If you cannot pay big bucks for that coveted designer frock this party season, go for drama with one eye-catching accessory. This season, the smart girl’s bet is on the legs. For a fraction of the cost of a new dress, you can dress up those shapely gams with eye-catching patterned or opaque tights. Add a sassy shoe and you’re party ready.
“The more drama, the better,” says Rachel Zoe, a celebrity stylist whose client roster includes Cameron Diaz and Kate Hudson.
But don’t overdo the accessories, cautions designer Cynthia Rowley. “If you can find one thing that you really love, it’s going to completely elevate your mood. Too much clutter and it confuses your look.”
Whether it’s legwear, neckwear or a wrap, designer Maria Pinto sees the beauty of one statement piece in an ensemble. “Find what you can afford and justify on your budget. For a working girl, that might be $200 on a whole outfit. Another might pay $200 for shoes alone. It’s different for everyone. But find the piece that has impact, regardless of your price range.”
The rest of your accessories are just the backup band; subtle, but complementary.
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Pitch the pearls
“If you can buy only one new thing,” Cynthia Rowley says, “make it something big and chunky to go around your neck. Plastic, Lucite, faux fur. Skip the traditional strand of pearls. Boring. Totally boring.” Rachel Zoe concurs. “If designer jewels are north of your budget, go vintage. Anything from the 1920s to the ’50s will work. If you can find it in turquoise, do it. And don’t match your earrings to your necklace.”
Pick pistachio
Green is a perennially popular holiday color; this year, you can notch up the sophistication by going for a mellower version. Pistachio green showed up on runways last spring but in limited fashion. It’s more prevalent for spring 2009 in pieces by Zac Posen and Dior, among others. Get a jump on the trend and complement that little black dress beautifully for the holiday circuit. Ferragamo mini-clutch, $1,450 at salvatoreferragamo.com
Wrap it up
Give some thought to warmth, says Maria Pinto, who’s known for her luxurious wraps. “Wraps make the most impact because they’re the first thing anyone sees when they look at you,” she says. “They’re accessible at every price and can change a basic black dress into something unrecognizable — in a good way. Go for magenta, persimmon, pistachio if this is your impact accessory.”
