Work-Friendly Accessories

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

Work-Friendly Accessories

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Colorblock Totes

Credit: 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

Credit: 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

Credit: 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

Credit: 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

Credit: 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

Credit: 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

Credit: 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

Credit: 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

Credit: 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

Credit: 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

Credit: 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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