Photos: Fall 2012 Accessories Guide

By now, we know the fashion message for fall 2012 is all about strength. This polished, commanding feeling carried over into accessories as well and is best exemplified by the above-the-knee boots, rich jewel tones, and color-blocked fur bags seen on the runways from New York to Paris. It was an opulent season to say the least, but one with looks simultaneously appropriate for today’s businesswoman. Attaché bags, animal prints, and rich embellishments pulled double-duty as they’re well suited for both work and leisure. But don’t think for a second any of these look changers took a backseat to the clothes just because they’re versatile. Accessories made a power play for fall, standing on their own and owning it—and isn’t that what this season is all about anyway? By far, the key accessory for fall 2012 was the heavy, often-above-the-knee boot that could, miraculously, be worn with almost anything—at least if the fall/winter runway shows were to believed. From Tabitha Simmons to Givenchy to Proenza Schouler, the look was both down-to-earth and out of this world—and if you can only invest in one new idea, this is an absolute must-have for any girl’s closet. Paris New York Milan New York New York Milan Milan New York Paris Fur accents and jewel-box ornamentation at the neck (and therefore drawing attention around the face) were everywhere this season in the form of brooches (like those at Bottega Veneta, so deliberately placed that it was hard to tell if they were a separate item or part of the dress), fabulous fur collars (at Marni), and knit snoods that offered the same idea, but for a more downtown clientele (at Ohne Titel). Paris Milan Paris New York New York Milan Milan New York New York New York Paris Milan There is a reason they call accessories “look changers”: adding the right one can transform the most classic, time-honored outfit into something entirely new. Women who love fashion know this, and designers have smartly followed suit this season by offering up even more richly embellished pieces that—from embroidery at Dolce & Gabbana to jewels at Prada to rhinestones at Nina Ricci to crystals at Valentino—were entirely original to each house. Paris Milan Paris Milan New York Paris Milan Paris Milan While exotic prints themselves are nothing new in the world of accessories, it was the inventive execution—think unexpected silhouettes—that made everyone sit up and take notice this season. New York Milan New York New York The drama and exuberance of the Baroque period was beautifully translated to some of the most noteworthy pieces for fall, with sumptuous velvets and ornate metallic detailing transforming simple pieces like pumps and chain-strap bags into wearable works of art. Paris Milan Paris Paris Milan Milan New York Not the obvious choice for more modest women, of course, but allover-fur bags—in varied shapes and sizes—looked strong for fall, especially those in bright colors like the versions seen at Louis Vuitton. The trend looked especially fresh and new when the idea was taken a step further by color-blocking the fur or rendering it in stripes. Paris Paris Paris Paris New York New York Milan Much like hats, gloves are firmly making their way back into fashion, and the idea of a ladylike glove was turned entirely on its head with the introduction of more sporty wrist-grazing styles. Paris New York Paris Paris Milan New York Paris New York Paris New York For those looking to get away from it all this fall, fashion offered up the perfect solution for a quick trip out of town in the form of the grown-up, perfectly polished weekend bags spotted everywhere from Reed Krakoff to Marc Jacobs to Alexander Wang. Not going anywhere special? With their elegant silhouettes, these carryalls still work for simply getting around town during the week. New York London New York Milan Milan Paris New York New York Paris Some of the season’s strongest and sleekest bags seem to have been made—thankfully—with the working woman in mind. Flat bags, almost attaché in shape and size, were presented at Céline, Balenciaga, Tod’s, Marni, and Stella McCartney, while the tech influence—after all, who goes anywhere today without their mobile phone and iPad?—was played out in elegant handbags, most notably at Fendi and Richard Nicoll. Paris Paris New York Paris Paris Paris Paris Paris Paris New York Paris New York