things to pair with your knit beret this season is a silk scarf. Switching out your regular scarf for a printed silk version is a chic way to accessorize a basic fall button-down and wide-legged trouser. Plus, there are so many ways to wear a scarf. Fold a square silk scarf into a triangle and wear it point front with a turtleneck, utility jacket, and black jeans. Or wear it long and loose around the neck with a V-neck midi-dress and a trench coat. Or fashion it like an ascot with a shirt and blazer.

Lastly, there’s jewelry. Pearls are another accessory that has been around for a while but has also been reinvented in many ways. While pearls mixed with fun beading were popular for the summer, chunkier and heavier pearls have been on-trend this fall. The interesting thing about a hefty pearl, whether real or most likely fake, is that you can go the traditional route with a string of pearls or more modern with a single rounded or odd-shaped pearl pendent. I veer towards the latter and would recommend pushing the expectation of pearl jewelry and looking for pieces like drop earrings, rings, and bracelets instead of the standard necklace.

What I love about accessories is that you can change up your style by mixing and matching these add-ons, all within the same outfit. A basic jean and white button-down can look cool with a studded belt and aviator sunglasses, or chic with a knotted scarf and pearl earrings. Just add a bag and a boot, and you’re all set for fall!

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