EXTRA CREDIT The gotta haves that make the grade

Saturday, August 26, 2006 Giant handbag. Metallic hues are hot, beading is cute, and mixed textures are chic. Nothing else matters as long as the bag is gigantic. Studded belts. Guys and girls can rock with silver studs on wide black leather, which looks best with denim. Dark blue denim. Indigo is the way to go, from short jackets and vests to jeans that fit closer to the body. Chunky bangles. Stacking a couple of wide bracelets, like these abalone bangles from Alexis Bittar, preferably in different colors, jazzes up any look. Patent leather. Be it a bag, belt or shoe, this shiny cousin of the real thing gives high gloss to dressing up or down. Screen-print tees. For guys, they add visual punch as the perfect layering piece over thermal shirts and underjackets and vests. Tights. Black or colored hosiery under skirts, shorts and dresses channels the '80s but is updated in funky patterns, soft weaves or lace trim and often stops somewhere in the calf area. Scripps Howard