Prints are everywhere this spring, sometimes worn mixed together in riots of color, and always eye-catching. In the article “Coming on Strong” in the March 2010 issue of InStyle magazine styled by Karina Givargisoff and photographed by Simon Burstall, actress Morena Baccarin models ensembles in spring’s exciting prints, many of which ensembles are most delightfully accessorized with jewelry.

The photos in the feature demonstrate how jewelry can be chosen to relate to both the design of the prints as well as the overall design of the garments, creating a pleasing harmony. For instance:

Relating to the shoulder detail of short ruffles and the print of tiered swirls on a dress by Jason Wu, a rhodium-plated studded cuff by Noir and a stack of smooth rhodium bangles by Alexis Bittar.

Relating to a large-scale print of curved designs on a dress by Emilio Pucci, large-scale oval drop earrings by Noir.

Relating to the triangles in the Versace design, the swirls in the print and also the dress’s overall curvy shape, resin and gold-plated earrings by Rachel Leigh. The oval shaped resin inserts on the cuff, by the same designer, pop next to the swirls on the dress and tie in beautifully with the earrings without being too matchy-matchy.

Relating to the wonderful rhythm of the design of the top as well as the ruffles on the skirt in an ensemble by Proenza Schouler, a sterling silver cuff by Patricia von Musulin.

When choosing jewelry for a print dress, consider these factors:

• The overall scale of the print – large, extra-large, medium, small or miniature;
• Lines in the print – straight, curved, angled, wavy, horizontal, vertical, diagonal;
• Shapes in the print, from circles and abstract designs to images from real life and the design elements those images contain;
• The spacing of design elements and the amount of “white space” between repeated elements;
• Texture, which often provides inspiration for its interpretation in metal;
• Color, of course;
• The placement of key design details of the garment itself – where do they draw the eye?

There is not one “right jewelry design” to coordinate with any particular print. Any one or more of the factors above may be the focus in styling an overall look. Choosing jewelry with consideration of the design of a print can create a pleasing and cohesive look flattering to the wearer.

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