Accessories are fashion’s magicians, quick-change-artists that transform a look right before your eyes. One stunning accessory, one little something and presto! You’ve got a new look, a new attitude.

 

By Maureen Mancini Amaturo

Accessories are fashion’s magicians, quick-change-artists that transform a look right before your eyes. One stunning accessory, one little something and presto! You’ve got a new look, a new attitude. Update a previous party dress, last year’s leather, or a jacket that isn’t a moto and give your wardrobe new mojo. And what a relief, you don’t have to spend a fortune on the new must-have garments to update your style. Low-investment/little-closet-space accessories do the trick. Who’s going to notice you don’t own culottes in 2016 when your new purse has more personality than your co-worker?

Make magic with accessories. These style-starters are key to pulling off some hocus-pocus from head to toe. Let’s start at the top.

Funky Sunglasses

With a pair of statement shades, and bibbidi-bobbidi-boo, you got yourself some new attitude. Switch out 2015’s trends – mirrored lenses, floral-embellished frames, round lenses – for 2016’s trends: dark or ombre lenses, cat-eye and funky shapes, oversized, and thick, colorful frames. Gray frames are hot, too. Sunglasses that match your clothing are trending for ’16, as seen at Fendi, Hugo Boss, Versace, Anna Sui, and Zac Posen.

Scarves

Dangling, narrow scarves, or any scarf wrapped and tied around the neck like a choker can move last year’s tee, dress, or jacket forward. Combine scarves with a choker or a necklace from Nicole Rose and voila! The look is great with V- or rounded necklines, suit, or jeans. Add long, flowing scarves with maxi dresses.

The Impact Purse

Eye-catching, embellished, top-handled, and bright. Big news: bags shaped like objects and pets. Not just carryalls, but conversation pieces. If girls just want to have fun, this is the accessory to get you there, no matter how serious your clothes are. No one is going to outwit Betsey Johnson in this area. Check out her handbags on www.betseyjohnson.com. Reminder: Crossbody is the 2016 bag of the year.

A Classic Watch

In contrast to the wild purse trend, a classic watch is a must. Gender-bending watches have been around and are still No. 1. Features: oversized with a huge face. Wear them with big bangles. Pair thin watches with thin bracelets. Mix precious with fashion. No rules about day/night watches anymore. Rose-gold is the trendy metal choice. Daniel Wellington Classic Sheffield at $199 is a top choice  — and it comes in rose gold.

Printed Boots

Fantasia for the feet. Not just animal prints, camo, or flowers, but toile-printed Dr. Martens and Disney characters on boots at Hot Topic (www.hottopic.com/product/disney-mickey-mouse-printed-boots.) Everyone knows rain boots already feature prints replicating everything from cartoons to wallpaper. Now slip into everyday boots with just as much magic.

Beyond the Basic Belt

Painted leather, obi, laser-cut, and mixed media, i.e., grommeted. No surprise, rose gold and pink copper are popular belt details. Orbit tunic dresses, oversized shirts, skirts. And if your pants have belt loops, yes, you need a belt.

Struggling to update your look? With any one of the above in your bag of tricks, you can pull a rabbit out of your hat.