Fashion blogger and owner of Magpie and Bear fashion boutique, Karen Keenan, shows how jewellery can stack up.
Stacking jewellery, especially bracelets, is not a new trend but this summer you will see it develop across a bigger range of jewellery.
The great thing about stacking is that showcases your personal style and adds colour, dimension, and intrigue to the most basic look.
The newest trend is stacking necklaces, but not in an 80s stack them high Mr T style you'll be relieved to hear.
Instead 2014 sees a more considered and subtle graduated look. The basic idea is to start with a short necklace, then choose another around the 18"- 20" length and then a further one around 30". Depending on what you are wearing you may want to alter the lengths and weights of the chains or add in beads, pendants, crystals or woven items. You could also use a statement necklace as a feature and a couple of softer necklaces to balance the look.
Whether you stacked bangles in the 80s, friendship bracelets in the 90s or festival wristbands in the noughties this is a look that never seems to wan. Currently you will see the trend is to mix up the textures and materials an even to include your watch. To get the best from this look pick a colour and build around that with a mix of leather, chains and beads. For a more sophisticated approach use only metal and play with textures and enamel pieces. If you want a more bohemian look add a pop of neon and look for less structured pieces that have the occasional pendant.
Even men are getting in on the stacked bracelets trend and one of our biggest sellers at the moment is the leather bracelet. We are also seeing the addition of other materials such as steel growing in popularity.
Stacking thin metal rings has been a trend that continues and has developed further with the introduction of midi rings. Midi rings made an appearance last year but the high street shops have picked up on the trend and have produced sets of non precious metal rings in several sizes. If you prefer a more individual look then look out for silver or gold pieces and build your own collection.
So this summer embrace stacking, mix up, experiment and play with your jewellery and create your own unique looks that are impossible to copy.
