Work-Friendly Accessories

By Instyle
Updated Mar 03, 2011 @ 4:00 pm
Courtesy Mulberry, Courtesy Cole Haan

Work-Friendly Accessories

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Colorblock Totes

Imaxtree, Courtesy Michael Kors

Bold two-tone color updates the carryall. Durable leather turned up on the Fendi runway (far left) or try a canvas style from Michael Michael Kors.

Canvas and leather bag, Michael Michael Kors, $348; at

michaelkors.com.

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Tassel Belt

Courtesy Chris Benz, Courtesy Hayden Hartnett

Take inspiration from Chris Benz (far left) and smarten up a skirt or dress with a waist-wrapping belt. Craft the look yourself with a length of cord and a pair of tassels from a trimmings store, or experiment with this leather version from Hayden-Harnett, which doubles as a necklace or wristband.

Leather cord belt, Hayden-Harnett; $88; at

haydenharnett.

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Suede Heels

Imaxtree, Courtesy The Shoe Box

Velvety suede shoes in neutral hues soften sharp clothes at Dries Van Noten this season (far left). A pair of wedges from Pour la Victoire add height without sacrificing comfort-just don't forget to treat the leather before braving spring showers!

Suede wedges, Pour la Victoire, $265; a

shoptheshoebox.com.

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Silk Scarf

Imaxtree, Courtesy Lacoste

Easiest styling trick ever: tie a silk scarf around your neck bandana-like for an instant print pick-me-up. Echo DKNY (far left) with matching shoes for a bright finish.

Silk print scarf, Lacoste, $38.99; at

lacoste.com.

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Oversize Clutch

Imaxtree, Courtesy Banana Republic

An extra large clutch contrasts with a nubbly suit at Proenza Schouler (far left). Use a super-sized bag to store your workday essentials, or stash it inside a larger tote for an after dark switch-up.

Lambskin tie-dye clutch, Banana Republic, $150; at

bananarepublic.com.

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Layered Chains

Imaxtree, Courtesy Forever21

Cascading strands are an unabashedly feminine complement to a dress or suit (note Oscar de la Renta's take on the look, far left). A Forever 21 necklace mixes ropes of faux pearls with metal chains for an eclectic romantic effect.

Chain and bead necklace, Forever 21, $10.80; at

forever21.com.

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Lace-Up Peep-Toes

Courtesy J.Crew, Courtesy Madwell
  • A high-heeled oxford conjures prep school pep when paired with a trendy shorts suit. (J. Crew's spring collection, far left, got it right.) Choose a two-tone version for retro flair or go neutral in Madewell.
  • Oxford heels, Madewell, $228; at madewell.com.

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Woven Bags

Imaxtree, Courtesy Rebecca Minkoff

Channel '70s era suburban chic with a classic woven leather tote. Contrast the earthy look with crisp workday separates, a la Stella McCartney (far left). Rebecca Minkoff also has a nice basketweave design.

Leather tote, Rebecca Minkoff, $395; at

rebeccaminkoff.com.

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Flower Pins

Imaxtree, Courtesy Lane Bryant

A silk corsage adds a welcome dose of femininity to menswear-inspired separates at Jason Wu, far left. Get plucky and cluster a trio together, using rosettes like this one from Lane Bryant.

Satin rosette, Lane Bryant, $19.95; at

lanebryant.com.

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Double Cuffs

Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images, Courtesy BCBG

A chunky bracelet on each wrist lends stylish symmetry to a pretty work dress. (Etro mastered the look, far left.) A resin design from BCBG or a pair of weighty metal cuffs will deliver maximum impact.

Two-tone resin cuff, BCBG, $28; at

bcbg.com.

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Top Handle Satchels

Courtesy Mulberry, Courtesy Cole Haan

The structured top handle bag brings polish to seasonal pastels like those seen on the Mulberry runway (far left). Look for an option with a clip-on shoulder strap like Cole Haan's simple sophisticated pieces

Leather shoulder bag, Cole Haan, $398; at

colehaan.com.

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