Style statement jewellery: Must haves for the winter season
This winter, make a statement with exquisite, one-of-a-kind necklaces that will amp up your outfits
For centuries, women have been enamoured with the concept of jewellery. From the Egyptian queen Cleopatra, known for her elaborate jewellery collection, to the women of the Indus Valley Civilisation who fashioned clay bangles — there is plenty of evidence for women’s timeless love affair with jewellery. Solitaire rings, charm bracelets and dazzling earrings etcetera, are everyday wardrobe staples for today’s average woman who uses them to stand out and symbolise her power and authority.
However, of late, the trend seems to have shifted from wearing multiple pieces of jewellery to one, bold item that stands out against a simple outfit. Usually, this item is an exquisitely-crafted necklace bearing a unique design which allows the wearer to make a statement without speaking a word. Big, small, real or fake, these statement necklaces not only lift our spirits but our entire look as well. The colourful beads, metals, precious and semi-precious stones that these pieces comprise of are just the thing to make an ordinary outfit outstanding. If you love jewellery, read on for tips on how to wear statement necklaces.
How to wear a statement necklace?
When it comes to signature neck jewellery, there are so many options that getting the right look can become daunting. From simple chains to a band of pearls or wide, beaded and bedazzled bibs, statement necklaces can take any form — you just have to choose the best one for you. In some cases, loading up on sparkly accessories is a great way to accent an outfit but one must know when to stop. This is particularly important when it comes to desi wedding wear which tends to be heavily-embroidered and brightly coloured in general. A shiny, ruffled top, for example, could look great with a small chain but not a big, ornate number as together, the all the shine can make you appear cheap.
“Simplicity is beauty,” says Kiran Aman, designer and founder of Kiran Fine Jewellery. “Regardless of ongoing trends, a necklace should complement the overall look of your outfit which, to me, is the most important thing.” Of course, investing in a gorgeous, designer neck number will make you want to get noticed. “If you want to draw attention to your necklace, it is best to stick to a simple and classy outfit, preferably of one colour,” says jewellery enthusiast and collector, Farrukh Qamar. “The cleaner your clothes, the more noticeable your statement necklace will be.”
The best part about a statement necklaces — and costume jewellery in general — is that no matter how plain your outfit is, the jewellery automatically becomes the focal point of attention. If you are dressing down in a plain t-shirt with your favourite pair of jeans, just a glistening metal necklace and a dab of lipstick will give you the perfect, casual-chic look. On the other hand, you can enhance formal, evening attire by pairing your statement necklace with a matching clutch or stilettos.
“Personally, I think only one piece of statement jewellery should be worn at one time to create the right effect,” advises Kiran. You can also wear your hair in an up-do to give your necklace unobstructed attention. Layering up necklaces of different shapes, colours and sizes looks great too, provided that you wear less than five strands to avoid looking too weighed-down.
Different types of statement necklaces
To satiate the jewellery enthusiasts, there is a seemingly endless variety of necklaces available in the markets today. Different lengths, materials, sizes, styles and adornments are available in local shops, catering to individual tastes. High-end fashion houses like Oscar De La Renta and Chopard design ornate items for those who can afford their hefty price tags while lower-end clothing giants like Forever 21 offer a cheaper range of beautiful pieces, some of which are exact replicas of the designer ones.
The key to sorting through the different styles is to know the look or vibe you are aiming to give out. Although jewellery is often a personal thing — often a gift from your significant other, parents or family heirlooms, etc — it should always showcase your personality and style spirit. Some women love to adorn themselves with necklaces while others prefer the sleek, band of pearls popularised by Audrey Hepburn. Whatever your preference, make sure each jewellery item reflects your desired look. For example, multicoloured, beaded pieces are ideal for a beachy, bohemian look while silver is the way to go for a grungy, rockstar vibe.
Get the right inspiration for the right necklace
If you are still unsure as to what type of necklace will look best with your outfit, you can always browse the internet for inspiration. Ever since statement jewellery was introduced to the global fashion world a few years ago, trendy necklaces have become a regular feature of catwalk shows and red-carpet events from Hollywood to Lollywood. Popular celebrities like Emma Stone, Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Lawrence, Kate Middleton, Sonam Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, etc, are unofficial brand ambassadors for statement jewellery which they flaunt at international events. For ideas on how you can look as great as them, try browsing celebrity style magazines and online fashion portals on Facebook and Pinterest. Who knows, you might end up pulling of an elaborate, unique necklace better than your favourite celebrity.
Meesha Shafi — The Queen of Statement Accessories
Why seek inspiration from international celebrities when local ones like Meesha Shafi are turning heads with their own statement accessories? The sultry singer, artist, fashionista and mother of two is known for making each public appearance count, thanks to her unique and edgy sense of style. Her collection of statement jewellery, bags, belts and other accessories is simply divine. In a nutshell, Meesha is living proof of the ideology of Yves Saint Laurent: “Fashion fades but style is eternal”.
Published in The Express Tribune, Ms T, November 23rd, 2014.
However, of late, the trend seems to have shifted from wearing multiple pieces of jewellery to one, bold item that stands out against a simple outfit. Usually, this item is an exquisitely-crafted necklace bearing a unique design which allows the wearer to make a statement without speaking a word. Big, small, real or fake, these statement necklaces not only lift our spirits but our entire look as well. The colourful beads, metals, precious and semi-precious stones that these pieces comprise of are just the thing to make an ordinary outfit outstanding. If you love jewellery, read on for tips on how to wear statement necklaces.
How to wear a statement necklace?
When it comes to signature neck jewellery, there are so many options that getting the right look can become daunting. From simple chains to a band of pearls or wide, beaded and bedazzled bibs, statement necklaces can take any form — you just have to choose the best one for you. In some cases, loading up on sparkly accessories is a great way to accent an outfit but one must know when to stop. This is particularly important when it comes to desi wedding wear which tends to be heavily-embroidered and brightly coloured in general. A shiny, ruffled top, for example, could look great with a small chain but not a big, ornate number as together, the all the shine can make you appear cheap.
“Simplicity is beauty,” says Kiran Aman, designer and founder of Kiran Fine Jewellery. “Regardless of ongoing trends, a necklace should complement the overall look of your outfit which, to me, is the most important thing.” Of course, investing in a gorgeous, designer neck number will make you want to get noticed. “If you want to draw attention to your necklace, it is best to stick to a simple and classy outfit, preferably of one colour,” says jewellery enthusiast and collector, Farrukh Qamar. “The cleaner your clothes, the more noticeable your statement necklace will be.”
The best part about a statement necklaces — and costume jewellery in general — is that no matter how plain your outfit is, the jewellery automatically becomes the focal point of attention. If you are dressing down in a plain t-shirt with your favourite pair of jeans, just a glistening metal necklace and a dab of lipstick will give you the perfect, casual-chic look. On the other hand, you can enhance formal, evening attire by pairing your statement necklace with a matching clutch or stilettos.
“Personally, I think only one piece of statement jewellery should be worn at one time to create the right effect,” advises Kiran. You can also wear your hair in an up-do to give your necklace unobstructed attention. Layering up necklaces of different shapes, colours and sizes looks great too, provided that you wear less than five strands to avoid looking too weighed-down.
Different types of statement necklaces
To satiate the jewellery enthusiasts, there is a seemingly endless variety of necklaces available in the markets today. Different lengths, materials, sizes, styles and adornments are available in local shops, catering to individual tastes. High-end fashion houses like Oscar De La Renta and Chopard design ornate items for those who can afford their hefty price tags while lower-end clothing giants like Forever 21 offer a cheaper range of beautiful pieces, some of which are exact replicas of the designer ones.
The key to sorting through the different styles is to know the look or vibe you are aiming to give out. Although jewellery is often a personal thing — often a gift from your significant other, parents or family heirlooms, etc — it should always showcase your personality and style spirit. Some women love to adorn themselves with necklaces while others prefer the sleek, band of pearls popularised by Audrey Hepburn. Whatever your preference, make sure each jewellery item reflects your desired look. For example, multicoloured, beaded pieces are ideal for a beachy, bohemian look while silver is the way to go for a grungy, rockstar vibe.
Get the right inspiration for the right necklace
If you are still unsure as to what type of necklace will look best with your outfit, you can always browse the internet for inspiration. Ever since statement jewellery was introduced to the global fashion world a few years ago, trendy necklaces have become a regular feature of catwalk shows and red-carpet events from Hollywood to Lollywood. Popular celebrities like Emma Stone, Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Lawrence, Kate Middleton, Sonam Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, etc, are unofficial brand ambassadors for statement jewellery which they flaunt at international events. For ideas on how you can look as great as them, try browsing celebrity style magazines and online fashion portals on Facebook and Pinterest. Who knows, you might end up pulling of an elaborate, unique necklace better than your favourite celebrity.
Meesha Shafi — The Queen of Statement Accessories
Why seek inspiration from international celebrities when local ones like Meesha Shafi are turning heads with their own statement accessories? The sultry singer, artist, fashionista and mother of two is known for making each public appearance count, thanks to her unique and edgy sense of style. Her collection of statement jewellery, bags, belts and other accessories is simply divine. In a nutshell, Meesha is living proof of the ideology of Yves Saint Laurent: “Fashion fades but style is eternal”.
Published in The Express Tribune, Ms T, November 23rd, 2014.