Icing on the Cake: Jewelry Trends, Summer 2008

Accessories are a great way to complete an outfit and add a little zest to your look. This year we see many old trends re-emerging, a few newbies and a few twists on those oldies but goodies.

Big jewelry continues to be a major trend, so one key tip is that if you’re gonna go big on the accessories, you need to go minimally on the clothes so you don’t end up looking like a walking Vegas Strip.

Nature is a main theme throughout jewelry pieces for the summer; you’ll see flowers, leaves and moons & stars in everything from pendants to rings and especially in drop earrings, so go ahead and get in touch with nature.

One of the “must have” pieces of the season is the not-so-subtle medallion. Medallions and pendants are back, as designers turn to the seventies and eighties for inspiration. A sub-division of this trend is another one; zodiac pendants. Say good-bye to wearing your name or initials on your neck, showing off your star sign in silver, gold or even diamonds is the way to go.

Channel your inner Jackie O. by putting a twist on the classic pearl necklace with giant pearl pieces, whether chokers, multiple strand necklaces or even necklaces with different colored pearls tied together paired with giant pearl earrings or bracelets.

Time to raid that local flea market or your Grandma’s jewelry box. Cameos and bangles are another new/old trend and going vintage is the best way to go. The best thing about this look is that you really can do it on the cheap (or free, if you are into swiping things from g’ma).

Want to go a little more fun & funky this year? Pop art has inspired jewelry designers and you can find a slew of brightly colored plastic bangles, hair ties and bracelets in big, bold shapes. Abstract designs are also big and these pieces are great for weekend and casual wear.

A popular color combo this season is black & gold, a throwback to the 70’s/disco era, with an emphasis on oversized links and chains. For some eye-catching accessories, go with enameled bracelets, necklaces and chokers.

Last but not least, continue rockin’ out those big and blingin’ cocktail rings because baby, they ain’t goin’ anywhere and who doesn’t love showing off some fabulous bling?

No matter what trend you choose to follow, as is always the case with fashion, go with what makes you feel comfortable and sexy, and have fun with it.

If you’re on a budget like most of us are, Urban Outfitters has some fun pieces that follow the trends well, but my favorite place to get cheapie pieces that I always get compliments on is my tried and true Forever 21 . Just remember, you don’t have to break the bank to have fabulous accessories.