In the midst of this hectic season, with the holidays fast approaching and dress-up occasions crowding the calendar, it is refreshing to come across a magazine article about fashion that makes one relax a bit and smile. Glamour magazine succeeds in accomplishing just this in the feature fashion spread “it’s your day off, dress like it!” in the December 2009 issue.

Fun! “Celebrate the weekend in chilled-out style based on ‘boyfriend’ pieces,” suggests Glamour. Model Miranda Kerr is shown photographed “in some of the comfiest, sexiest casual looks we’ve seen in a while.” Each and every look relies on jewelry to give it extra panache.

For example, the magazine notes that every girl has a pair of comfy jeans in her wardrobe and suggests: “The way to update ‘em? With something striped on top, and lots of jewelry.”

Illustration featuring lots of jewelry, including necklaces by James Colarusso, Janis by Janis Savitt and Jennifer Fisher; Cartier watch; bracelets by Good Art Hlywd, Giles & Brother by Philip Crangi and Tiffany & Co., and rings by Jostens and Ginette NY.

What takes each look from ho-hum to stylish is the way in which pieces are combined and accessorized. High-heeled platform shoes with socks? Check. Rolled-up sleeves and turned up cuffs on pants? Check. Hats. Belts. Big bags. Stripes and argyle prints. And loads and loads of jewelry – multiple bracelets combined with a wristwatch; multiple rings, sometimes with one worn on a thumb; and multiple necklaces, especially pendant necklaces. Chains of all sizes are part of the mix, typically in a combination of metal colors. Charm bracelets provide ornamentation with movement.

Another illustration featuring lots of jewelry, including necklaces by Natalia Brilli and Good Art Hlywd; rings from Tiffany & Co., Cartier, James Colarusso, Solange Azagury-Partridge, and Jostens; and bracelets by Joseph Brooks Jewelry.

This Glamour fashion spread is a terrific guide to young, casual style, definitely worth perusing for style ideas – the perfect activity for a relaxing day off.

JCK