FASHION Small touches really count this season

Accessories can make last year's outfit say 'this season.'
BALTIMORE SUN
Clothes make the man; accessories make the fashionable woman. This year, that's truer than ever.
"The pulled-together, outfitted look is very important right now, with matching shoes and bags," says Gregg Andrews, Nordstrom's East Coast fashion director. "Prada showed matching shoes, bags and gloves (on its runway). There was tons of hosiery on the runways. It's ladylike, polished."
Accessories are an essential part of this year's new put-together looks, but there's a practical reason to focus on a great new bag or shoe. Most of us can't afford to buy whole outfits that reflect the season's key trends, and those who can may end up looking like fashion victims. But a stylish accent that updates the basics in your wardrobe? That's another story.
One with a happy ending.
"We all have our uniform," says Sheila Block, executive director of the New York-based Accessories Council. "Our black pantsuit or black turtleneck. It's the fab red glove that's going to say 'this season.'"
Freshening up last year's look with a great accent piece is cost-efficient. But another reason to think in terms of accessories is that color is such a big part of this year's fashion scene. Just a touch of mod's acid brights or a bit of the jewel tones you'll be seeing everywhere goes a long way.
With that in mind, we've selected some of the season's most important looks and the accessories that reflect them. A mod miniskirt with opaque tights and white go-go boots? Get real. Those same opaque tights with your favorite little wool dress? A knockout.
Here are this year's freshest accessories:
UHand in glove. This season, gloves are a fashion statement, and not just something to keep your hands warm. They can be a trendy accent for women of any age. Materials and colors are unexpected: buttery soft cranberry leather, green suede or even this season's hot croc. And with the holidays approaching, gloves make a wonderful gift.
"They work best with a structured sleeve," Andrews says.
Bottom line: An affordable way to incorporate color, whimsy and texture into an outfit.
UUp tight. Leg wear manufacturers are ecstatic at the return of the mini. Shoppers will find opaque tights, patterned and fishnet hose (some are neutral enough to wear to the office), seamed stockings, over-the-knee socks, boot liners in various lengths and all sorts of colors, and leg warmers in hosiery departments this year.
Bottom line: Wear them separately or together. Layer with abandon.
UBoot camp. This season's boots are flat-footed or stiletto-heeled. Pointy toed or squared off. Short or tall. The trendiest boots are over the knee, either in homage to hiked hemlines or reflecting the interest in things medieval. Evening boots are a runway look that translates to reality. Be ready for hardware: Most are buckled, zippered, studded or otherwise detailed with metal. And yes, you'll find white boots a la 1960s.
Bottom line: It's the year of the boot.
USole mates. On the one hand -- or should we say foot -- pumps are pointier than ever. Ouch. On the other, ladylike round toes look very new as well. Colors can be daring, particularly pink and red shades. Heels are often fabulously high, but look for flats that go with this year's straight legged pants. The loafer has influenced pumps, and buckles are big. Don't forget crocodile and mock croc.
Bottom line: Hide your square-toed shoes in the back of the closet.
UMama's brand new bag. Novelty handbags are key this season in colored suede, furs and skins, even patent leather and houndstooth (if you want to reference the menswear trend in a small way). Clutches and structured bags are the most important shapes, but you will see plenty of hobos and drawstring purses. Multifunctional pockets, lots of zippered compartments inside and organizational panels make these purses practical as well.
Bottom line: Anything goes if it's bright enough or has enough metal on it.
UAll that glitters. Silver is the new gold in sleek contemporary pieces that look great with mod styles. Pearls are back to enhance feminine fashions. Colored gemstones are big in costume jewelry. Chandelier earrings (and other long, linear earrings) are holding their own, necklaces are layered, and wide cuff bracelets can be seen everywhere. Pink is an unexpected but important color.
Bottom line: Don't overdo; one great piece of statement jewelry can make an outfit.