Q. Accessories mystify me. What are some of the classics and what trends should I try?
A. Pearls will always be on the list of classic jewelry accessories; however, keep your personal style in mind when considering the classics, including pearls. Your style must be present in your accessories as accessories are one of the sharpest tools for expressing who you are. For instance, I am not a white pearl girl ala Coco Chanel. Although I own several sets of pearls, they are unique whether they are an interesting color, shape or both. My pearls express my style more than a simple strand of perfect white pearls ever could. A metallic necklace and earrings are another safe bet, but again you need to put your own twist on it. Maybe you prefer hoops over studs or gold over silver. Finding accessories that are right for you is an exercise in knowing yourself well. Start by experimenting with lower-priced lines to discover the ones you love before investing more.

Q. Are belts appropriate for me?
A. This depends on your body shape and your proportions. Misuse of belts is one of the fashion mistakes I see most often. The only women who truly should be wearing a belt at the waist are those with an hour glass shape. Guess the percentage of the female population that has an hour glass shape: 8 percent! When you are not an hour glass and you put a belt at your waist, you are drawing attention to the fact that you do not have a defined waist. On the other hand, pear shaped women wearing a belt at the waist will often accentuate the fact that their hips are wider than their shoulders, not good. Wide belts are very difficult to pull off. First, you must have enough torso length to wear it well and women with large breasts look like they've placed their breasts on a shelf when they wear a wide belt. Don't get me wrong, belts are fun and appropriate for some shapes, but for most women they are a fashion faux pas waiting to happen. 

Q. Is it okay to mix metallic accessories?
A. By all means, feel free to wear silver and gold together in an outfit. Gone is the old fashion rule of keeping all your accessories the same color throughout. I have a handbag with gold hardware that I have no qualms about carrying when I am wearing silver jewelry. If you are feeling especially adventurous, carry a gold metallic clutch while wearing an armful of silver bangles. Let your style rebel come out and play! What's the fun in dressing if you can't mix it up?

Stay tuned for the next Q&A: My body has changed since having kids. How should I shop now?