Cuff-style bracelets—worn solo, in pairs, or stacked—remain a strong fashion trend as we head to the close of 2012 and into the resort season beyond. Many of the designs have a powerful look, both singly and especially worn in pairs à la superhero Wonder Woman or super fashion icon Diana Vreeland. While other designs have a softer look—the yin of cuffs, if you will—this post will focus on some of the designs that convey the concept of yang.

“Cuff Love” proclaims the September-issued InStyle Makeover 2012 issue: “One bold new accessory, one amazingly chic new look.” In the first page of a two-page spread, the magazine features a bronze cuff from Pamela Love, gold plate cuffs from R.J. Graziano and Alexis Bittar, and a leather and gold plate cuff from Fallon.

The second page of the spread pictures brass cuffs from Tory Burch and Robert Lee Morris, a gold-plate cuff from Kara by Kara Ross, a gold-tone cuff from BaubleBar; a brass skull cuff from Jennifer Fisher, and a faux python and gold plate cuff from Karla Deras for Roman Luxe.

Actress Halle Berry wears a cuff from Jack Vartanian and earrings from Adohr Jewelry with a gown by Michael Kors in this photo from the November issue of InStyle.

A single blue stone cuff and a blue stone runway ring by Stella McCartney accessorize a knit dress by that designer in this photo from the September issue of Elle. The model also wears a turtleneck from American Apparel, a leather belt from Zana Bayne, tights from Hue, and patent leather loafers from Walter Steiger.

A single gold-plated cuff from ALC balances a one-shoulder dress from Louis Vuitton modeled by Alicia Vikander in this photo from the November issue of InStyle.

A golden cuff from Isabel Marant, center, is among the “gold accoutrements” matched with cobalt blue in this feature from the October issue of Harper’s Bazaar. The jewelry pictured upper left is actually a goldtone ring from Jennifer Fisher blown up to huge proportions.

In a current ad from Giorgio Armani, the model’s single wide, gem-studded cuff balances the oversized collar of her coat.

A pair of matching cuffs from Tom Ford accessorize a dress from Emilio Pucci in the October issue of Marie Claire. The booties are by Aquazzura.

A pair of matching cuffs from Herve Van Der Straeten accessorize an ensemble that is otherwise head-to-toe Salvatore Ferragamo in this photo from the September issue of Harper’s Bazaar.

 

Coordinating but not identical cuffs by Charles Albert accessorize a sequined chiffon gown by Naeem Khan in the November issue of Allure.

In a photo spread that takes a more-is-more approach to jewelry in the November issue of Harper’s Bazaar, a model wears a pair of matching cuffs plus a choker from Tom Ford. She also wears a Repossi pendant necklace, Cartier (left) and Robert Lee Morris (right) runway rings, and Robert Lee Morris earrings. Her dress, visor, belt and bag are by Lanvin; her sunglasses are by Reed Krakoff. Her choker and pendant necklace both present a feminine counterpart to the heavy cuff bracelets—the yin balancing the yang. I’ll review a selection of yin-inspired cuffs in a a separate post.

 

Follow JCK on Instagram: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Twitter: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine