How to solve your summer jewellery equations
Sometimes I think that we could all be saved a lot of bother in the fashion department if a little straightforward mathematics were applied to our wardrobes. There must be a professor somewhere who could come up with a fail-safe formula for which neckline works with which length of skirt, or the exact point at which a sleeve is at its most flattering.
My own (accidental) fashion maths equation left me with the same abject frustration, followed by the same ‘ohhh, I get it now’ euphoria that I remember from my school days – and it involves jewellery.
I received a few beautiful pieces for my birthday in December, including a gold droplet necklace by Alighieri (a label that bases its beautiful designs on Dante’s Divine Comedy) and a hammered Cornelia Webb cuff, but had been finding it hard to wear them with winter’s sleeves, layers and collars.
But since the sun arrived, they’ve come into their own and take pride of place on a bare arm or décolletage, leading me to the theorem that summer = the time to let your jewellery shine: strings of delicate chains or one big, bold collar look brilliant with unbuttoned shirts or simple tees, bright earrings are transformative when paired with a laid-back sundress, and an arm of bangles livens up a vest and shorts.
And fashion has really cottoned on to this equation. On the Saint Laurent catwalk, boho blouses were worn open with long strings of tasselled necklaces, and at Valentino, bauble earrings sung out against silky maxis and easy tailoring.
A trend for shells has also emerged, evoking that idea of combing a beach and stringing your favourites together, except these ones are shiny and come in sleek packaging. Jeweller Zoe Morton’s creations are inspired by the adventures she has in her camper van. Her brass shell earrings are cast from her seaside finds – it’s like nature was trying to tell us something all along.
Buys to Try
Alighieri gold-plated bracelet, £210, Net - a- Porter
Crystal mesh necklace, £169, Swarovski
Shell necklace, £19.99, Mango
Honeycomb ring, £140, Pandora; Brass shell earrings, £100, Zoe Morton
