I may not be drawn to jewelry like most women, but I still feel the need to invest in at least one accessory that carries me through the season. With fall comes the desire to tweak one’s wardrobe, and since I have worn my chunky statement rings to the bone, I’m taking a new appraoch to accessorizing. Enter: the long-chain, medallion necklace.

This belly-grazing accessory claims the spotlight for fall. The abundance of styles can cause one’s indecisiveness to surface, but whether you choose a vintage medallion, whimsical charm or a bold pendant, you can literally do no wrong in the selection and styling. Use it to dress up a t-shirt and jeans, update a little black dress or add some glam to a chunky fall knit.

Go for a sophisticated, 70′s look by combining a vintage-inspired necklace with wide-leg jeans and a silk blouse; or try piling on multiple chains for a gypsy feel. If you’re an 80’s gal, mimic Madonna with the comeback of Rosary-inspired cross. Get adventurous and even try wearing the strand backwards with a backless top or dress.   

Accessories complete a look—they’re the icing on the cake, and these long-chain, medallion necklaces make it easy to add interest to both statement-making and simplistic ensembles. This versatile piece has maintained its staying power by resurfacing for decades. Though these trinkets are housed in nearly every closet, there’s always room for expansion. Here’s some of our favorite medallion necklaces for Fall 2010.

From left to right:

1. Jennifer Tuton gold rings necklace ($196; Perchance Boutique; 3512 N Southport Avenue) 
2. Whistle necklace ($140; Cynthia Rowley; 1653 N Damen Avenue) 
3. Jules “Bijoux Pegasus Ox” layer necklace ($175; shopjules.com) 
4. Alexis Bittar starburst pendant necklace ($295; shopbop.com) 
5. AK Vintage “Isle of Earth Necklace” ($104; tobi.com)
6. Guitar necklace ($5; Forever 21)

By Maia McGinley

Images courtesy of Perchance, Cynthia Rowley, Jules, shopbop.com, tobi.com and Forever 21

Following the opening of Zara on Michigan Avenue last year, Topshop promises to be a worthy competitor with its uber trendy garb. However, boasting a higher price point than its two cheaper neighbors Forever 21 and H&M, Chicago’s savvy shoppers may ask: Why pay more? For me, I pay for the fashion-forward designs and conceptual approach of Topshop’s often unconventional collections even if the quality leaves much to be desired. After all, trends are fleeting, right? While I don’t like throwing money down the drain, it’s not like Topshop built its reputation on selling classic clothing built for repeat seasons. That said, there’s no doubt I’ll take advantage of my soon-to-be unlimited access to Chicago’s Topshop—even if the selection’s censored for us “conservative” Midwesterns.

By Meghan Turner

Image courtesy of Topshop

The holidays are upon us, and that means cocktail and dinner parties galore. Maybe it’s all the sparkly holiday décor, but this time of year makes me want shiny attire for all the parties scheduled on my iPhone calendar. Since many get-togethers are after work, I went hunting for versatile sequins that can go from day to night. Thankfully, there are zillions of pieces to choose from this season. Here are a few of my favorites.

1. This tank by Wren ($308; She Boutique) packs the comfort necessary for a full day’s wear. Pair it with a pencil skirt, a black tuxedo blazer, and a peep-toe bootie for a glamorous yet office-ready look.

2. A menswear-inspired piece is an unexpected way to wear sequins. This vest ($16; Forever 21) will dazzle atop a white button-up shirtdress, black tights, and over-the-knee boots.

3. Baby, it’s cold outside, and sometimes only a cozy sweater will cut it! This sequined cardigan by LaROK ($244; shopbop.com) is conservative enough for the office and glamorous enough for cocktail hour.

4. A scarf can add sparkle in moderation. This one by Rozae by Rozae Nichols ($198; Fix Boutique; 1101 W Fulton Street) is a super wearable piece that can be mixed and matched with a variety of looks, from a body con LBD to wide-leg trousers and a fitted tee.

5. We women of Chicago depend on flats as a main form of transportation. Not only meant for comfort, a fashionable pair of ballet flats are perfectly acceptable party attire, especially these BC patterned ones ($56; zappos.com). Try them with a black chunky knit sweater and gray leggings.

6. For a touch of flair, sequin headbands, like this gold and black one ($4; Forever 21), can add that extra oomph of pizazz to just about any look.

7. The right handbag can take an outfit from chic to spectacular. This Angel Jackson sequin and stud bag ($387; farfetch.com) will be show-stopping against a black fitted turtleneck and black cropped pants. Cross the chain strap over you chest for a fabulously uniform look.

Rarely does a season come around when sporting sequins during the day is an acceptable fashion move, so discard standard sequin etiquette while you can!

By Meghan Turner with Arin Agase

Images courtesy of She Boutique, shopbop.com, zappos.com, Forever 21, farfetch.com and Fix Boutique

For many women, spotting a pair of tie-dyed jeans sparks thoughts of “What would I ever wear with those?” or “I can’t pull those off.” These two style restraints motivated us to create several looks that prove marble jeans are way easier to wear than you think. And when both pairs are priced under $25, why not experiment a little?

The first outfit is designed around what’s already in your closet. A long, black cardigan ($98; J.Crew) and basic white tee ($18; American Apparel) break up the drama of the tie-dye print ($23; Forever 21). A flat bootie, especially one with hardware ($68; Urban Outfitters), gives this outfit a little more edge. Grab your favorite black tote and you’re ready to go!

Second is the party outfit. Perfect for the holidays or Saturday night, the sparkle on this gold tank ($250; Calypso St. Barth, 50 E Oak Street) glows against the jean’s deep wash, and its loose fit and delicate detail soften the pant’s hard edge. Metallic accessories are a must-have for fall, and this bag ($38; Francesca’s Collections) will pick up the undertones in the sequined top and glamorize any other outfit. Finally, let your wild side show with Graffiti 4725’s sexy leopard booties ($348; Lori’s Shoes; 824 W Armitage Avenue).

For the third ensemble, we went tie-dye crazy. This look creates a daring yet girly outfit for running around the city or a casual night out. The multi-color tee ($88; Three Dots) grabs attention while contrasting and complementing the white marble jean ($20; Forever 21). So much print requires solid accessories, so we added a pink cable beret ($5; Kmart) and purple suede boots ($345; City Soles; 3432 N Southport Avenue).

Last but not least, the third outfit combines a wispy, floral blouse ($49; Victoria’s Secret) with the jean’s rock ‘n roll vibe. An unexpected pairing, the voluminous top balances the pant’s tight fit, and the soft pink and white wash are a surprisingly harmonious fusion. To keep with this look’s ethereal feel, we added Monserat De Lucca’s brown tote with a subtle graphic print ($276; Tula; 3738 N Southport Avenue) and Faryl Robin’s brown suede booties with ladylike laces ($285; City Soles; 3432 N Southport Avenue).

Now there’s no reason to fear the tie-dye jean.

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of Forever 21, J.Crew, American Apparel, Urban Outfitters, Calypso St. Barth, Francesca’s Collections, Lori’s Shoes, Three Dots, City Soles, Kmart, Victoria’s Secret and Tula.