Show a Little Brass

A few key words for fall 2012 accessories, especially jewelry, are big, bold, and ornate. There is still a big feminine influence going on, but for you gals who are looking to work a more bohemian or ethnic flavor, there is one option to toss into the mix with silver or gold: brass.

Brass started showing up on jewelry, accessories, and clothing for the tail end of summer, and is on deck as a hot trend for fall. Normally I don’t pay much attention to this textile, and I may not choose to show some brass this fall, but I know you should never say never; after all, the season has just gotten started.

I don’t think I have ever owned anything made of brass. Although it has an obviously different color, I always grouped it in with gold. I go back and forth between silver and gold when it comes to what I actually wear, but I may end up looking into a little brass piece. Actually, whatever I end up getting won’t be little; I have seen several gorgeous, oversized pieces on the net and at the mall.

When I think of brass, I usually think of chunky military buttons, which are a popular use for the metal. You will see a lot of them this season, but keep an eye out for earrings, brooches, necklaces, and every other piece of jewelry you can think of. The looks run from delicate and dainty to oversized and bold.

I am a little old school when it comes to mixing my metals; I normally wear one or the other, silver or gold, all by itself, but that may change. This season, designers are also mixing brass into pieces made with other textiles. This will allow you to work brass pieces into your wardrobe easily if you don’t want to just wear it alone.

If you’re not into jewelry, you can style add this trend to your fall wardrobe. Look for brass alone or with other metals on belt buckles, handbag hardware, and shoes.

What’s also very cool about this trend is it’s one that can be worked by both men and women on accessories and footwear. It definitely works for the military and menswear look, but it also can have a cool vintage vibe to it.