Style Matters: We've all had enough of the snow and cold, don't you think? That's why our thoughts are turning to spring accessories. Accessories are multifunctional: They update any outfit, help the transition from season to season and don't require undressing to try them on.

Here are our favorites:

• Shoes: We are shopping for statement-making shoes with features such as Lucite heels, cork-soled platforms and high-heeled pumps in yellow, red, polka dot, striped and animal prints. The antithesis is ballet flats. SM has not bought into this style yet because we love our heels and are vertically challenged. If you like them, wear flats with walking shorts, skinny pants or the new wide-legged slacks.

• Patent leather: This shiny Easter staple is back. Now that clothes are becoming less embellished, patent leather adds a little oomph to an outfit. We're on the hunt for patent leather belts, shoes and handbags.

• Jewelry: Oversized earrings in geometric shapes are big, according to Luca Bruno, owner of Due in Vail (1-970-476-1667). Hoop earrings are now the size of Hula Hoops. Get used to them. When wearing these babies, you don't have to worry about wearing any other jewelry.

Sixties-inspired Lucite jewelry is the new très chic plastic. Some of this stuff is expensive, but pricey plastic is still plastic, so don't blow your wad here. The bad news is Lucite scratches easily; the good news is it never wears out. It will last a lot longer than your desire to wear it.

• White: This cool color is the new hot shade in accessories. To be at the pinnacle of fashion, wear white sunglasses with a white handbag and a watch with a white band. To keep these accessories bright and clean, be liberal with a spray-on repellent like Scotchgard and eat only white chocolate.

• Belts: Casey Rosen, owner of Blush in Cherry Creek North (303-399-7779), sums up what's new with belts: "We are mostly showing wide belts worn at the waist, in obi styles made of washed silks, and patent leather. Belts are less embellished and not worn at the hip. Our customers are wearing belts over the wider dresses and tunics so that they don't feel like they look pregnant."

• Handbags: Summer bags are less embellished than in past seasons. The look is more in the shape rather than heavily larded studs, embroidery and accents. Bags are still oversized and are being shown mainly in shoulder styles.

• Metallics: For at least two years, we have been pressing you, stylish reader, to get a metallic accessory. Silver, copper, gold, platinum, bronze - these are the new neutral shades in handbags, belts and shoes. If you haven't bought something metallic by now, we're telling on you.

Style Matters emcees the first annual Fashion Project, a fashion design competition for Colorado designers with proceeds benefitting Dress For Success Denver, 7 p.m. April 4, 11, 18 and 25 at Tamarac Square; www.fashionprojecttamarac.com.