Fall & Winter Style Guide

As summer wanes and fall approaches it is time to think about our fall/winter wardrobes and accessories. We have tried to compile the anticipated fashion and jewelry trends into one guide and have added links to earrings that will accessorize well or follow the trends.

Denim will continue to be very hot this fall and winter, but now ripped denim is in. When wearing denim be sure to avoid 'double denim' which is a major no-no, keep it simple and wear one denim piece at a time. Pair your denim with a casual piece of jewelry, or make a statement with your jewelry for a fun evening look.

Embellishments of any type, but especially metal on jackets, handbags, and shoes are proving to be quite popular on the runways. Use embellishments on your accessories to spice up a day to evening look, and try shiny metal earrings to complete the look. Polka dots and animal prints are also showing up on the runways, but these are often best done on accessories.

Ruffles are popping up on the runways as well, for fall/winter. Try a blouse with ruffles down the front, at the collar, or at the sleeve edges. For those of you, who like to wear boots during colder months, be aware that over the knee or thigh high boots are becoming more popular. To avoid too many glances steer away from patent or shiny finishes and chunky heeled boots. Also, avoid wearing thigh high boots in place of pants or leggings. Accessorize this look with long linear earrings.

Hot new gem and crystal colors for the fall are predicted to be rose pink, berry, royal purple, lavender, Mediterranean blue, emerald green, lime green, coral, sky blue, buttercup, jade green, turquoise, and s'mores brown. Jewelry for the fall will have a medieval look; think large teardrop pearls, colorful stained-glass inspired pieces, multi-faceted gemstones, antiqued gold, creamy pearls, heraldic symbols like fleur-de-lis, and copper plating.

More designers are coming out with pieces that feature feathers or abstract feather designs which according to medieval texts symbolize faith, hope and charity. Jewelry designs that are more organic or have an earthy feel have become popular lately, and more and more jewelry designers are featuring eco-friendly materials such as bamboo and recycled metals.

Another popular fall/winter look in jewelry is a sleek polished 'uptown' look. This look includes sparkling faceted stones, neutral colors, and granulation. Also, big this fall/winter is bohemian inspired pieces that hearken back to the late '60s and '70's. These pieces are often handmade, hand-painted, have seed beads, feathers, fringe, tassels, braids, chains, hammered texture, and pre-Columbian or Native American influences.