The Budget Fashionista

Dear Budget Fashionista I am looking to start wearing more jewelry and accessories as sort of a New Year’s resolution but I see everyone wearing the long necklaces with big beads and things like that. Are there any new trends in accessories coming for the new year?

A: In terms of accessories, you’ll see a lot of what was in last year . . . wedges (especially cork wedges), espadrilles, gold necklaces, beads (make sure their in scale with your size—smaller beaded for smaller people, larger beads for larger people), lots of brown. However, some new entrants like straw + leather purses, accessories combining nautical themed materials like gold chains and ropes (think Polo Ralph Lauren) and the color white will also be hot. I also think hats are going to make a major comeback because of concerns about skin cancer and the general trend of fashion towards the more conservative looks.

poll by twiigs.com

Image courtesy of Juicy Couture.
Product Info: Wool Newsboy Hat by Juicy Couture (sold out).

Hats can add a little oomph to the most basic of outfits—and we love ‘em because, like belts, you can get some that look trendy and terrific without parting with a whole lotta dough. You could pay more for a stylish hat, but we’re here to prove it’s not necessary, with this floppy hat high vs. low. One of the hats pictured is more than we like to spend on a whole outfit, while the other is at the perfect …

On the left, the high, Penelope by Eugenia, $145; on the right, a budget pick, the Grandpa Fedora at Urban Outfitters, on sale $14.99.