Accessories are the cheapest and easiest way to revamp and revitalise your current wardrobe.

To be in vogue for autumn 1998 all you need are a few key accessories to make you look like you stepped off the cover of a glossy magazine.

"If you want to look good, invest in key accessories -- a handbag, belt, shoes and sunglasses,'' advised Zina Edwards, buyer and manager for the Gucci store, located in the 71 Front Street Crisson's building. "You don't have to have a trendy wardrobe as long as your accessories are strong pieces that will stand out.'' Ms Edwards said fashion was returning to a more sophisticated look and the latest accessories on the market reflected the change.

"It is not as minimalistic as it has been for the last few seasons. We are seeing soft tailoring, feminine shoes -- everything is very comfortable.'' Maritza Sequeros of Calypso on Front Street said the shape of women's shoes is slowly changing from previous seasons.

"Narrow heels are popular but they are not as narrow as the stiletto heel,'' she explained. "The square-toed shoes that we have been seeing for a while are becoming more angled.'' Ms Edwards agreed that square toes were really square this season -- and that sharp toes equaled a sharp eye for the latest trends.

"The shape is not as square as last season, toes are getting rounder,'' Ms Edwards said. "The height has also gone down a bit and the stiletto heel has become more feminine.'' And Ms Sequeros said a pair of ankle boots with a narrow heel was a must for every woman who wants to keep in step with fashion.

For men, Ms Edwards said a cap-toed, lace-up shoe was an essential in every man's wardrobe.

"They are a classic shoe,'' she added. "They look great with a business suit.'' And if you're planning on a fall make-over, you will need somewhere to keep your cash, credit cards and the kitchen sink -- and purses are an essential part of the look this season.

Ms Sequeros said slim purses in grey and burgundy were all the rage for autumn `98.

"Big is not as popular as it was,'' she explained. "We're getting away from the bulky, everything is more streamlined.

"Grey and burgundy are hot because they accentuate the new `in' colour -- grey.'' Ms Edwards echoed Ms Sequeros' comments, noting that purses were becoming smaller but retaining their classic shapes.

"The hobo purse is very hot right now. It is classic, casual and comfortable.

It is the purse of the moment, especially in grey, the new colour for fall.'' And Ms Sequeros pointed out that consumers will see a lot of fur trim -- on collars, cuffs and gloves.

Heidi Pengelly of Astwood Dickinson said that with women, jewellery never goes out of style -- regardless of the trends.

"Tennis bracelets, diamond stud and pearls never go out of style,'' Ms Pengelly said. "Pearls are still one of the top five sellers.

"Platinum is hot, especially with diamonds. And pins seem to be popular -- people are going back to wearing them again.'' The gem that is enjoying sparkling popularity with consumers is the purple/blue stone originally discovered in Tanzania in the 1960s -- Tanzanite.

"Everyone is calling it the gem stone of the '90s,'' Ms Pengelly explained.

"The demand for this stone has become so high that it has become a precious stone.'' And watches have become more than just a way to tell the time -- they have become a window into their wearer's personality.

"Sporty watches are quite popular at the moment with both men and women,'' Ms Pengelly explained. "Heavy watches with handsome metal bands, something that can go from the office to the weekend, are selling very well. But quite a few people are going back to watches with leather straps,''she added.

Ms Pengelly noted that an increasing number of people were making the "write'' choice in accessories -- top-notch pens. "It is nice to see a businessman pull out a quality pen,'' she said. "They are quietly making a statement.'' She also said leather date-books, wallets, key chains and even cigar tubes were in vogue with visitors and locals alike.

Photos by David Skinner IN STEP WITH FASHION -- Shoes, handbags and belts for Fall `98 are returning to classic shapes and styles. Pictured here are a few of the Fall accessories found at the Gucci boutique.

FALL `98 -- Accessories are the easiest way to update your current wardrobe.

Pictured here are a variety of the accessories that can be found at Calypso on Front Street.