5 Fashion Accessories to Add to Your Closet

The fashionable pack is strutting out and about in the fall’s finest and hottest -- camel coats and capes, utilitarian jackets, fur anything, animal prints -- but how do you, fashion follower living in the warmer climes of Asia, salute the season without looking foolish? We’ve rounded up a list of instant fashion boosters that’ll let your wardrobe make that chic transition with ease.

Hosiery
Socks are already a big trend this season, and novelty socks will make an even stronger statement for spring 2011. In the meantime, add pizzazz to your summer sandal by wearing them with ankle socks rendered in a fun color (try mustard yellow, electric blue or lipstick red), or kitschy print (florals, leopard prints, dots, animals). Knee-high ribbed socks look great scrunched up over booties. You can also try a patterned or textured (think lace) knee or thigh-high sock with a schoolgirl mini and your trusty oxford flat for a flirty prep look.

Military
Instead of going for a full-on uniform look, reference the trend more subtly by picking up military accessories. Cinch an easy trouser with a garrison or grommet-piston belt. Snap a few engraved pins onto the collar of your favorite button down or the chest of your tee. Top off a feminine dress with a jaunty army cap. For a really authentic feel, pick up these extras at a local army supply store.

Ribbon Ties
The feminine blouse is back, and it’s a great counterpoint to the utilitarian looks we’ve been seeing on the runways. But instead of buying it, why not try making it yourself? Button your favorite white button-down shirt then slip on a wide satin ribbon underneath the collar, making a loopy ribbon in front. Voila, instant tie neck blouse! Basic black is always a classic, but you can experiment with such other colors as dusty pink or navy blue, or even use textured lace ribbons in lace or dots.

Printed Laces
If you own a lace-up boot or oxford flat, why not replace the boring black or brown laces with a catchy colored or printed pair? Jazz up your pair with bright-red laces, or play around with printed laces in fun floral prints or cute stripes.

Leopard Accessories
The leopard print is big for fall and everyone from designers to fast fashion retailers has it on their selling floor. Don’t let the ferocious print scare you, though. Make it the highlight of a monochromatic outfit by using it as an accent. Take an all-black ensemble from dull to wow by anchoring it with a leopard wedge or bootie. Wrap an oversized leopard scarf around your neck to play up a plain top. You can even pull back your hair with a midsized leopard printed band for a cool do.