Accessories are not only important this season, they are important every season as they complete your look. This season, jewelry is original and hip. There are many influences from different parts of the world. There is a sense of glamour in wearing something different and multi textured. Look for elaborate and bold pieces.

Exotic influences to look out for are Cuban, desert and a bit of medieval touches. The Cuban pieces are big, bold and bright as though you are going to a party by the sea or at the pool. Desert looks have brown undertones with leather straps, beads and stones. Medieval influences are new this season. They are black and gunmetal pieces with angular shapes.

Your best piece this season will be the necklace. Necklaces have many functions. Not only do they look nice and make an outfit work for you, they can also compliment or camouflage some of your features. Long draping necklaces take attention away from the hips. Many of the layered chains with beads resemble the traditional look of draped strings of pearls. The pearls have been replaced with glass, metal and mixed gems.

Another modern look for your neck is the bib necklace, which emphasizes your face because it falls in the mid chest to neck area. This statement is bold because of the many layers and pieces that are very close together. Turquoise and coral beads are very popular and they flatter many skin tones. Glass and metal beads are delicate and edgy.

Bracelets are big and trendy this season. Bangles and cuffs draw attention away from upper arms. The look for bracelets is the more bold and exotic, the better. Bangles are slimmer than cuffs. Look for art deco and exotic styles, that bring together leather, metal, Lucite, wood and straw. The inspiration for bracelets is an exotic souvenir from a far away place. The beginner should wear one bangle or look for a wide cuff that resembles a stack of thin bangles. Mixing many bangles requires some fashion panache.

Earrings and rings are very similar in styling. They coordinate this season, if you like your pieces to match. The new theme to look out for is the medieval influence. When considering your earrings think long dangling pieces with abstract shapes that resemble rounded crosses or pointy flowers. New metals for both earrings and rings are oxidized silver and copper. The trendiest look for rings is the Navette, which is an oval stone or shape that is pointed at both ends, like an elongated diamond. This ring comes in black gems as well as silver, gold, bronze metals. This is definitely an edgier look.

Accessories are a necessary indulgence. They adorn your outfit, complement your features and look different every time you wear them, with a minimal investment. In a season when wearing a one-colour outfit is in fashion, why not go for jewelry that stands out?

Adieu,

Mattie

Mattie a la Mode is a monthly fashion advice column. Mattie is a freelance fashion writer and personal stylist. She can be reached via email at mattiealamode@gmail.com or visit her blog mattiealamode.com.