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Fashion Blog: Revitalize Your Wardrobe with HC’s Fall Accessories Guide

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Illinois chapter.

Feeling a little bored with your fall wardrobe already? An easy way to change up your look and make it feel fresh again is with accessories. Accessories are so easy, affordable and fun. They will instantly update any of your tired outfits. To make updating your look easier, I’ve put together an accessories guide featuring the best Fall 2011 trends.
 
Bags
 
Portfolio bags
One of my absolutely favorite trends for Fall 2011 is the portfolio bag. They come in all sizes. Some are big enough to use as an everyday purse or a school bag and some are small enough for night. I really like the medium-size version of the portfolio bag, because it’s very versatile. You can wear it over your shoulder for a purse during the day and tuck in the strap at night for an oversized clutch.  Here are some examples of different styles of this trend.

Doctor Bags 
Another trend I really like this Fall is the use of doctor bags. There’s something about the boxy, square shape of this bag that adds sophistication to any outfit. As with the portfolio bags, I really like how these are versatile and can be worn on your arm or over your shoulder. Some of my favorite versions of the doctor bag have contrasting zippers or handles, which I think makes them much more interesting. Look below for some of my favorites! 



Jewelry
Statement necklaces, cuffs and chandelier earrings are three types of jewelry that are very popular for Fall 2011. None of these trends are anything new. The style of these pieces and material they’re made with is new, however. Statement necklaces that resemble chokers or large cuffs, made out of a single material are more popular this year. Large cuffs made out of one metal, such as gold, is also very in for this Fall. Art deco influences are also prevalent in all jewelry, from earrings to bracelets to necklaces. Below are some of my favorites from Topshop and Asos.com.

 

Shoes
Let’s face it, there aren’t many things that most girls like more than shoes. One trend that is particularly popular for Fall 2011 is the heeled loafer. This traditional shoe has a new twist with the addition of extremely high heels or interesting colors that make it the perfect fall and winter shoe. Lace-up shoes are also very popular. They come in bootie and boot styles, which are perfect for any occasion. The best part about these shoes is they come pretty much at any price. Below are my favorites from Topshop, Akira, Forever21 and Urban Outfitters.

All Photos: Topshop, Akira, Forever 21, Urban Outfitters or ASOS.
 

Emily Cleary is a 22-year-old news-editorial journalism major hoping to work in the fashion industry, whether that be in editorial, marketing, PR or event planning is TBD. With internships at Teen Vogue and StyleChicago.com, it's clear that she is a fashion fanatic. When she's not studying (she's the former VP of her sorority, Delta Delta Delta), writing for various publications or attending meetings for clubs like Business Careers in Entertainment Club, Society of Professional Journalists, The Business of Fashion Club, or for her role as the Assistant Editor of the Arts & Entertainment section of her school's magazine, she's doing something else; you will never find her sitting still. She loves: running (you know those crazy cross-country runners...), attending concerts and music festivals, shopping (of course), hanging out with friends, visiting her family at home, traveling (she studied abroad in London when she was able to travel all over Europe), taking pictures, tweeting, reading stacks and stacks of magazines and newspapers while drinking a Starbuck's caramel light frappacino, blogs and the occasional blogging, eating anything chocolate and conjuring up her next big project. Living just 20 minutes outside of Chicago, she's excited to live there after graduation, but would love to spend some time in New York, LA, London or Paris (she speaks French)!