#1: Oversized earrings
We aren’t kidding when we say this was the accessory that ruled this F/W’18 season. We’ve previously spotted this trend at NYFW, at brands like Brandon Maxwell and Tom Ford, but it subsequently appeared on the runways of various other cities too.
Balenciaga gave us gigantic slabs of ornate earrings that managed to look elegant at the same time. Meanwhile, at Ashley Williams, the high-end glamour of elongated crystal earrings was juxtaposed against casual sweatshirts and bucket hats.
For earrings that are totally party-ready, turn to Prabal Gurung and Zadig & Voltaire – the former for more formal balls or evenings with its classy pearls, and the latter for disco club nights with its metallic fringe.
You can also do it as a single statement earring instead of a pair, like at Faustine Steinmetz. Remember, the longer the better – let the earrings graze your collarbone a la House of Holland.
If all the above doesn’t suit your fancy, how about taking it up a notch with mismatched earrings? Take inspiration from Simone Rocha and Chanel and let your creativity run free.
#2: Luxe Hair Accessories
From pretty headbands to outrageous ornaments, this season has got it all when it comes to hair accessories. One thing they all have in common though, is that they are definitely not subtle. At Ashley Williams, models’ hair was covered all over with striking, glittery hair clips that spelt out words such as ‘HELLO’, ‘YES’ and ‘EARTH’. Meanwhile, models donned simple, functional and versatile headbands at Faustine Steinmetz.
Chanel might have presented the season’s most covetable hair accessory, however. Models were all styled with messy top-knots, and some were decorated with ultra-chic clips, from beautiful flowers to the fashion house’s iconic and timeless double C logo.
Want to really go all out? Follow Dolce & Gabbana and instead of swinging a bag from your arms, place it on top of your head instead. Or, make yourself out to be a fabulous and stylish warrior queen and bedazzle everyone with a crystal-encrusted helmet, thanks to Gucci.
#3: Balaclavas
Forget all other headwear – balaclavas are all you need next season. Keep the silhouette clean and simple like at Balenciaga by pairing your balaclava with a classy button-down shirt. If that’s not really your style, take a cue from Chanel and glam it up by accessorising with multiple strands of necklaces.
Here’s some inspiration for another styling trick: pile on the accessories, just like at both Alexander Wang and Christian Dior, where balaclavas were paired with super fashionable shades.
To look slightly space-age and futuristic (but also a tad mod), why not try a monotonous look and wear the same colour head to toe, like at Versace? Or, turn heads by wearing a balaclava under a wide-brimmed fedora, a la Marc Jacobs.
However, if we had to pick a favourite balaclava out of all, it has to be Gucci‘s purple-pink lace version that somehow looks both feminine and girly. but punk-ish and edgy at the same time.
#4: Tinted Shades
Another accessory trend we’ve already spotted previously – this time at PFW instead – was the cool and fun tinted sunglasses, which were seen at brands like Altuzarra and Issey Miyake.
This trend was not prominent just in Paris though, but also in cities like London and Milan. Ashish debuted a multi-coloured, glittery pair in an aviator style, while over at Balenciaga, a bold red version was contrasted with baby blue earrings.
For a truly stand-out look, opt for tinted shades with a strong, well-defined frame in a different colour. Valentino presented sunglasses with a distinct cat-eye frame, while Versace matched bright yellow, tinted lenses with black, rectangular frames.
Last but not least, we have Christian Dior, where models were sent down the runway rocking tinted, oversized shades in a multitude of colours, from pink to orange to yellow to green.
#5: Tiny Bags
Sure, there were a lot of normal sized or even giant-sized bags that are practical and functional. But somehow, these miniature – and let’s be honest, totally impractical – bags stole our hearts completely. Jacquemus debuted an ultra-luxe version with three distinct compartments (which hopefully allows it to store more stuff). Want to feel energised? Then how about Christian Cowan‘s tiny bag designed to look like batteries?
If you’re looking for something more suitable for the evenings or parties, look no further than Oscar de la Renta and Tom Ford. The former presented a spherical clutch embellished with crystals, while the latter’s sequin-encrusted mini bags will go well with any look.
However, the award for smallest – and most desirable – bag has to go to Giambattista Valli. We have no idea what can actually be put into these pouches, but whether they are casually carried like a handbag or even strung around the neck like a necklace, they look oh-so-cute.
Images: Showbit.com
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