Easy Accessories for Fall

We always want to look like our most fabulous selves, but the morning rush combined with a day’s worth of to-do’s looming can get in the way. I find I feel my best when I look “put-together” but that doesn’t always have to mean spending a ton of time getting ready. One great way to cut down on the am chaos is to take the same approach many of us do with kids and lay out (or in our case, hang up) the outfit the night before. This allows you extra time to make sure the pieces work right together, and eliminates the “nothing-to-wear” drama in the middle of making breakfast, packing lunches, and maybe even managing a sweep of mascara on your way out the door.

Image via This Silly Girl’s Life

But there are also some easy pieces you can start transitioning into your fall wardrobe now, that will liven up those same black chinos and simple top you tend to reach for, adding punch to your outfit without a second thought. You might need to tippy-toe outside your accessorizing comfort zone a tiny bit to have a real impact, but trust me — we can do this.

Animal print is the new neutral. If you’re prone to donning white, black, tan, or any other overload of neutrals, we could totally be best friends. But as chic as a monochromatic outfit can be, adding unexpected flair is easy as throwing on a leopard- or zebra- print scarf, belt, or pair of flats on your way out the door. You might feel inclined to make the outfit really “match” this standout piece — but you don’t have to. A somewhat neutral base (jeans, slacks, even a tweed pencil skirt) works perfectly with animal print.

Leopard-print calf hair belt, Merona for Target, $17.

Opt for leopard, herringbone, or spot … these bold, printed smoking flats are perfect for everyday style. French Sole Calf-Hair loafers, Garnet Hill, $198.

Salvatore Ferrgamo “Zebrata” zebra-print modal and cashmere scarf, Zappos Couture, $550.

Don’t shy away from color. Brick-red jeans or a bold blue slouchy sweater might not be your “thing,” but working bright pops of color in with your accessories is an easy way to finish off any look and add some sass without a second thought. I love a dangling earring for this purpose — chunky turquoise beaded necklaces and candy-colored handbags work, too. And remember — when you’re rocking a leather accessory in a color other than brown or black, be prepared to get stopped every 20 minutes by a stranger coveting and demanding to know where you found it!

Talk about easy! Up the ante on that ho-hum black skirt and sweater with some burgundy opaque tights. Adorable! And on sale for only $10. Gap.

So when I said color, I probably meant sparkle, too. These gem-studded Tory Burch flats are statement-making, comfortable, and dazzling. A MUST for fall! (Also available in emerald). $295.

A rose is a rose … Oscar de la Renta painted rose clip-on drop earrings, Saks Fifth Avenue, $255.

Best for a kids-free afternoon, business lunch, or evening date with the hub, this tiny Kate Spade cross-body will have everyone green with envy. $178, Bloomingdales.

Chunky knits are not sloppy. As long as you take care of your knitwear, getting any of those little balls of wear shaved off at the dry cleaner once or twice a season, and keeping them makeup-free, you’re good. Chunky knits are not only cozy; they add a touch of British-inspired sophistication to any ensemble. I love a thick wool snood, a perfect hat, or even borrowing a cardigan from my husband and pairing it with my skinniest jeans. Have fun with knitwear and remember that warm and comfy is always in style.

ASOS chunky hand-knitted snood, now on sale for $12.

A beret shape and some sewn-on sequins make this hat formal enough for more than just the carpool. Kate Spade allover sequin beret, $88, Bloomingdales.

Or, add a pom-pom for some more fun. This piece will have to wait a couple months, but it’s on sale now, so you may as well nab it while you can! Mischa Lampert chunky-knit beanie. Now $89, Barneys.

Paired with leggings and poking out the top of your moto boots, these cable-knit socks are pure fall perfection. Now on sale for $5, H&M.