DEAR Mattie:
How should I wear my jewelry this summer? Craving bling in Ambleside
Dear Ambleside:
Jewelry is quite bold this summer. Each piece is significant in size and embellishment. I suggest fewer pieces and perhaps matching your jewelry. I like the idea of matching, because some of the heavier statement pieces might make you look unbalanced, if you wear too many at one time. If you co-ordinate your jewelry, then you will look balanced and stylish.
By co-ordinating, I mean bringing the look together through a common texture or colour. I recommend two or three matching pieces. Any more might look too heavy. Also, the matching pieces should not be worn too close together. Spread out the glam.
Jewelry is unique this season because it has a retro costume look of many decades ago. Also, the designs are intricate, giving it a vintage look. Many new textures have been introduced and mixed to develop a modern look. Your jewelry should stand out with colour and shine.
The retro elements to look out for are big, rounded colourful pieces. This is a bulky look. The vintage elements to look out for are metallic pieces with a creative design. The modern element is how these pieces are placed together in your ensemble.
A statement ring is fun. It is all about the style. Embellishments to look for in a ring are large jewels in jade, amethyst, topaz and blue (electric and turquoise). Also, metals with an intricate design are trendy, if bold colour is not your thing. Gold is making a comeback. You can also have the best of both worlds. A jewelled cocktail ring wrapped in a metallic frame is super trendy.
Earrings are dangly. They have jewels that look like flowers. The flower design is more of an artistic twist than a young, girlish look. Feminine can still be bold and modern. Most of the dangled earrings stem from a stud, almost looking like two earrings.
Bracelets are layered and bold. The look is many bracelets. Some thin and some cuffs. You can have a lot of fun with this versatile look by mixing your colours and metals. Adding some Lucite bangles will balance all those trends. This fashionable look is bunched up with an armful of interest.
The stylish look this season is the necklace. You can go big with a bib design where there are many layers of jewels hanging around your neckline. This looks like you have many necklaces on. You can choose one colour of stones or many. The combination of mixed metals and textures gives these necklaces a sophisticated look.
A long, hanging necklace is also in fashion. The pendant can be anything you like - a large funky shaped stone, a Celtic cross, a tassel, an oversize shark tooth. As long as it stands out, it works. Black velvet chokers have made a comeback. The pendant is slightly smaller than the ones you would hang off a longer chain. They are still bold in design and colour.
Jewelry is a great opportunity to update your wardrobe and extend your personality. Don't underestimate the power of interest and drama that jewelry adds to your outfit.
Adieu, Mattie
Mattie à la Mode is a monthly fashion advice column. Mattie is a freelance writer and fashion expert. She can be reached by email: [email protected]. Or visit her blog mattiealamode. com.
