What's Hot For Fall: The Season's Top Jewelry Styles

As a fashion columnist, style blogger and jewelryAll over the runways and fashion magazines, long
buyer, it's my job to know what's hot each season,chains with gemstones or pearls, when paired with
and what's destined for storage (or Goodwill). The fallshorter pendants or pearl strands, draw the eye up
2007 season is no exception, and it promises to beand down the outfit and really pull a look together.
an exciting one fashion-wise. I've talked withExperiment with different lengths, depending on your
accessories editors, walked endlessly aroundstature and your outfit's details; multiple length chains
wholesale jewelry shows in New York, scoured fall'sgo especially well with fall's paper bag waists and
top fashion magazines, and read dozens of influentialdrop waists but not so great with fussy necklines
fashion blogs. The result? A wealth of information(some of this season's styles sport big, floppy bows
that I've distilled down to five must-have jewelryat the neck). Consider adding at least one chain with
looks for fall. Some trends, like pearls, are carryoverspearls or a strand of pearls. This fall, the pulled
from other seasons that are still going strong. If youtogether, ladylike look is back with a vengeance.
don't already own pearl jewelry, invest in someThink gloves, hats and tailored silhouettes-all
decent pieces; when it comes to the classics, youpearl-friendly styles.
can't go wrong buying quality jewelry. Others trendsStackable bangles: Wide or thin, silver or gold, the
are new, which means you can have fun shoppingmore bangles you can stack on your arms, the
for and experimenting with different styles-but don'tbetter. For interest, pair different sizes and different
spend a fortune unless the trend has major stayingmetals or materials (Lucite and wood cuffs are hot),
power or you absolutely love it.with contrasting shapes and styles, like thin silver or
Grab your Birkin bag, your charge cards, and followgold. If you can't get away with wearing stackable
me:bangles, (the jangles get on your co-workers' nerves,
Chunky, bold pieces: Big hardware and bold finishingsfor example) a single bold cuff is a sexy alternative.
are all the rage for jewelry this fall. Statement-makingPatent leather and gemstone styles are popular right
pieces, such as oversize cocktail rings, cuffs withnow. You can spend a lot or a little here: Cuffs and
metallic details, chunky Lucite bracelets, necklacesbangles go in and out of style, but have enough
with feathers, enamel brooches and gobstopper-sizestaying power to warrant collecting them for future
mother-of-pearl necklaces, all complement key falltrends.
2007 looks, including menswear-inspired fashions, bold,Big hoop earrings: Chances are, you already have a
geometric prints and patent leather. A word ofpair of oversize hoop earrings in your jewelry box. If
caution: Splurge here only when the piece in questionso, it's time to break them out. Big hoop earrings are
is jewelry you can't live without. Pieces with biggreat with fall's geometric patterns; they're about the
personalities aren't always in style, and the featheronly jewelry you can wear that won't compete or
look certainly won't have major staying power. Keepoverpower some of today's bold styles. If you're
in mind that for every designer jewelry style with agoing to rock out with the season's little black leather
Rodeo Drive price tag, there are plenty ofjacket or patent leather look, plain silver or gold hoop
high-quality affordable pieces that are just as pretty.earrings keep the look simple. Simple hoops are also
Jeweled watches: A watch with ultra-feminine details,great when the rest of your outfit sports this
like diamonds or pearls on the face or a delicateseason's feather, fringe or fur detailing. If you're
wristband, is a terrific contrast to the season'sgoing a little more subtle in your outfit, hoops with
tailored menswear look. The juxtaposition of thegemstones look sweet and add interest. Carnelian
masculine with the feminine-a slim watch with a man'shoops, aventurine hoops and pearl hoops are
tuxedo jacket, say, is very sexy. But avoid pairing afeminine and fun. The sky's the limit here; you can
menswear-inspired look with a man's watch. Tooget hoops for as little as a few bucks, or you can
much of a good thing is overkill. And spend wiselyspend thousands. Just make sure they're not too
here: There are many excellent watches that will setheavy or your piercings will get irreparably stretched
you back thousands-fine if you can afford theout. Ouch!
investment-but you can also get a durable pearlNow that you know what look is hot this fall, go
watch or CZ-encrusted watch for under $100.forth and shop! But keep in mind that some styles
Long chain and pearl necklaces: One style that hasn'thave gone the way of '80s legwarmers. These looks
lost its appeal due to its unerring ability to ratchetare over.
any outfit up a notch is the layered necklace trend.