Erica Lyons necklace, $28, at Dillard’s.

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Erica Lyons earrings, $15, at Dillard’s.

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Erica Lyons earrings, $15, bracelet, $28, and necklace, $35, at Dillard’s.

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Strappy heels, by Nine West, $70, courtesy of Belk.

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While diamonds will always be a girl’s best friend, she won’t have to break her bank account to get the latest trend in jewelry.

Costume jewelry is huge for fall, said Suzanne Bishop, owner of Frankie & Julian’s fashion boutique.

“It crept in last season and came in full force this season,” she said. “I’m seeing a lot of big chunky pieces.”

She believes its affordability will keep it popular for several more seasons.

“The way the economy is, people are looking for ways to be fashionable without having to spend a lot of money,” she said.

The good news: Costume jewelry is not junk, she said.

“It’s being made well. For example, you can get a sterling-silver piece covered in 18-karat gold that will appear to be a very expensive piece. But because it’s not ‘real’ gold, it will sell for a price that people can afford.

“You won’t have to invest a lot of money, yet you’ll have a piece of jewelry that will last for many years.”

Wearing costume jewelry is fashionable even when money is no object, reports ezinearticles.com.

“Even the very wealthy with stashes of priceless jewelry would keep the real items in a safe and wear imitations of their jewels in public,” the Web site reported.

Equally as important to jewelry accessories is what you wear on your feet.

Ralph Ray, manager of Belk at Hamilton Place, said shoes can give an outfit the “pop” it needs.

“It’s the final touch of an outfit,” Mr. Ray said. “And this year, like it has been for the last several seasons, black patent shoes are a must-have in every woman’s wardrobe. It’s a classic shoe that radiates style.”

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