Style News

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This fall, opt for statement earrings instead of a necklace with chandeliers in all shapes and colors. Hilary Duff shows off the antique look that works with almost any neckline. Just make sure to choose a sparkler that’s in proportion to your features, for example, longer faces need a wider shape. We rounded up our favorite dangling earrings, and make sure to check out the August issue of StyleWatch for more options.

Splurge:
24k gold vermeil circle links with sapphire, $215, alexisbittar.com

Anemone Earth 14K earrings with colored stones, $195, jenniferkaufman.com

Steal:
Double gold filigree diamond shape chandelier earrings, $48, pookieandsebastian.com

Chandelier earrings with intricate metal piping and faceted drop beads, $5, forever21.com

INF

When we first noticed celebs like Victoria Beckham giving up their skinny jeans for the wide-leg, you were split on wearing the trend. For the fall, jeans are not the only bottoms getting wider. The trouser hemline has expanded, and just like the jean, most figures can pull off this trend. The key: Balance out the width with the right top and heels. Bigger bottom halves should be paired with a fuller sleeve to create symmetry, while short legs can be lengthened with a tucked in blouse and high waist style pant. Conceal tummies with an A-line cut top. Add heels to any look — only the super-tall can pull off flats with wide legs — these trousers look the best when just the tip of the shoe peeps out. We rounded up our favorite wide-leg trousers. Check out the August issue of StyleWatch for shoes and shirt options.

Splurge:
Theory “Emmett” wide-leg doubleknit trousers, $235, intermixonline.com

Raven high-waisted, wide-leg twill pants, $212, shopbop.com

Steal:
Gap striped tab-front wide leg pants, $60, gap.com

Isaac Mizrahi for Target wide-leg pant, $30, target.com

Clark Samuels/startraks

Just because big belts are in doesn’t mean eveyone should wear one. Like any accessory, you have to find the perfect one to fit your body. With belts, it’s not about your height, but the length of your torso. If you’re long waisted, you’ve got the space between bust and hips to pull off wider styles. Stick with thin belts if you’re short-waisted or go with one worn low on the hips to create the illusion of more length. Midsize belts (2″ to 2.5″) will actually flatter most bodies. Check out some of our favorite picks and for more tips to dress your body pick up the August StyleWatch on newsstands now.

Get the Look!
Super Wide-Belts:
Streets Ahead 3.5″ black leather belt, $245, neimanmarcus.com

Patent 3″ black or red belt, $28, urbanoutfitters.com

Midsize Belts:
Cole Haan 2.25″loop belt, $195, colehaan.com

Nine West 2″ leather strap with patterns belt, $38, ninewest.com

Thin Belts:
Botkier 1.25″ Eva leather and antique-brass oval ring belt, on sale $50 from $160, botkier.com

Banana Republic 1″ oval buckle belt, $48, bananarepublic.com

MARK CHILTON/RICHFOTO/GLOBE; STEVE SANDS/BAUER-GRIFFIN

This classic look is coming back with a vengence this fall, but in order for this sexy skirt to reach its full slimming potential, you have to wear it right. First, find the right length and make sure it’s tapered then pair it with the right top. To define your midsection, do like Angelina Jolie and add a thin tonal belt to a blousy top. This will also give shape to a thick middle without calling attention to it. Add curves to a slim frame by opting for a higher waistline and V-shaped detail with a tucked in top to create a more shapely silhouette. Take a cue from Beyonce and add a fuller jacket cinched at the waist to offset wide hips without minimizing curves. No matter which way you wear this look, heels are a must. New styles like oxfords and straps shorten the leg, but a dark tight can counteract the effect. Stick with a classic pump to keep it safe. Check out our favorite pencil skirts for all budgets and the August StyleWatch issue for more options.

Get the Look!
Pencil skirt with matching tonal belt, $18, forever21.com

Lightweight wool double-vent skirt, $88, bananarepublic.com

Diane von Furstenberg “Manola” knit button detail skirt, $255, bloomingdales.com

Francis Specker /Landov

From Nicole Richie to Hayden Panettiere to Lucy Liu, stars have been stepping out with this carefree ’80s inspired style. And we thought Maria Menounos looked so sweet with hers at the NBC TCA party last week that we had to pass on tips on how to get this easy ‘do! Start by adding texture — Nicole Richie’s stylist Andy LeCompte suggests a dry shampoo to rough hair up, followed by a drop of shine serum for polish. Then gather hair close to the nape of your neck and over to one side (far enough that it falls over your shoulder). To secure the ponytail, try a clear rubber band or wrapping a one inch section of your own hair around it to conceal the band. Leave some tendrils loose around your face, and you’re good to go!

Humberto Carreno/startraks

In the August issue of StyleWatch, you can check out stars like Cameron Diaz, Rihanna, Kylie Minogue, and more sporting the latest accessory du jour — glossy handbags. Sienna Miller was recently spotted on her way to the airport carrying this chic Chloe bag — which adds just the right polish to her casual travel outfit. For a classic look, go with darker colors, like black, navy or chocolate brown, or go bold with metallics or bright colors. Below are some of our favorite picks. Tell us: Would you wear a patent leather bag?

Get the Look!
Splurge:
Burberry “Beaton” hobo, $850, nordstrom.com

Michael Michael Kors “Chestertown” satchel, $398, nordstrom.com

Adrienne Vittadini “Norena” Tote, $228, dillards.com

Steal:
“Natasha” patent tote, $50, baghaus.com

Patent tote, $40, gap.com

Zou Zou quilted patent messenger tote, $20, jcpenny.com.

And be sure grab the brand new August issue of StyleWatch, on sale now!

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Celebs can and often do drop big bucks to score the hottest fashion items before anyone else. We recently spotted Penelope Cruz in N.Y.C carrying a gorgeous bag from Prada’s fall collection — the Glacé Zippers Bag which retails for $1,350. Now most of us don’t have Penelope’s budget, but there is always that one item that you’ll scrape all your change together to get each season. In the August issue of StyleWatch (on newstands now), we asked you to tell us the one item you’ll splurge on for the fall. And we really want to know. Tell us: What will be your big fall purchase? Will it be a great bag, a well-tailored winter coat or a pair of killer heels?

Want your answer to appear in print? To have your comment considered for the next issue of PEOPLE’s StyleWatch, please INCLUDE your first name and last initial, your age and your hometown/state.