As winter lingers on, many women may find themselves in a funk — including a fashion funk.
One fun and inexpensive way to spruce up a gloomy mood could be to add a pop of color, a fun design, a chunky ring or sparkly bangle.
Bracelets and rings are baubles that can define a woman as a true fashionista, fashion experts say.
“Whether you’re adding a sweet final touch to an outfit with a dainty bangle or making a statement with a chunky cocktail ring, these jewelry add-ons will send a clear message about your personal style and what being a ‘fashionista’ means to you,” says Lori Vincent, trend director at Charming Charlie.
Kim Dimarzio, accessories buyer for Discovery Clothing Co., says if a bracelet or ring — chunky or simple — is right for you, “It speaks to you.”
“There is no explanation for it,” she says. “If fashion is what you buy, then style is what you do with it. So, choose the pieces that stand out to you and speak to you in a special way, and style it your own way.”
The two experts offer a few easy and fashionable ring and bracelet suggestions to complete most any outfit.
Bring on color
Both Vincent and Dimarzio say color will play a large role in the forecasted fashion trends this year.
“The year will start off with a palette of pretty, feminine pastels before transitioning into a trend of bold black and white geometric and graphic patterns,” Vincent says. “Leading into summer, we’ll see much livelier colors in brights, with key shades from the orange/persimmon family, royal and inky blues and a range of exotic colors.
“Perhaps the biggest color trend of 2013 is the recently announced Pantone Color of the Year, emerald green.”
Dimarzio agrees that pastels will be popular. In fact, she says it will be “the biggest trend this year,” specifically listing sorbet pastel colors such as pink, peach and aqua.
She says mint is on track to be the most dominant color emerging in accessories such as rings and bracelets, and adds that spring 2013 also will mark the comeback of rose gold, especially in bracelet and watch embellishment.
“It is definitely a hot accessories trend to watch,” she says.
Stack your jewelry
When choosing ring and bracelet sets for an outfit, it’s best to either work tonally, with the same color family of an outfit, or with contrasting colors that will really pop against the outfit, Vincent says.
“The most important thing to remember whenever you’re styling an outfit for yourself is to wear what you feel comfortable in and let your individual personality shine through,” Vincent says.
Dimarzio says that matching rings and bracelets can be tricky.
“We should choose pieces that complement each other while giving the outfit that extra pop instead of competing with what you are wearing,” Dimarzio says. “For example, a statement necklace or bracelet is best for a simple outfit. Since the star of the look is the bracelet, everything else should be kept to a minimum, such as smaller earrings and rings in complementary colors.”
Is it OK to wear more than one large chunky ring or bracelet at the same time on the same hand?
Vincent says “absolutely.”
“When mixing rings and bracelets, forget the ‘less is more’ thinking,” she says. “Nowadays, the more you stack your jewelry, the better. Create your own unique look by stacking different colored bangles and rings in a mix of sizes and metals. Yes, it is absolutely acceptable to wear more than one chunky ring on one hand, or both.”
Dimarzio says it’s all about putting together pieces that enhance each other.
“There’s no limitation in terms of how many bracelets or rings you can pair together as long as it is done in a smart way,” she says “One of my favorite trends is to wear multiple metal chunky bracelets and rings together. The key to mixing is incorporating different tones of metal such as gold rose, bronze, silver and gold — this creates a playful visual combination. Moreover, this allows you to create your own look by adding or removing different pieces, creating fresh new looks for every outfit.”
Experiment with materials
What are the materials in rings and bracelets for 2013?
For spring 2013, plan on seeing quite a few interesting bracelets and rings with plastic finishes.
“Plastic even replaces the main component of the piece sometimes like gem stones or beading,” Dimarzio says, adding that combined with spring’s vibrant colors, rings and bracelets made with these materials “bring a very youthful and whimsical dimension to your accessories.”
Vincent also expects to see a variety of clear and Lucite pieces as well as colored stones and gems through the fall, but there are other trends to consider.
“Over the summer, there will be more of a Bohemian feel, with beads mixed with woods or leather,” Vincent says.
Plus, expect to be wearing rings and bracelets made from metals, such as gold, silver, anthracite and rose gold, she says, and feel confident to mix all of these metals together in different jewelry pieces as well.
Dimarzio says in fashion accessories, some materials are a mainstay.
“First of all, glittery and sparkly accessories are — and will always be — any girl’s best friends,” Dimarzio says. “Even just a touch of shine will brighten up an ordinary outfit.”
Accessories allow women to put a personal touch on their look, which enables them to alter any outfit in a hassle-free and affordable way, Vincent says.
“Accessories have the power to translate your mood into your style for the day, whether it be a statement or professional look,” she says. “For instance, you can take an understated outfit of a simple black shift dress and black pumps and instantly amp this up to an edgy look by adding one statement piece such as an oversized turquoise cocktail ring.”
Women should just make sure to choose pieces that reflect who they are, Dimarzio says.
“A woman should think of what her style is, what makes her feel confident and what she wants to highlight when accessorizing,” Dimarzio says. “A lot of people style themselves based on what is trendy and what everyone else is liking instead of thinking about what works best for them. I think no matter who you are and what you do, you should just find that one trend that matches your personal style and try to make it work. Choose that special bracelet or ring, and build your outfit around that piece. Let your accessories reflect your inner fashionista.” kc
