Words: Vicky Gayle

The perfect compliment to any outfit, accessories made a huge statement at Style Birmingham Live. Extravagant but very versatile, these are the key pieces that you need in you’re A/W wardrobe straight off the catwalk.

Gloves

Leather, suede, fingerless or even laced up to the elbows bondage-style, gloves were both practical and decorative. Wear them elegantly as a nod to Forties Flair with some flirty bows or toughen up your image with fringing and leather.

Tweed print dress with black inserts; Black ankle strap suede shoes: Both French Connection; Black leather bag: Dune; Black gloves: Accesorize; Oscar Magnuson glasses: Piccadilly Opticians, Piccadilly Arcade

Tights

Now is a perfect time to make tights a focal part of your outfit and take colour blocking into the new season. Mustards and burnt oranges were clashed with quirky prints and worn with boots, while vibrant reds and purples were teamed with touches of turquoise. Get back to the days of mixing primary colours and see what new combos you can create to brighten your day.

Shirt; Sleeveless shawl; Mini skirt; Boots: All Jigsaw; Jewellery: Primark; Scarf: Accessorize

Last two images photographed by: Craig Holmes

Bags

If you didn’t already know bags this season are structured and mean business. Just like any accessory they are an extension of your personality, so small and unnoticeable just won’t do anymore. Clutch-bags were patent, bold in colour, trimmed with gold or metallic and even fan-shaped with feathers, but your everyday handbag needs to be a heavyweight, otherwise just leave it at home.

Black sequin sleeveless dress: Karen Mllen; Brown faux fur coat: Matthew Williamson at Debenhams; Black feather twin handle bag: River Island

Hats & Headgear

Be playful and warm or chic and sophisticated but either way they’re on my Dying to try wish list and looked stunning on the catwalk. Zhivago pill box hats and cosy cable knits just had me thinking of Russia, but what I really loved were the eccentric folk prints with gypsy head bands. Texture is essential and so is your sense of fun.

Chunky knit roll neck dress: Barbour; Boots: Jeffrey Campbell

Brown trench coat: Burberry; Heeled boots: Gucci; Fur Hat: Karl Donohue

Blue dress: Whistles; Scarf: Biba; Black patent bag: Pied a terre

Cream dress: French Connection; Headband: Claire's Accessories

Last two images photographed by: Craig Holmes

Necklaces

Many of the models on the catwalk were adorned with necklaces and a lot of them hung right down the torso, which by the way elongates petite frames. Add embellishment to day or evening wear with glitzy neck-pieces or try layering a few for that extra wow factor. P.S. Go and purchase a detachable faux fur collar. Glamour will be upped x100.

  Taupe lace dress; Taupe clutch bag: Reiss; Court shoe: French Connection

Black long-sleeved v-neck dress; Long silver necklace: Both French Connection; Chain necklace: Forever 21

Images photographed by Jessica Oates: www.jessicaoates.wordpress.com

[[posterous-content:pid___0]]Bright colours, snake-skin texture and printed fabric; the resort 2012 collection handbags are out.

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