TOP 10 LIST: ACCESSORIES FOR FALL!

Last week I mentioned I am obsessed with my new coffee table book, “CBK, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy,” by Sunita Kumar-Nair, a well-known fashion writer. Why this book? Why now? Though books like this take years to produce—her mother-in-law Jackie was actually the queen of this of this type of book, when she was an editor at Doubleday—the pared-down CBK style seems particularly appropriate for this chaotic moment in the world. Coincidence? Kismet? Who knows?

SO NOSTALGIC, SO MODERN: Carolyn Bessette Kennedy & John in NYC–perfect then, perfect now

Going through page after page, photo after photo—one more beautiful than the next—it quickly becomes apparent that Carolyn rarely wears accessories. Or does she? Besides her handsome husband on her arm—who else has a husband that looks like that?—her diamond stud earrings, slim wedding band, tousled blonde hair and red lip all become not only accessories, but signature accessories. They complement her willow-y look to perfection.

UNDERSTATED ELEGANCE: Just the right accessories for this moment

Keep that in mind as your shop for your own signature accessories this fall. The right earrings, belt, handbag and shoes. Each piece makes your look your own. In this season of individuality, accessories makes a statement; nothing updates your style as quickly. They tell the world who you are. Looking for new boots? Take a break from the news—give yourself a quick lift! Everything is available at every price point; grab something gorgeous and watch your inner fashionista emerge! Here are my top 10 “musts” this season:

#1. SOMETHING METALLIC: Amal Clooney, another woman with a gorgeous husband–always a great accessory–in NYC in a metallic Versace evening gown; notice Amal’s red lip, one more exquisite accessory

#2. SOMETHING DENIM: Vintage Ricky Lauren with Ralph photo–another spectacular husband!–in a chambray shirt, eternally classic & modern at once. For fall, try it with grey flannel or leather pants, from ralphlauren.com

#3. A BEAUTIFUL SWEATER: Nothing says “fall” like a great sweater–try one with pretty details–perfect with everything from jeans to evening pants; Altuzarra sweater at saks.com

#4. A WHITE SHIRT: So simple, so elegant–an array of white shirts at ralphlauren.com

#5. SOMETHING ANIMAL SKIN: Valentino snakeskin handbag at neimanmarcus.com

#6. WIDE-LEG PANTS: Self-Portrait studded wide-leg jeans from bloomingdales.com

#7. CHUNKY JEWELRY OR LAYERS OF NECKLACES & BRACELETS: My favorite chunky gold necklace & bangles–both were my mom’s–and golden pearl drop earrings, everything from Jeff Kellmer, Haverford

#8. SOMETHING MENSWEAR: Try mixing your menswear with something feminine; charcoal pinstripe pants & vest with ruffled blouse, from ralphlauren.com