Be bold: accessorise the season

14:43, Jan 31 2009
BOLD STATEMENT: Bangles, $14.99 each. Available at Kmart.
BOLD STATEMENT: Bangles, $14.99 each. Available at Kmart.

KATE FRASER has the message on accessories.

VICTORIA BECKHAM might have her fashion faults, but this is one woman who gets the accessorise message. Think big, be bold, more, more, more is her mantra. And it works.

So Posh's bling is the real thing? Real or a steal (figuratively speaking, of course), it makes no difference as long as your bracelets and bangles and shoes and specs are larger and brighter than ever. The season ahead is about dressing up, being cool and always keeping one beat ahead, and that's just the accessories. But then as Coco Chanel once said, "fashion is not only a mattrr of clothing".

BOOTS WITH EVERYTHING: Bailey boots, $499, Briarwood. For stockists, phone (09) 259-0099.
BOOTS WITH EVERYTHING: Bailey boots, $499, Briarwood. For stockists, phone (09) 259-0099.

Key looks

Sunglasses – sporty, with wrap-around shapes and big logos.

Jewellery – cuff bracelets and slave bangles in metallics and bright plastic. Chains with coloured gemstones. Casual pearls – strung on velvet ribbons, slung on charm bracelets.

Footwear – boots with everything. Shoes with toe peepers and platform soles. Metallic fabrics and leathers (silver and gold). Ballet flats in brights, pastels, and animal prints. And in metallics.

Bags – still big. The past summer in Europe was the season of the big white handbag. The jury is out whether the style will catch on here. In the meantime, any bag made from snake, or shiny silver, gold or copper fabric has "the look".