While browsing the vast jewellery section at H&M, you may notice the occasional statement silver necklace, featuring at least three layers of chunky chains with various charms, arrows and coins dangling off it (see the necklace to the right of this column). You look at the Dh140 price tag, wonder if you'd wear it enough to get your money's worth out of it, then hang it back up and continue shopping. There's a risk in doing this. Afterwards, when you're at home outfit-building, you may very well feel a pang of regret, wishing you had just bought the necklace – because this type of jewellery is actually quite versatile, and works as an outstanding outfit pick-me-up. If your everyday leggings-and-sweater combination is feeling a bit drab, this necklace will add a dash of liveliness. Or if your boyfriend jeans and white blouse need a little something to jazz them up, this will do the trick. So next time you spot a necklace like this, buy it.
Some women don't give silver jewellery a second thought. They'd much rather pile on gold, be it real or costume jewellery. Silver, for some reason, has acquired an aged, unimportant reputation. While gold brings to mind royalty and luxury, silver is stuck with connotations of armory and Game of Thrones-like significance – it's seen to be hard, unfeminine and unbecoming. But with the current chunky-knit trend, big tribal statement necklaces, particularly in silver, make the perfect accessory option.
H&M designers aren’t the innovative brains when it comes to this trend, which was actually inspired by the New York-based brand DylanLex. Visiting the brand’s Instagram page will land you in jewellery heaven. The pieces are bold and bedazzling; intimidating and at the same time enthralling, with metallic links, antique motifs, crystals, horns, spikes and beads all thrown together to create art-meets-jewellery designs.
Throw subtlety out the door with this trend, and feel free to keep piling it on. Simple pendants and delicate bangles won’t cut it, I’m afraid, nor will skull and spike charms of a more Gothic nature. The pieces don’t need lots of blingy crystals – look for pieces with vintage coins instead. Or opt for a more contemporary vibe, with large geometric pendants and midi rings.
Finally, keep your clothing on the minimalist side. The look won’t be achieved with overworked layers, mixed prints and graphic details. Keep your palette monochrome if you can, with basic garments – sweaters, jeans, leather skirts, basic blouses and graphic T-shirts. All-black, all-white and all-grey outfits are the best starting points for statement silver jewellery. There’s something truly captivating about an all-white ensemble styled with a chunky silver necklace. The resulting look is classic boho chic, but with an alluring, sophisticated upgrade. A feminine white summer dress with knee-high socks, topped with a chunky cardigan and a statement silver necklace, is the ultimate look, in my opinion. With shirts, necklaces can be displayed atop V-necks, or sit daringly under collars. Intricate cuff bangles are also key, as are antique cocktail rings. Stack these silver rings on your fingers, and make them really pop by painting your nails white.
Statement silvers are available all around the high street. H&M and Forever 21 carry affordable options, and Zara has some great silver cocktail rings. But if you can splurge, go with the original – DylanLex. For a more authentic take on the trend, visit old town souqs or national offerings such as Yemen at Dubai’s Global Village – you’re sure to find chunky coin-covered neck pieces there.
hlodi@thenational.ae
