Oversize is all the

TALIA KAUR

This season, jewe.llery has been super-sized. Ir seems necklaces shou ld completely cover yo ur chest, headpieces should dazzle and empower, earrings should be the size of miniature chandeliers and chunky bracelets should be stacked up high. B igger is definitely better when it comes to this season's trend of oversized statement jewelle ry and as the name suggests, these bold, bling and beautiful pieces are designed co be attention-grabbers.

Statement jewellery first came into fashion couture as a strong trend in the spring/ summer of 2009, bur is making a comeb ack and was recently seen in C hanel's pre-aummn/winter 2012-13 ParisBombay collection. Ir featured countless lndian inspired statement ned<laces, bracelets and headpieces which were made of gems, studs, diamonds and pearls.

Despite lnclians • hmring worn tbis trend for cennu:ies, Chan el's modern interpretation has led the way for other des.igoers to experiment with jewe.ller y Buinga new piece of je\ve.llery is a simple and effective way of updating an old look or dressing up a casual look, and is a dever way of protecting your personal.icy and individual style. Also, when purchasing from stores like Lovisa, Colette, Sportsgirl, Witchery or PeepToe, ic doesn't put pressure on yo ur wallet. So how do you wear th.is over-the-top jewellery? And what kind of clothes d o they effectively team up with? We.11, I have a few suggestions. But remember, die key .is fi!:,•ucing out how to make statement pieces work for you, instead o f feeling overwhelmed by diem

1Starr by easing your way in. Choose one key piece: a necl<lace, earrings, bracelet or even

38 MARCI-I 2012 a headband. By wearing the one p iece, it becomes the focus of your outfit and won't have to compete with any other jewellery. Be sure to also keep tl1e rest of your styling, such as hair, makeup and clothes, relatively simple. If you don't feel your outfit is comp lete with only o ne item of jewellery, cry not to wear srarement pieces coo close to each other. For instance, avoid showy earrings with a dran1atic necklace. Instead, wear the earrings ,i~t!, a marcl1ing cuff bracelet, or wear the necl<lace with small and simple smds

2 When ir comes to elaborate pieces, cry tearning up with casual clothes. Th.is aces as a b lank b ackdrop for more complicated je\vellery. When teaming a multicoloured, chain or bib-s tyl e necklace witl1 a pair of your favo urite skinny jeans, t-shitt and boors, it keeps me o utfit casual and allows the necklace to really 'pop' Too casual fo r yo u? Try pairing it with a plain silk sh.ire and neutral tailored shorts or pants instead. Mal<e sure you pay aaention ro necklines on your outfit. Haire.rs and really high necklines c ompete wi ti, big neckfaces, so it's best to go for large earrings or an armful of bracelets instead.

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If you feel confident wearing several bold pieces at o nce, try wearing different texmre s and sizes togetl1er on only one part of the bod y at a time. Pair thin bracelets \\~th chain styles, studs o r cuffs, and layer pearls, chains, or colourful beaded necl<laces togeilier. 111.is instantly creates an eye-catching and fashionable look. However, try not to mix too many colours in eitl1er the jewellery or clothes, and if you do break the rules a little and wear more than one statement piece, make sure they complement each ocher.

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Lastly, it's important to realise char a single statement p iece of jewellery worn can emphasise or d e-emphasise parts of your body. For example, if you feel self-conscious about your bottom or mid-section, wear a striking necklace or an elaborate pair of earrings, and this will ensure chat all tl1e attention is focused up top. Wear a statement bracelet or anklet co draw attention co your waistline o r below. Just remember, whichever way you chose to wear your statement pieces this season, wear it with confidence and you'll look and feel like a million dollars!