Stores such as H&M, New York & Company, Wet Seal, Claire’s, and
Forever XXI stack their queues with the latest bling. And the desire
for large jewelry is not limited to mainstream looks. My cousin
Ashley, who, since middle school has taken to an alternative look
(black clothing, chunky boots, tattoos, and various hair colors) asked
Santa for “big obnoxious rings” this year. Lately it’s hard to find a
dainty, one-charm necklace. Instead, today’s necklaces are
waist-length, with multiple layers, often consisting of varied
materials such as lace, pearls, chain, silk, gems, and charms (like
oversized owls, hearts, or keys). Bangles are even making a comeback.
One of the oldest sayings in the book is “less is more.” Maybe such
advice is hackneyed and exhausted, but I can’t entirely dismiss the
adage. Some of fashion’s biggest icons, for example Audrey Hepburn,
Gwyneth Paltrow, and Natalie Portman, ascribe to this minimalism.
They’re known for simple, clean lines, unobtrusive jewelry, and ballet
flats. It’s a time-honored look that never goes
out. And yet, I can’t help being a fan of the outrageous, as well.
Where would fashions be without Cher, Madonna, and Betsy Johnson?
So
how does one combine a passion for the latest chunky “obnoxious”
accoutrements while keeping bodily perspective in mind? Particularly
for petite women, when wearing large jewelry, try paring it with
simpler clothes: less prints, glitter, and volume. Instead, opt for
a-line dresses and coats, monochromatic pallets, and neutral colors.
But all girls are not gamines. One of the best things about fashion is
that a girl can make mistakes without hurting anyone, or ever having
to pay for them. If you’re so inclined, why not dare to be just a bit
ridiculous? The only thing you have to worry about if you take to
wearing say, chunky jewelry, sparkly tops, leggings, and leg warmers
is your future self cringing when looking through old photo albums or facebook images. Buy maybe not. Whatever it is, it will be back in
twenty years.
