Festive Fabulous:Sparkle With Accessories

13-11-2007 17:03

No Christmas outfit is complete without a bit of sparkle and this season's glamorous accessory trends are perfect for adding that final festive touch. Female First gets some expert advice from jewellery designer and founder of The Branch, Wendy Pickard and bring you the best bling on the highstreet.

This winter is all about glamour and what better way to show off your fabulous elegance than through some gorgeous accessories.

Check out the little festive treasures we found on the highstreet

All That Glitters

“There's definitely a move towards a more glamorous look this season and jewellery and accessories are following that,” says Wendy. It's all shine and shimmer on the highstreet so there are some great jewellery pieces out there to add sparkle to your Christmas party dress.

If you are choosing the full-on bling look it's best to team your glitzy gems with a plain black or dark coloured dress to avoid being mistaken for a bauble and tinsel covered Christmas tree.

Diamantes are everywhere at the moment and they look fab with a little black dress. But you don't have to stick to the silver clear crystals. Why not try adding a bit of colour like this great red and gold necklace from QVC (£98).

Big, Strong and Bold

“For the last few seasons things have been quite bohemian with lots of dangly jingly necklaces. Shapes are getting much bolder and stronger now,” explains Wendy.

Bangles, cuffs, necklaces and even earrings are all appearing with much more bold and structured shapes. Huge oval and rectangle rhinestones look great on earrings and rings and can add a touch of a trendy edge to a formal evening look.

Check out these cool earrings from Mikey (£20) in this season's hot purple. They are great for making a bold statement with cropped or pinned up hair and also add a hint of glamour when peeping through long locks.

Chunky Cuffs

“Also cuffs are still big at the moment. A lot of leading designers are working with cuffs. They can look great with a jacket at work but then also with a strappy dress in the evening. It gives a great shape at the end of the arm,”says Wendy.

When it comes to cuffs, the chunkier the better. You might think a thick, chunky cuff won't go with a pretty elegant evening dress but in fact it can add a trendy edge and stop you from looking too old fashioned and prissy.

Cuffs with added bling like this one from Topshop (£10) also add sparkle to a party look and look fab with a simple black maxi dress.

Polished and Patent

“There's lots of patent and the glam gothicy sort of look at the moment. Anything patent can be put with any outfit and it gives it that great glamorous luxe effect,” Wendy tells us.

PVC is set to be huge this winter and that shiny polished look is shown in jewellery as well. Bangles in patent black and grey-silver tones are great for adding a funky edge to formal evening wear.

This two tone metal bracelet from Miss Selfridge (£6) will catch the light brilliantly as you hit the dance floor over the festive period and beyond.

Throw on a Pendant

“The essential jewellery item at the minute is a nice long pendant because you can throw it over anything and it's going to look good,” advises Wendy.

A pendant is a great versatile piece of kit for your jewellery box and as Wendy says, it can worn with almost any outfit. A simple wooden or single stone pendant can brighten up a daytime look or tone down a dress for a few casual evening drinks with the girls. While a full on sparkly gem cluster looks great suspended over a simple but flattering evening outfit.

We love this simple black heart pendant by Angie Gooderham at Accessories Online (£22.95). It's simple enough to wear in the daytime but also looks fab with a party dress.

Caz Moss- Female First