In olden days a glimpse of stocking
Was looked on as something shocking
Now heaven knows
Anything goes
– Cole Porter, “Anything Goes”

These Days, Almost Anything Goes

By Nilsa Algarin

When it comes to this fall season’s accessory selections, you have the upper hand — as long as it’s done in good taste.

SUPERSIZE YOUR LOOK: A feminine and dazzling interpretation of the man’s necktie, this rhinestone tie necklace shows you mean business, but you also have a sense of humor.

Style has become more about pleasing yourself and your family than it is about impressing others.

When choosing a look for a social occasion this fall, don’t worry so much about what is in style or what others want you to wear; once you determine how you want to look, go for it.

In terms of party dresses, nearly anything goes these days. Going back to basics is hot. We are seeing ball gowns reminiscent of more romantic and feminine eras. Quite a few retro looks continue to be popular, too. Remember those pictures of your mother in the 1970s? That look is back in vogue again. Also making an impression in the market are slinky little dresses, the peasant look, and lots of tie-died silks, while velvets and brocades will be more dominant this year for the wintertime.

When it comes to jewelry and accessories to match the new age of “anything goes,” we are seeing the “oldies but goodies” coming back in a big way. Here are the main trends:

JEWELRY IS GETTING BIGGER
More and more, designers are showing bigger jewelry at the runway shows — bigger necklaces, bigger earrings, and bigger bracelets are everywhere. However, remember not to wear all of them at the same time. Choose simple earrings and a simple bracelet when wearing a big necklace. Chandelier earrings are still very popular, and they have gotten huge! A beautiful huge chandelier earring is very much in style. Pairing a big earring with a big bracelet is fine, but in this case you can forgo the necklace. A big necklace by itself makes a beautiful statement.