Trend Test: How Much Jewelry Is Too Much?
Alessandro Michele’s vintage-inspired runways have revived the fashion world’s affinity for heirloom jewelry and a more-is-more aesthetic, as It girls everywhere regularly pile on brooches, statement necklaces and oversize earrings to achieve the new maximalist look. Since much of the TRR office veers more toward Phoebe Philo minimalism than sequined ornamental explosion, the recent trend has us wondering: how much jewelry is too much? How do you pull off the trend without looking like you dove head-first into Grandma’s old jewelry box? “Go for variety so the overall look comes off as intentional,” advises Senior Content Editor Jody Hume. “Juxtapose different silhouettes, pair dainty with chunky, and mix and match metals and colors.” Read on as she and Senior Visual Designer Ekin Kalyaci test the trend IRL.
Jody Wears: Jennifer Fisher Cuff Bracelet, $175; Bvlgari B.Zero1 Bracelet, $3,695; Hermès Chaine d’Ancre MM Bracelet, $945; Chanel Enamel Cocktail Ring, $345; 14K Jadeite Cocktail Ring, $225; Vanessa Arizaga Duh Bracelet, $25; Bottega Veneta Woven Bracelet, $145; Enamel Band Ring, $395
Did all that jewelry get in the way of your chores?
Yes! I always think it’s sort of glamorous when I see people leaving on their jewelry to do things like household chores or practicing yoga, but I think you need to possess a special kind of maximalist spirit to pull it off. Like, Elizabeth Taylor, if she ever washed dishes, would definitely wear this much jewelry. I’m a minimalist when it comes to jewelry — the pieces I wear are pretty pared down and I tend to wear them solo instead of piled on, so this was like jewelry culture shock to me.
Ekin Wears: The Row Velvet Blazer, $245; The Row Sunglasses, $130; Chanel Gripoix Brooch, $395; 18K Diamond Horseshoe Stick Pin, $225; Chanel CC Arrow Brooch, $475; Dolce & Gabbana Crystal Flower Brooch, $295; Gucci Snakeskin Sylvie Bag, $2,700
What was your favorite part about this look?
I’ve been wanting to wear giant earrings for a while and be more playful, so I was really intrigued by this Chanel brooch that we styled like a single earring. It reminded me of Girl with a Pearl Earring — so romantic. I also wear a lot of masculine blazers and jackets, so I liked the idea of styling it with all the brooches to make it feel more feminine. I was in love with that little horseshoe pin too. I want that.
Ekin Wears: Self-Portrait Dress, $575; Oscar de la Renta Earrings, $175; Louis Vuitton Circus Bag Charm, $495; Louis Vuitton City Steamer Bag Charm, $625; Lizzie Fortunato Collar, $225; Bvlgari Parentesi Cuff, $3,295; Tiffany & Co. Bracelet, $125; Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Ring, $3,145; Diamond Numbers Band, $475; Solitaire Diamond Ring, $1,195
Would you normally wear this much jewelry?
I do like to stack on jewelry but mainly dainty, little gold things. The outfit was a little crazier than I would normally wear, but I think it must be fun to be that person! I can imagine being a super eclectic lady who gardens hallucinogenic plants and reads fortunes on the side.
What’s the verdict? Does the Alessandro Michele approach to jewelry translate from the runway to real life?
I think it’s good inspo for being more daring when accessorizing, but I think the Gucci girls are too busy jet setting to have to worry about the perils of wearing jewelry for everyday life.
Ready to try the trend for yourself? Shop our edit of authentic designer jewelry here.
