Bags are making it big in the fashion world. Waiting lists for the season's "it" bag are common, while celebrities place their handbags in positions of prominence when on the red carpet. Whether you're buying your bag at Fendi or Forever 21, make it silver. And, hey, the silver is not simply in the hardware or embellishments; it is in the DNA of the bag. Silver is an ideal accessory hue because of its versatility. It looks fabulous with gray, navy, black, lemon yellow or red. It even pairs well with other metallics such as gold or bronze. Just be sure to eschew the silver shoes — matchy-matchy is so passe.

~Paula Rath