Why I’m Embracing the Bangle Bracelet Trend
We grown-asss women have been around long enough to see trends repeat, sometimes multiple times. And a current trend you have seen before and may still have tucked in a drawer in your home is the bangle bracelet trend. But as we grown-ass woman know, trends always return slightly differently from before. I'll share how this trend is different now, but why I am embracing it and why you may want to, as well.
Why I'm Embracing the Bangle Bracelet Trend
I am a big proponent of keeping accessories. They don't take up a lot of space and they almost always come back in fashion. If you don't have a jewelry armoire, even some old shoe boxes properly labeled can keep scarves, belts, and jewelry under the bed or in the back of the closet to be revisited every so often.
It's an easy trend to keep and revisit (AKA I already own it)
Just in the past two decades of Wardrobe Oxygen I have had multiple times where I revisited old jewelry and brought them back, giving them a fresh life and stopping myself from buying more that I don't truly need. And when my mom passed, I kept much of her costume jewelry that was in good condition, even if they weren't currently trendy. I knew they'd be back. And some were bangle bracelets!
It can be customized to your own personal tastes
This season is a mix of bangles; have one lucite, one wood or tortoise, and one thinner gold one. Maybe one that is square, one that is wavy, one that is more a classic bangle shape. Mix three translucent bangles in three different colors and shapes or two shiny metal ones in different sizes. It's a mix of 2-5 bangles worn on one wrist, but can be customized to your tastes.
If you are looking for a metal bracelet and can't afford real gold, I'm a fan of Ana Luisa jewelry. It's truly lifeproof; I've worn in hot tubs, showers, oceans, pools, during workouts and no tarnish, no flaking, no fading, no irritation. This bangle is 14K gold on brass, comes in two sizes (hello fellow big and and wrist ladies) and has a subtle wave design that will look cool between bigger bangles and will look pretty on its own too.
It's a great way to glam up a simple sweater
This is a great trend for winter as bangles look great over a fitted long sleeve or long gloves. However, bangles are also great on a bare arm so those in warmer climates can rock it now and I expect to see this trend continue into spring and summer.
It's a comfortable fashion trend
For those of us who are starting to find a lot of statement earrings uncomfortable or don't love necklaces shortening our neckline or how they compete with our bustline, bangle bracelets are a great alternative to add color and interest to an outfit. And right now, the bracelet trends are lightweight materials; any metal bracelets are usually either solo or the smallest bangle in the bunch.
It's a budget-friendly fashion trend (and easy to buy resale)
Bangles don't have to be expensive to look awesome. They can be thrifted, you can find cheaper alternatives at the jewelry stores at the mall geared towards tweens and teens, and plenty can be found on Etsy and at craft fairs. Mix the plastic bangle from the 80s with your Stella & Dot gold bangle from Y2K and the wood bangle you bought on vacation a decade ago.
I'd keep the pave, multicolored, and embellished bangles in storage for now. The popular bangles right now are smooth and usually a solid color or a tortoise/marble/ombré effect.
Try mixing unexpected colors together. Hot pink with brown and silver, turquoise with amber and clear, black with brown and green, purple and mustard and rose gold. The weird combination will feel very modern.
As for what to wear these bracelets with? Let them shine. Pair with a simple sweater with fitted sleeves in a solid color, or a sleeveless shift dress, or even a classic white t-shirt and jeans. Unless you're channeling your inner Iris Apfel, there's no need to have your outfit as bold as your bangles.
I am a big fan of wearing one wrist of bangles with my gray cashmere turtleneck or black merino crewneck and jeans or black pants, and then have either an interesting pair of glasses or a strong lip. Classic black boots, or maybe colorful suede sneakers or loafers to finish the look off. If your top is tucked in, consider a belt in the same color as the top, the pants, or the shoes with a decorative buckle (again easy to thrift or find resale). I have a few I've been eyeing or own in a carousel below:
Will you be embracing the bangle bracelet trend? Did you rock bangles at a previous time in fashion?
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Hmmm…maybe it’s time to dive into my jewelry archives. I had some great bangles, but didn’t wear them much because I used a keyboard for much of my work day. Now that I am retired, and past the covid-sweatpants era, it could be time to see if bangles are an accessory that fits into my lifestyle. Thanks for the style update info!
Nah, I find them annoying. They hit my Apple watch, and wearing them on the opposite arm looks like Wonder Woman. It’s hard to type with them. They move around and clank. I love the idea of a pop of color and texture at the wrist, but they are just not comfortable for me. You sure show some gorgeous ones! And I agree with keeping quality accessories.