Spring Accessory Trends: What to Buy and What to Toss

By Bee-Shyuan Chang
February 3, 2011

We may be knee-deep in snowdrifts, but the brighter days are just around the corner. Start your spring cleaning early this year by scoping out the Spring 2011 accessory trends ahead. It'll get your spring wardrobe ready for kinder weather (and lift your winter spirits) in no time.

BUY: Orange Day Bag
This juicy color is big for spring 2011 with luxury purveyor Hermes leading the pack. But if going head-to-toe doesn't quite sound like a tangerine dream, pull your daytime look together with a perky orange handbag instead.

Roll over items for details

Kate Spade Wellesley Orange Handbag

(buy it now price, $297.50 )

NEW JP TODS Lady "D" Large Texture Leather Tote Orange

(buy it now price, $695)

L.A.P.A. Italian Designer Leather Briefcase Handbag Bag

(buy it now price, $595)

Spring Accessory Trends: What to Buy and What to Toss

Hermes SS11 runway close-up (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

TOSS: Over-Studded Hobos

Put those days of looking like a grungy biker babe to rest.

BUY: Strappy Sandals
It's about time the sexy strappy sandal made a comeback. Gucci's Frida Giannini and Jeffrey Costello and Robert Tagliapietra of Costello Tagliapietra both showcased the tried and true strappy sandal style. They are classically flattering, and this season, in spring 2011 you should feel free to try them in eye-catching brights for extra oomph.

NEW Sergio Rossi Aqua Strappy Sandals

(buy it now price, $199.99)

NEW Christian Louboutin Straratata Strappy Sandal

(buy it now price, $799)

Marc Jacobs Leather Strappy Sandals

(starting bid, $49)

Gucci SS11 Runway (Photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images)

TOSS: Clogs
The Seventies may be back, but there's no need to revive the look from head to toe.

BUY: Obi Belt

Belts go the statement route in spring 2011 with dramatic wide widths. Top fashion designers Marc Jacobs and Haider Ackermann had fashion runway styles that varied between feminine contraptions and sleeker options, respectively. Keep the rest of your outfit spare and you'll have a memorable look all your own.

NEW Leather Wrap Obi Belt

(buy it now price, $9.99)

NEW Leather Wrap Around Tie Corset Obi Belt

(buy it now price, $9.99)

Leather Wrap Around Tie Corset Obi Cinch Waist Belt Red

(current bid, $0.99)

Marc Jacobs Spring 2011 runway (Photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images)

TOSS: Chain-Link Cincher
Save your hardware for the tool shed. The Spring/Summer 2011 fashion trends are soft and feminine; chain link belts distract from the overall silhouette.

BUY: Striped Clutch
From Prada to Fendi, stripes are the pattern du jour. Try the bold graphic print in a nighttime piece or opt for a shoulder bag that can do double duty as a clutch.

Vintage '70s Raffia Striped Clutch

(buy it now price, $22)

Fendi Forever Stripe Sequin w/Snake Trim

(buy it now price, $749.99)

NEW Coach Hampton Stripe Flap Bag Messeger

(buy it now price, $180.49)

Prada SS11 runway (Photo by CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP/Getty Images)

TOSS: Tie Dye Accessories
Tie dye had a stylish moment last year, but adding in tie dye accessories is hippie overload.

BUY: Wood Bangles
Channel your inner globetrotter with chunky wood bangles. We particularly love them stacked together as Edun and Lacoste did on their Spring 2011 fashion runways. A natural finish is nicely subtle, but more daring types can rock brightly lacquered versions too.

NEW Brown Wood Boho Bangles

(buy it now price, $14.99)

NEW Wood Bangle Set

(buy it now price, $45.74 )

NEW Light, Medium, & Dark Wood Bangles

(buy it now price, $50.05)

Lacoste SS11 runway (Photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images)

TOSS: Multi-Chain Necklaces
For the past few seasons, the multi-chain designs have done wonders for adding some edge to plain ensembles. But as we know in fashion, what goes in trend must go out. As you acquire new pieces, look for statement accessory designs that can singularly stand on their own.

BUY: Cat Eye Sunglasses
Glam it up Betty Draper style in a pair of retro cat eye shades. With eBay's hefty vintage stock, it's no wonder sunglasses are a top search term for women's accessories. Try searching for a translucent pair like those spotted on Giles Deacon's fashion runway, or go for the more classic tortoiseshell route.