Sara CornellSometimes I stand in my excessively large and overly packed closet and bemoan the fact that I have NOTHING to wear. Sometimes that statement is, in fact, true, in which case I scurry out to whatever retail destination is calling my name to remedy the situation. But other times all I really need to do is find the right piece of jewelry to change up the look and feel of an outfit. This trick works particularly well in the summer months, when the temperature can be somewhat unpredictable, and the addition or subtraction of a cuff can add warmth and shelter to an otherwise skimpy outfit. I have a basic, black, knit jersey, dress. I have had it for years. It has cap sleeves and a v-cut front. The hem hits just above my knee cap. In theory it is a summer dress. But I wear it loud and proud 12 months out of the year, changing only the jewelry (and footwear of course) to make it an entirely seasonally appropriate outfit. Paired with a chunky necklace I feel like I have a thermal layer on. Swap that for a simple silver pendant and the look is cool and chic on a hot and humid afternoon. Summer and sunshine call for lighter, more delicate accessories. When the crocuses start sprouting I ditch my dense, dark earrings for small sparkly dangles or delicate hoops. My stack of wrap bracelets gets stashed in favor of one bold and chunky ring. Coco Chanel always said before leaving the house remove one piece of jewelry and that adage is particularly true in the summer. Compare these two photos:
Image courtesy of midnight velvet.com
Layers of necklaces and bold earrings weigh down the outfit, giving a sensation of heat and heaviness.
Image courtesy of merchantcircle.com
An equally bold yet stand alone necklace paired with small earrings keeps the look cooler on what appears to be a steamy summer evening.
Image courtesy of togandporter.com
The same thought holds for this look – seasonless denim and a black maxi are cool and summer ready with a minimal silver chain. There are my current favorites for summer jewelry:
Me & Ro sterling Silver Hoops
Awesome Turquoise ring spotted on some random celebrity at some Hamptons type event
This diamonds and denim matching just feels right and will certainly liven up a barn party:
Image courtesy of Pinterest
Druze stones are so simple and elegant and lend the perfect amount of edge and fun to any outfit. Wear them alone or layered together to make a more colorful statement.
Image courtesy of peacemoves.blogspot.com
And if you really want to have some fun, try these On The Prowl earrings. Simple and understated, perfect for the cabana or cocktails, they speak volumes very quietly…
On The Prowl earring available at jewelmint.com