Deciding to accessorize an outfit, if at all, is a huge problem in the fashion industry. Should an outfit be dressed up, or dressed down?

Sometimes the little things in life mean the most; especially the little things in fashion. Accessories can make or break an outfit in two seconds flat. They are often overlooked and forgotten, like a pair of last year’s Chanel flats; however, accessories can transform fashion from ordinary to extraordinary. It is definitely the little details that pull an entire outfit together for an occasion.

Halloween may be over, but the “skulf” trend is just starting. A “skulf” is usually a solid colored scarf covered in black or while skulls. One can find a scarf like this from Charlotte Russe, retailing around $10. This trend is definitely to die for, no pun intended.

Fashion models are adorning their necks with cable knit scarves as well. Based off the oh-so-popular sweater, cable knit scarves are the perfect way to keep an outfit cozy. This season, infinity scarves are made out of cable knit. These beauties come in a variety of colors, though neutral colors are the most popular for winter.

This fall is all about color. Colored jeans, colored boots, and of course, colored accessories. Jade is the color trending right now. This shade of green is deeper than an evergreen color, but has a hint of a blue undertone. Jade fits in with the color palette of jewel tones this fall, crisp yellows, enticing purples and gemstone blues are the guidelines to buying accessories this fall.

Beauty Bitty: The makeup brand, NARS, released a new makeup collection that is to die for. NARS collaborated with pop art artist Andy Warhol, who is known for experimenting with color. The pop art style is on the rise, just as this makeup collection. The “Debbie Harry” palette from the NARS line includes four eyeshadow and two cheek powders, all infused with a shimmery dust. A collection of five lip glosses is also available, including shades of bright, shocking pink, and a chunky silver glitter. There are other individual items from this line, all are available for purchase at Sephora.

Can you mix metals? With caution, yes. Mixing metals can look fantastic with any outfit, but if mixed the wrong way, the two can lead to a fashion disaster. Instead of trying to pair gold earrings with a silver necklace and bronze bracelet, go for one statement piece that has multiple metals woven into the design. There is one golden rule for metal mixing: less is more.
This winter is all about dainty fashions, and bracelets are following this trend as well. Add tiny wrist jewelry to your wish list to Santa–his elves are sure to know about this trend. Dainty bracelets can be layered, worn alone, mixed and matched–the possibilities are endless. Keep an eye out for bracelets that feature soft colors (as this is a good way to work in pastels) and bracelets woven with sparkles. The trend will keep your wrists shining all winter long.

An accessory often forgotten is the belt. With over sized sweaters as a huge clothing trend for winter, a belt is the perfect way to give a bulky sweater some shape. Just as dainty bracelets are in, thin belts are too. Look for a belt with a tiny bow on the front or one with some glitter dusted onto it.

Forget about over accessorizing, under-accessorizing is definitely the problem. When it comes to accessories, too little is not enough.

Makena Yunker is a Staff Reporter for The Spartan Speaks.