Photos: Accessories Spring 2012 Guide

While the spring collections allowed designers to reveal their true colors, the runways were also bursting with endless options in terms of accessories. For women looking for personal pieces that let them show off their own sense of style, the season is definitely spring. Gone are the everyday black bags and shoes, and in their place you will now find truly individualized options from truly inspired designers. The most-talked-about shoe this season was the couture-style flat sandal at Christopher Kane in London. Why? By dressing up such a simple shape, Kane turned out a shoe that managed to be both chic and completely utilitarian at the same time. This spring, you can find one to suit your own style: At Dolce & Gabbana, the extra embellishment was youthful and modern, while at Yves Saint Laurent, it projected a more polished, sophisticated appeal. London Milan Paris Paris Milan Milan New York From peekaboo panels to Lucite bracelets, one trend that will translate from the runway to reality come spring was entirely clear (pun intended). The tactic lends an attractive lightness to the accessories you’ll see this season, as it manages to be both playful and modern at the same time. Paris Milan Paris Paris New York Paris Maybe it’s the upcoming Olympics, but sports were definitely top of mind for designers, especially the Americans, when it came to creating new accessories. There was an abundance of perforated leather, mesh paneling, and athletic detailing woven into the best pieces—and don’t forget the gym bags and backpacks that turned up on the runways; they’re perfect for the girl who wants to take it all with her. New York Paris Milan New York Paris After a few seasons of oversaturated, overdone color, it was nice to see a return to more muted, feminine shades, like creamy peaches and pinks and powdery blues, showing up in some understated, yet surprisingly high-impact, accessories. Milan Paris Paris New York Milan Paris New York New York While there was a wide range of shoe styles presented this season, the updated platform registered as the freshest, most interesting approach to elevating your look for spring. Paris New York Paris Paris Milan While one cannot ignore the price tag that comes with crocodile, the exotic, classic skin is everywhere for spring, from evening clutches to day bags to iPad covers. What does make it feel new this season, however, is that it no longer needs to be fashioned in a such a ladylike manner. Paris Paris New York Milan New York Paris New York Milan Milan Call them what you will—chandeliers, shoulder-dusters—but oversize earrings were, as far as jewelry is concerned, the piece of the season. From the sixties-inspired swing at Marni to the fruit-and-vegetable variety at Dolce & Gabbana, if you want to invest in one look-changing accessory for spring, this is it. Milan Milan New York New York Paris Milan Milan Paris Milan Milan New York Paris This year, hats and headwear felt like a natural (and crucial) extension to a look as opposed to a stylist’s last-minute addition—and to great effect. The shapes were wonderfully all over the map, from modern angles to historical silhouettes, but the result was polished and highly original. Milan Paris Paris London Paris New York Milan Feminine shapes, rejoice! The belt is back, and it is better than ever. You can wear it high on your waist or slung low on your hips, but remember that this simple addition can go a long way when it comes to refreshing even the most standard of wardrobe staples. Paris Milan Paris Paris Finally, when it comes to picking a statement shoe for spring, a few creative designers offered up optimistic, upbeat options that were simply made to reflect the overall positive mood that was put forth during the collections this time around. After all, isn't fashion meant to be fun? Paris Milan Paris