As heavier, plusher fabrics move into the stores in anticipation of cooler months ahead, jewelry is trending on a parallel track. Heavier, chunky chains are very much in evidence this season in both bracelets and necklaces worn with a wide variety of styles.
The September 2011 issue of Glamour suggests that, this season, “If You Want to Dress Like a Lady…,” inspired by Princess Catherine, the new British royal, then “not-girly accessories work well.” Featured are a chunky chain necklace in blue from Kenneth Cole New York and a cuff bracelet from JulieCollection.com.
In the same issue of Glamour, Mad Men star Christina Hendricks demonstrates how to wear bold color, pairing a sexy magenta Zac Posen dress with a diamond and sterling silver chunky chain bracelet from Catherine Beth.
The September 2011 issue of Harper’s Bazaar accentuates a flashy metallic golden dress from Stella McCartney with a chunky short chain necklace from Yves Saint Laurent. The model also wears a cuff bracelet from Eddie Borgo and metal-accented pumps from Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci.
The July 2011 issue of Marie Claire puts chunky chains with Prince of Wales menswear-inspired checks, a much more casual look, and also looks to Yves Saint Laurent as the source of a mixed metal chunky chain choker featured at the top of the page and also in the runway shot bottom left.
The August 2011 issue of Vogue features a clean-cut preppy look (note the Peter Pan collar—more on that subject to follow in a future post) worn with a chunky chain bracelet from Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquière. The model also wears a blazer from Rag & Bone, shirt from The Row, jeans from Celine, clutch from Proenza Schouler, and loafers from Dieppa Restrepo. The earrings separately shown on the page are from Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
The June 2011 issue of Allure features a variety of chunky chain bracelets from David Yurman, Verdura, Anita Ko, Cartier, Tacori, and Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co., commenting on these designs that “Chain bracelets lose the bulk with slim, flat links.”
A current ad from Vince Camuto features several chunky chain bracelets that are decidedly not slim and flat, along with a bib necklace, as accessorizes to a body-conscious dress.
In a current ad from Yves Saint Laurent, a demure skirt and blouse are accented with a bold chunky chain bracelet.
The August 2011 issue of Elle pairs a chunky sterling silver bracelet from David Yurman and a black Latex choker from Atsuko Kudo with a tough girl look in leather. The patent leather bra is from Jeremy Scott, the lambskin trousers from Marios Schwab, and the boots from Alain Quilici for David Koma.
For some stylists, one chunky chain is not enough. A current ad from DKNY features a pair of chunky chain link bracelets worn on the same wrist with a watch.
Actress Sandra Bullock is pictured wearing two chunky chain bracelets along with large hoop earrings (another big trend for autumn) in this photo from the Aug. 22, 2011, issue of People.
A current ad for Michael Michael Kors also shows multiple accents on one wrist along with a chunky chain necklace and chunky chain ring. Notice that the scale of the jewelry relates to the scale of the chain detail on the handbag.
“There is, of course, a certain elegance in discretion, but sometimes more is more,” proclaims the September 2011 issue of Town & Country as it piles on the gold in a styling that includes chunky chains, bangles, a charm bracelet, and a watch. The jewelry consists of a charm bracelet from Monica Rich Kosann, a Verdura Curb Link bracelet, a Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch and Trinity de Cartier bracelet, a chunky chain bracelet from Faraone Mennella Contessa, and a hinged bangle from Michael Kors.
Piling on the jewelry is an interesting look, although very, very tough on the jewelry. Style yourself accordingly: A single chunky chain has loads of presence all on its own.
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