Oversized knockouts are this year’s ‘It’ necklace
Every style of jewelry has its day. And recently, big clunky bangles have ruled the roost as fashion’s “It” piece of jewelry. Before that, it was over-sized cocktail rings. Going back further, we had the chandelier earring craze.
Remember those nameplate chokers, a la Carrie Bradshaw’s circa, like, 2001?
Well, 2008 is undoubtedly the Year of the Statement Necklace.
From over-sized beads and door knocker-esque pendants to extra long, multi-chained varieties festooned with brooches and ribbons, super-striking neck decor is everywhere right now.
Last week, I dropped by a handful of my favorite jewelry stores and rounded up a few fine specimens of the biggest neckwear trends.
Here, along with information on what to wear them with and what (if anything) to pair them with, I give you five great examples of stand-out necklaces you can buy right now in Nashville.
Mix big and small
This multi-strand necklace by Express ($34.50) can easily stand alone; after all, with a sparkling brooch worked into the design, it’s practically two pieces of jewelry in one!
But if you do attempt to layer, make sure it’s with something that’s not too distracting. Go for a necklace on the small side made from a similar metal, like dark silvery bow ($22.50), also from Express.
Wear this silvery combo with a pretty, airy blouse and you’re, um, golden.
Creature features
The huge peacock movement that’s been happening in fashion over the last year or so is still going strong — and Betsey Johnson’s all over it. Her large gold bird necklace ($85) has bright enamel and rhinestone pavé detailing, as well as small moving parts on the tail.
With this much going on, you don’t want to wear anything else that’s gonna compete with it. So let this bird crow solo, and keep your outfit simple: All you need above the waist is a solid-colored T-shirt and small stud or hoop earrings.
Tickle your fancy
There’s something sexy about feathers — especially ones dangling from a belly-grazing necklace that can double as a tool for some very provocative flirting.
This iridescent feather necklace from Bebe ($29) is perfect for summer and early fall’s “rich bohemian” look, a languorous way of dressing that’s all about attracting the attention of the opposite sex. I imagine this piece worn over a loose tank and a long hippy skirt, or maybe even a floor-length gown or tunic…and nothing else.
Bead it
Big plastic beads in solid colors are cute — if you’re a12.
But for those of us who have graduated to sitting at the big table at family get-togethers, this summer you want to dress the part. The metallic accents on this Target necklace ($14.99) take it out of the sandbox and up to the deck for cocktails and conversation.
Paired with a geometric printed sundress and cute flat sandals, it’s all the jewelry you need when you’re hanging with the young at heart.
Wild at heart
Big cats are big news in the jewelry department, where there is a huge array of feline-inspired necklaces to choose from right now. I love this gold tiger head from Bebe ($39) that hangs alongside a same-shaped charm that acts a bit like the cat’s shifting shadow as it moves with the wearer. This fierce necklace is all about night hunting, and begs to be worn with a gauzy leaf-print top (why not evoke the jungle?).
Afraid your outfit is going too far into the wild? Declare your softer side by adding a smaller piece in a matching metal, like this simple gold heart from Francesca’s Collections ($18).
