Big = Beautiful

When the fashion industry suddenly says, “Bigger is better,” take heed.

Sorry, this doesn’t mean the end of X-ray models, but we’ll take what we can get. Oversized jewelry is where it’s at this summer, jewelry that makes a statement. No, jewelry that shouts declarations. Try a few of my suggestions on for size.

Bet you never thought you would need a bib in your wardrobe again. It’s been awhile since you dribbled smooshed bananas down your chin and looked cute doing it. But bibs are back. Not cloth bibs that spell out “Daddy’s Little Girl” or even “Fashionista extraordinaire!” Nope. These are better. Much better. They’re bib necklaces and they’re essential for summer. In this case, “bib” refers to the way the necklaces drape.

The weight and size of these can be intimidating. But, it’s their awkward aesthetic that makes them so appealing. Last year, if you were going to wear bold jewelry like this, you would have paired it with understated clothing. But this year we’re going big, really, really big, and we’re going wild. Experiment. Go a little crazy.

Wear colors that don’t match. Pair patterns that clash. Be daring. Use bursts of color to lift your spirits.
Not only are we looking for big statement necklaces, big bangle bracelets and cuffs are fabulous to dress up any outfit. You can easily find cuffs with jewels that translate from day to evening. And bangles, well, they’re perfect for any time, especially if they’re made of metal. But I don’t recommend beaded bangles for evening. A lot of accessories you’ll see have an obvious ethnic inspiration — which is excellent for sass — but they’re definitely more for daytime.

Don’t’ forget big, chunky rings. Lots of big, chunky rings. I mean, so big you could probably knock someone’s eye out with one of those bad boys if you really wanted to.

There’s no such thing as being too old for big or flashy jewelry. You’re being bold. You’re making a statement. When is being bold and making a statement a bad thing?

So, big is beautiful! Thank the fashion industry for understanding that, yes; good things come in big packages, too. And, when the woman behind the jewelry counter asks what you’d like to see, tell her, “Supersize me!”