Skull And Crossbones And Being Chic

Look Spreading On Clothes, Accessories — Even Housewares

(CBS)  Skull and crossbones fashions are all the rage this fall and winter — not just on Halloween!

The trend started with the release this summer of "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest," the sequel to "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl."

Ever since the film became a big hit, the skull and crossbones look has been getting bigger, with stars such as Minnie Driver, Jessica Alba and Natalie Portman sporting it.

It's now used not only on clothes, but on accessories for women and men, and is popular on baby clothes, dog clothes — and even housewares!

When skull and crossbones started, the look was mostly in black, white and silver. It had a very Goth look to it. Now, it's softened up, comes in all colors, and goes with almost any occasion.

On The Early Show Tuesday, style expert Zalis Zalis was on the plaza to share tips on how anyone can make skull and crossbones work in a wardrobe.

LOOK NO. 1: HIP SKULL AND CROSSBONES

Wearing a blazer over leggings is a hot trend this fall. Pair it with skull and bones! Zalis says rain boots are the new "Ugg." They go great with leggings because the leggings fit right in. Women are wearing the rain boots on rainy and sunny days. Skulls are mixed into the design of these bright-colored boots. The hot accessory this fall is hats. The Brokedown vintage hat has a skull on top and gold skull charms attached to it; this is a very Sienna Miller look. Because the skull boots are so bright, it's best to keep the other skull items subtle and monochromatic, with black. The black blazer has a small skull logo and then a bigger design on the back.

WHAT THE MODEL WORE IN THE SEGMENT FOR THIS LOOK:

CHICK BY NICKY HILTON WOVEN SKULL JACKET. $124
STYLISH CHOOKA RAIN BOOTS — shopintuition.com. These rain boots are tough and stylish. Whether you choose dueling skull, tattoo city or tossed skull, your feet will stay dry in style. Use the adjustable buckle at the top of the boot to tighten or loosen as much as you want. Rubber with moisture-absorbing cotton lining. Thirteen inches high. $58.00
boutiquetoyou.com — Brokedown Vintage Hat, as seen on Jessica Alba. Be one of the first to own the hot new hat in Hollywood, by Brokedown. $50.
NICKY HILTON RING - $8.99

LOOK NO. 2: PREPPY SKULL & CROSSBONES

Skulls don't have to equal Goth. This is a preppy skull look. If you don't want to wear big skull logos all over, this is the way to go. This mainstream preppy look has a small skull and bones logo on men's polo shirt. This look is conservative, but you can still have fun with it. Real men wear pink! You can wear this look during the weekend, a barbecue, even in the office if you're not required to wear a suit. Men don't normally have as many fun choices with their clothing. Adding the skull and crossbones makes this outfit more fun. If you want to layer this look, wear a long sleeve T-shirt under the polo shirt.

WHAT MODEL IS WORE IN SEGMENT:

SKULL POLO SHIRT ($95)
RIBBON BELT ($50)
LARGE TOTE $95
FROM SKULL and BONES BY JARED PAUL STERN skullandbonesjps.com

LOOK NO. 3: RELAXED SKULL & CROSSBONES

These days, people are expressing their personalities through their shoes. These pink skull Converse set the tone for this fun, relaxed outfit. Color in sneakers is popular this fall; you won't find sneakers in just black and white anymore. The skull and crossbones on these jeans are subtle and on the back pockets. Even though skinny jeans are in this fall, we put our model in a boot cut because the jeans are the most flattering look for a majority of women. The way skull and crossbones used to be designed was with black, white and silver. Now, there are more gold tones, softening up the look. The model wore a gold skull and bones necklace inspired by "Pirates of the Caribbean."

WHAT MODEL WORE IN SEGMENT:

CONVERSE SKULL SNEAKERS Converse.com $47
SKULL JEANS - JC PENNEY - MISS BISOU SKULL EMBROIDERED POCKET JEANS $58
JEWELRY - GOLD SKULL and BONES $48 SHOPKITSON.COM
DOE TINK SKULL HOODIE $55 DISNEYSHOPPING.COM

For more looks, go to Page 2.

[chicago_girl]

Loved the Skull and Crossbones fashion show. It shows how you can have fun and be chic at the same time (plus its affordable). I'm purchasing several of the beanies from Rugged Thug for Christmas presents!!!

[brazzale]

How and when did A skull and cross-bones become cute? Did I miss something?