How To: Unexpected Fashion Accessories

By Chris Frey
September 21, 2011

Louis Vuitton Alexander Wang, Anna Sui

Among the most notable unexpected accessories for Fall 2011: fur-trimmed sunglasses at Alexander Wang (photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images), Kate Moss' cigarette at Louis Vuitton (photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images); kitty cat masks/hats at Anna Sui (photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images)

To some degree. we’ve come to expect the unexpected each season when new collections are unveiled each Fashion Week. In an attempt to elevate their looks (and grab some attention), designers often style with dramatic fashion accessories that in many cases don’t get produced beyond their fleeting runway shows. Along with fashion trends that reappear every few seasons—exotic-skin handbags, glamorous gloves, pointed-toe shoes and extra-long earrings were big this year—the fall season brought countless new takes on accessories. Among the highlights: Kate Moss’ cigarette for her opening jaunt down the Louis Vuitton runway, python swimming caps at Prada, fur trimmed sunglasses at Alexander Wang, more fur trim on a rolling shopping basket from Jean Paul Gaultier and kitty cat masks/hats at Anna Sui. We decided to weed through the wacky fashion accessory mix of the season and bring you those that will translate to your wardrobe.

Unexpected Necklaces

Michael Kors, Hermes

Hermes (ohoto by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images), Michael Kors (photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Image)

Chokers were the styling element of choice for many fashion designers on the fall runways. Michael Kors went to extremes with a wide metal collar that accessorized both causal and evening looks. At Hermes, flasks were given the royal treatment with leather casing, cords and horsehair tassels.

Roll over items for details

Tiffany Peretti Perfume Flask Necklace

New Hermes Flask Necklace

(buy it now price, $400)

New Yves Saint Laurent Bronze Choker

(buy it now price, $299.99)

Stone and Metal Choker

Unexpected Cat Eyes

Moschino, Givenchy

Moschino (photo by Antonio de Moraes Barros Filho/WireImage), Givenchy (photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images)

Moschino paired oversize black cat eye frames with an elegant Audrey Hepburn-inspired cocktail look that we love. But it was Givenchy’s pale matte yellow cat eye frames, complete with a slinky panther perched on the arms, which have us ready to join the cat pack.

New Red and Black Leopard Glasses

(buy it now price, $58.99)

Schiaparelli Pearl Eyeglasses

Rhinestone Black Cat Eye Glasses

(buy it now price, $99.95)

Vintage Cat Eye Glasses

Unexpected Styling Tricks

Miu Miu (photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images), Dries Van Noten (photo credit should read FRANCOIS GUILLOT/AFP/Getty Images)

Add rich texture to a silk dress with a fur stole worn as a belt/sash like this one from Miu Miu. Wear wraparound styles twisted or tied, or install a hook closure to insure a good fit. Dries Van Noten stopped tracks with op-art ankle socks paired with luxuriously decadent open-toe velvet shoes. To make the same impact, be fearless with your combination of prints and bling factor.

New Leopard Print Socks

(buy it now price, $5.50)

Mink Fur Collar/Scarf

(buy it now price, $399)

New Piazza Sempione Silk Dress

(starting bid, $149.99)

Velvet Jeweled Shoes

(buy it now price, $229)

Unexpected Headwear

Louis Vuitton, Prada

Louis Vuitton (photo credit should read PATRICK KOVARIK/AFP/Getty Images), Prada (photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images)

From Spanish Boleros to cow print newsboys, nearly every imaginable hat silhouette made an appearance on the fall fashion runways. But there a few styles we didn’t see coming, including Louis Vuitton’s equestrian-meets-military caps finished with masquerade eyepieces strung above the patent brims. At Prada hair was neatly tucked into spiky fur helmets bound by chinstraps that resembled punked-out fright wigs. This season keep your sweet knit skullcap in the closet and go for broke.