The Latest Fashion Trends in Accessories

Accessories play an important part in dressing to impress, almost (if not more) than the clothes themselves. Just a few key pieces can pull together an outfit and take your look from ho-hum to va-va-voom. Here are some accessory trends to keep in mind as you scour the boutiques or shop online for easy pieces to complement your summer 2007 wardrobe.

Watches: the new "It" accessory

This summer, watches have displaced the handbag as the accessory to splurge on. And, it seems a new style of ladies watch is making the biggest fashion splash this summer. Scores of women are foregoing the typical dainty ladies watch in favor of chunkier men's watches with larger faces, bolder styling and more complexity.

A prominent men's watch is the only accessory an outfit needs, not only for complementing the flirtier menswear look we're seeing right now, but any of the other summer fashion trends as well.

Handbag Trends

The "now" handbag for summer 2007 is the extremely big bag, most notably the oversized tote. Updated with rich, cosmopolitan flair, this utilitarian hold-everything style of handbag is a winning fashion trend because it's chic as well as practical.

Though the bigger handbag is definitely the most popular trend, there are still plenty of great-looking smaller bags to choose from, and they're large enough to hold a wallet, cell phone, makeup and essentials.

Printed canvas bags in exotic, one-of-a-kind patterns are a hot trend right now, and can be found in nearly every shape. Slim shoulder bags in 50s-inspired styles are touting unexpected flourishes like tough chains and modern clasps

Perhaps the most fun fashion trend in accessories right now is the shiny patent leather handbag in super bright hues like candy apple red, gleaming yellow and tangerine. It's available in hip hobo styles, totes, saddle bags, satchels, sexy shoulder bags and more.

Another great handbag trend for summer 2007 is sporty stripes that lend an all-American country club feel to crisp white canvas or leather bags. Soft straw bags are always a summer wardrobe staple, and this year they're even trendier with rich leather detailing and gleaming gold hardware.

Clutch bags and wristlets are gaining in popularity, partly because they can be stowed inside the bigger utilitarian bag. The hottest fashion trend in this compact silhouette is the snakeskin print bag in shiny shades of silver, copper and gold.

If you like to shop online for designer bags, try Bergdorf Goodman, Harrods, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and eLuxury. These websites are known for their reliable service, exceptional quality and genuine designer goods.

Summer Shoe Trends

Never underestimate the power of fabulous footwear to instantly transform and update any outfit. Like a great-looking handbag, a great pair of "notice me" shoes is the crowning touch that pulls the look together.

Summer fashion trends like dresses and crop pants means feet will be in full view, so fabulous footwear is a must. Ladies shoes are embellished with ties, buckles, straps and bows in appearance. Women's sandals feature interesting textures or glistening shine.

Colorful shoes are a major footwear trend this summer. When paired with the lushest grays, glossy peep-toe heels in hot pink, emerald green or bright blue give an outfit unexpected pop. Grecian-inspired gold sandals are an of-the-moment accessory for summer 2007, as are lavish sky-high satin heels and braided suede ankle-strap heels.

Have fun shopping for awesome accessories this summer!