Accessory guide: 2012 trends

Store your accessories where you can see them, but not out in the open – they will get tarnished, dusty and tangled. Place accessories individually inb clear zip-lock bags. 1. Chunky cross necklace $39.99 from Diva 2. Yellow bag $39.99 from Number One Shoes 3. Taupe and pink bag $29.99 from Glassons 4. Link necklace $29.99 from Number One Shoes 5. Multi-stripe bangles $29.99 (set of 3) from Just Jeans 6. Multi-string feather charm bracelet $14.99 from Glassons 7. Red bangles $19.99 (pair) from Number One Shoes 8. Resin bangles $29.95 (set of 5) from Sussan 9. Yellow and black necklace $16.99 from Diva 10. Green beaded tassel bracelet $16.95 from Sussan

Bold accessories have become bigger than ever. With more accessory chain stores popping up in our malls, as well as fashion stores offering options to complement their clothing ranges, it’s no wonder we can’t get enough. 1. Gold cuff with stone $19.99 from Equip 2. Turquoise and gold necklace $22.99 from Diva 3. Bangle set $22.99 from Equip 4. Feather hoop earrings $19.99 from Diva 5. Gold and green beaded mini neck purse $17.99 from Equip 6. Leather tassel necklace $19.99 from Equip 7. Yellow multi-strand necklace $22.99 from Diva

Longer length necklaces will draw the eye up the body, creating the illusion of length through the torso. 1. Snake wrist wrap $19.99 from Diva 2. Leather cross necklace $19.95 from Just Jeans 3. Feather earrings $22.99 from Diva 4. Beaded bracelets $29.99 (pair) from Jacqui-E 5. Bow chain bracelet $19.99 from Glassons 6. Metal necklace $14.99 from Equip 7. Flower necklace $24.99 from Equip 8. Silver circle cuff $44.99 from Portmans 9. Cross necklace $18.99 from Equip 10. Beaded bib necklace $22.99 from Diva 11. Star ring $16.99 from Glassons

Layer up necklaces with varying lengths, colours and textures. Have a play with items you already have, such as gold and silver chains. Get creative! 1. Arrow necklace $19.99 from Glassons 2. Gold circle cuff $14.99 from Diva 3. Woven bead earrings $14.99 from Diva 4. Column bead necklace $22.99 from Diva 5. Gold choker with long chains $24.99 from Equip 6. Arrow earrings $12.99 from Just Jeans 7. Tooth and skull necklace $19.99 from Glassons 8. Gold beaten metal cuff $22.99 from Diva

What I love most about accessories is that you can get the freshest, most up-to-the-minute trends without having to commit financially to the look from head to toe. Wearing basic clothing such as your favourite little black dress or a shirt with trousers will create a blank canvas. 1. Snake print clutch $199 from Country Road 2. Stone necklace $29.99 from Number One Shoes 3. Bag $39.99 from Number One Shoes 4. Velvet hair combs $12.99 (pair) from Portmans 5. Necklace $24.99 from Number One Shoes 6. Red stone ring $12.99 from Glassons 7. Necklace $24.99 from Glassons. 8. Crocodile print wallet $24.99 from Number One Shoes 9.Bangle $19.99 from Number One Shoes 10. Bangle $34.99 from Just Jeans. 11. Snake print bangle $24.95 from Sussan

This season, the key trends to look for are bold brights – the bigger the better. Go for gold and silver as well as chunky pieces in gold and pewter. 1. Black beaded cuff $29.99 from Diva 2. Gold beaded collar $29.99 from Diva 3. Black jet collar $29.99 from Diva 4. Gold stone ribbon necklace $29.99 from Diva 5. Rings $29.99 (set)from Diva

Costume accessories need to be treated with a little TLC if you want them to last. Make sure you put them on after you have finished using perfume and hairspray as they will discolour the metal on contact. 1. Evening clutch $39.99 from Number One Shoes 2. Snake print envelope bag $39.99 from Number One Shoes 3. Droplet earrings $9 from Kmart 4. Beaded bracelet set $29.99 from Portmans 5. Mirror bangle $5 from Kmart 6. Beaded cuff $16.99 from Equip 7. Chunky stone ring $29.99 from Portmans 8. Stone ring $24.99 from Portmans 9. Blue droplet necklace $34.99 from Portmans 10. Link necklace $29.99 from Number One Shoes

To create impact, layer bangles and bracelets of varying thickness. 1. Metallic woven clutch $35.99 from Just Jeans 2. Crystal and velvet ribbon necklace $39.99 from Diva 3. Bangles $19.99 (set of 3) from Glassons 4. Round jet stone earrings $14.99 from Diva 5. Sequined purse with long chain strap $49.95 from Sussan 6. Gold knot necklace $24.99 from Diva 7. Pearl flower necklace $24.99 from Glassons 8. Gold wallet $280 from WeSC