Jewelry Trends for the Summer: Accessorize Like You Mean it!

By Michelle Taryn

As the temperature rises and women begin to feel the heat, the frills and ruffles of seasons gone begin to give way to chic, simple, structured cuts. Unlike past seasons where minimalist clothing demanded no accessories, this seasons looks are highlighted by bold, statement pieces. In these dark economic times, it’s likely no accident that trends in fashion remain vibrant and hopeful. At a time when few can fill their closets with this year’s version of the Birkin bag, through accessorizing, women can dress like a million dollar heiress and be money conscious.

Combining old with new is one of this year’s hottest trends. Designers are taking old concepts and revamping them to create new ideas in jewelry. From classic chic to gothic goddess, this year’s jewels are fresh and unique, fun and funky, bold and modern. Jewelry designers this season are utilizing brass, gold, antiqued, recycled, earthy, old and new to formulate their creations; each piece is a wearable piece of art. As true fashionistas know, accessorizing is not just about encompassing diamonds and pearls; it is unconventional, it’s about blending materials like wood, ceramics, plastic, leather, shell, beads and stones of all sorts; it’s about morphing these materials into astonishing jewelry. And this year, everything’s a go!

From head to toe you can find that piece of jewelry to make it all come together. Here are a few ideas to make you look even better while you’re chippin’ down de road:

Bracelets and Bangles and Cuffs, Oh My! The wrist has taken on a new level of importance this summer. The chunkier, the bolder, the more mismatched the better. While large unadorned bangles have an appeal of their own, cuffs sprinkled with sparking gems are where it’s at. These bold statement pieces will take your wrist from ordinary to extraordinary! And the best part of it is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to make it happen.

Knick Knack Necklaces! Long, chunky necklaces are spicing up summer outfits everywhere. Layering and multi-strand necklaces can create a look that can transform a plain and simple outfit into a snazzy sharp one. This spring the runway was overrun with colorful necklaces which were all universally bold in their presentation. These “in your face” pieces are best worn with simple, understated, vibrant clothing. So put away the dainty and demure and pick up that eye catching necklace you’ve been too nervous to wear.

Have a Penchant for Pendants? Perfect! The bigger the better. Pendants are as popular as the necklaces they hang from. And this season women are going for the statement medallions, oversized coins, and gemstone pieces. We have even seen designers producing eccentric necklaces made from plastic bags! Trust me they’re hot and who can argue with any efforts made to clean up the earth! And if you must go small, there’s nothing wrong with that, so long as you bring bright and bodacious elsewhere.

Understated Ears are the way to go if you have a penchant for pendants or love those chunky knick knack necklaces. Stud earrings are a must have for any classic closet. When we throw on those eye catching necklaces, we must even the score by simplifying our earrings. Very few can pull off those big earrings with big necklaces, so grab a good friend and get an opinion before you hit the road. Fear not, however, while the sun has not set on summer, I would be doing us big earring lovers an injustice if I didn’t mention that this fall it will be all about earrings! So don’t start dashing out those long and danglies because they’re making a comeback!

Jewelry is considered a luxury by many, and some of it is (Harry Winston anyone?!). But when we stand back and look at jewelry trends compared to the historical setting and backdrop they are in, one begins to realize that the trends we develop with our jewels are often little more than a metaphor for what it is we most need to see in the world around us. Throughout time, jewelry has been a testament to finding beauty in the small things and using that simple beauty to enhance and bring life to the bigger picture.

The world around us shapes everything that we see and do; including trends in food, film and most definitely fashion! So ladies wear it big, wear it bold, wear with confidence and wear with love. Stack those bangles and mix that metal, but pay attention because not all fashion is created equal. While unconventional pieces can make you and your outfit stand out in a crowd, be aware: just because that neon pink leopard skin cat suit is hanging there does not mean it is meant to be worn. And all the accessories in the world won’t change that!

(Michelle Taryn is a contributor to Island Vibes Magazine and a jewelry designer from St. Croix, USVI. She currently resides in the Washington, DC area where she spends her time adorning women with her unique one of a kind jewelry. To attend one of her jewelry shows or to simply see what’s hot this season, check out her site at www.michelletaryn.com. “Unique one of a kind jewelry for a unique one of a kind woman!”)