The come-back of 80’s fashion has brought with it its most famous accessory, the fashion jewelry bracelet. Although you are excited about this new trend, don’t pull out your old rubber bracelets just yet! The trends set by 80’s style icons Madonna, Molly Ringwald, Pat Benatar and Princess Dianna are back but with a fresh twist.
Not sure how to incorporate 80’s retro style into your wardrobe? Before you fill your arms with charms this season, follow this fashion jewelry bracelet style guide.
Go Glamorous- When you think of the 80’s, you of think Madonna. Who can forget Madonna’s pink gloved wrists dripping in diamonds in her “Material Girl” video? The modern material girl also incorporates Madonna’s use of sparkle. Look for rhinestones and other gemstone bracelets this season. Color and size are the keys to making your gemstone fashion bracelets work this season. Try bracelets with multicolored and multi-sized gems. When it comes to size, the bigger the better.
Safari, the Modern Preppy- Molly Ringwald was the fashion icon for every preppy teen in the 1980’s. Her put-together style is represented in this years Safari look. Dress up your solid colored safari fashions with thick, printed wood bracelets. Add bright color with reds, oranges and yellows. Even a demure prep has a wild side! Animal print bracelets, such as leopard and tiger, are also the rage. Don’t forget, black and white is hot right now. It is the perfect time to add a zebra inspired bracelet to your fashion jewelry bracelet collection.
Rock-n-Roll- 80’s rock and roll diva Pat Benatar showed the world that you can rock in style. Her rocker fashion sense is back in the form of skinny jeans and leather fashion bracelets. Feel free to load up with leather bracelets in traditional black and bright colors. Forget the silver spikes. Go from “dog collar” to chic rocker with gold or silver toned shapes and symbols. Personalize your look with charms, inspirational sayings, butterflies, and my favorite, fleur de lis.
Make a Statement- Princess Dianna was known for her elegant style and charitable causes. This season, you can continue her sophisticated style and promote a cause by wearing statement bracelets. For years we have been wearing brightly colored rubber statement bracelets first popularized by Lance Armstrong’s fight for cancer awareness. Rubber jewelry is out. Instead, refine your look with statement bracelets made in silver or gold tones.
A Fleur de Lis is a trendy way to make a statement. Since Hurricane Katrina, this stylized lily has become a representation New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. Show your support for the rebuilding the Gulf Coast with a fleur de lis fashion jewelry bracelet. You can also help the recovery process by purchasing Fleur de Lis bracelets from New Orleans based retailers.
For the past few years our wrists have felt neglected by the fashion world. Our arms have sat naked as ours ears and necks were adorned with chandeliers and chokers. Thank goodness, bracelets are back!