Summer’s most wanted

Fashion is no longer just about pretty frocks. It is as much about the perfect accessory that matches the look. It is what completes it. Today, accessories are big business. So big that high- street brands have diversified. Take a look at Gucci. The brand not only opened a number of stores carrying only bags, shoes and other accessories, but also fine jewelry. Victoire de Castellane’s designs for Christian Dior’s new fine jewelry division are sold in 55 of their boutiques worldwide. Giorgio Armani, Yves Saint Laurent, Chloé and Lanvin have added more and more accessories to their lines.

I may sound like a broken record. Each season, I stress that an accessory is the quickest way to update your look. As repetitive as it may sound, it’s true. This season is not any different. Just a change from a stiletto to a chunky heel, for instance, can spell the difference. Or wear a copper chain rather than gold and you are instantly current. Change your accessory and you change your look. It is as simple as that.

Here are summer’s most-wanted. Remember that you don’t necessarily have to purchase new ones. What is important is to be in the know about the season’s key looks. Then, take reference. Search your closet. Remember that fashion is like a cycle. It always comes back. What is off this season may be the "it" piece the next.

• Eye-catching accessories are still the rage. Be it a whopping cocktail ring, gigantic hoop earrings or a mega pendant. Wear-to-be-noticed is key. Bold is hip again. Check out Lanvin, Chanel, Miu Miu, Yves Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta and Chloé. Of course, it wouldn’t hurt to invest in real daring jewelry.

• Metallic hues are here to stay. Gold and silver add-ons have become a wardrobe staple. This season, copper is the metal of choice. The polished and gleaming accessories present an edgy modern look.

• Sky’s the limit. Time to suffer again. Although you will also see a lot of flats, exaggerated platforms are the season’s essential.

• White and gold never looked so good. Take a look at the bags of Prada, Miu Miu, Louis Vuitton, Tod’s, Versace and Yves Saint Laurent. To add more decadence, invest in one made with luxurious leather like crocodile, python or ostrich. Tell time with a ladies’ Millenary collection watch from Audemars Piguet with an 18K pink gold case, white leather strap and diamond-set bezel or a Harry Winston ladies’ chrono also in rose gold encrusted with diamonds in a white crocodile strap.

• Add patent leather accents in zesty colors for fun to your wardrobe. Lime green and lemon yellow never looked so delicious!

• To stay true to summer, keep flora and fauna alive. Flowers, insects, birds and leaves are sources of inspiration in jewelry and other trimmings. Fine jewelry from Cartier, Chanel, Dior and Van Cleef & Arpels stayed true to summer. Flowers flourish in shoes, bags, belts, headbands, clips and other accessories at Alexander McQueen, Bottega Veneta, Loius Vuitton, Chanel and Fendi.

• Accessories are embellished with big chains and studded in monochromatic pieces. Take cues from Lanvin, Chanel, Christian Dior, Chloé, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Balenciaga and Fendi.

• Crystal clear – Lucite, Plexiglas, PVC, crystals, and diamonds cool the summer heat. Shimmering and transparent accessories freshen the season’s ensembles. Take a peek at Chanel, Lanvin, Oscar de la Renta and Viktor & Rolf.

• Eyewear not only protects your eyes from the sun but also sets your look for summer. If you can get ahold of Balenciaga’s space-age sunglasses, you have made it to the future. Or get white-framed glasses.

• Tassels and fringes add finishing touches to the season’s Seventies vibe. Prada, Christian Lacroix, Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana take the bait.

• Cinch your waist with studded belts or embellished with geometric accents. Choose from Lanvin, Fendi, Balenciaga, Gucci, Roberto Cavalli, Bottega Veneta and Burberry Prorsum.

"The red carpet is the Super Bowl of the entertainment industry. People will pay an enormous amount of money to get the longest, best commercial — and that means dressing the biggest, most important star," says Carol Brodie, chief luxury officer of CurtCoMedia and a former Harry Winston executive, from The Power of Celebrity by Alison Burwell. Gone are the days when it was an honor just to be able to put on millions’ worth of jewelry on loan. Now, celebrities, together with their teams of stylists, expect it. And, more often than not, come together with a huge paycheck. It is exposure on a global scale. Let’s face it. This event sets the trend for the fashion accessories of the season. This season, it is all about choosing one focal point. Be it layered cuffs, statement pendants, decadent cocktail rings or maximal earrings, the key is show-stopping. Since the recent Oscars, I have seen mostly criticism about who wore which designer and what went wrong. Honestly, if I were a star, I would rather be on the worst-dressed list. At least I tried. At least I let my personality shine. Those who stick to the safe side are dull and boring. Fashion is about individuality and having fun. We all may not get it all the time. I myself have had fashion misses. It comes with learning and experience. Our taste evolves with every new experience or sensation. Continue to discover and settle only for what suits you best!

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Send queries and suggestions to jo@joyceorena.com.

Watch out for next week’s trend alert on hair and makeup.