Desi Diva

By Shilpa Gopinath

Jewels That Jingle, Jangle, Jingle

Finally, ABCDlady's guide to wearing ethnic jewelry with everyday looks.

South Asian women are no strangers to jewelry. From an early age we’ve adorned ourselves from head to toe and often have been taught that a look isn’t complete without at least earrings and a necklace – and some bangles on each arm, too. Before you pass up your South Asian bling in favor of simple pearl earrings, check out our suggestions for maintaining a chic, streamlined style – bold ethnic jewelry included.

Anklets
Remember these from childhood? They can be a charming addition to many springtime outfits. Newer designs, like the heavy throwbacks to the sixteenth century seen in the latest Bollywood flick, Jodhaa Akbar, look amazing with our saris and lenghas, but can be a bit overwhelming with a western outfit. We suggest sticking to common silver anklets in daintier styles when pairing them with skirts or dresses – they’ll add a whimsical touch that’s perfect for spring. Try them with dresses with billowy bottoms or long, gauzy skirts for a boho chic look.

Nose Rings
They go with everything – but size matters. Giant nose rings, like a bride would wear, or a cluster of different nose rings, are gem overload for American-style outfits. However, a small stud can make a world of difference for your face and will go with almost any outfit. For those of you in corporate America where nose rings aren’t widely accepted, try a faker. Local Indian and Pakistani stores carry tiny bindis that can double as nose ring studs. Try one with a tunic top over skinny jeans in dark denim for a sexy Friday night look.

Finger Ring Bracelet
These look beautiful with our favorite South Asian outfits, but can we wear them with our favorite dress? It can be tricky to pair this style of jewelry with Western looks. The design of finger/bracelet combos range, but more often than not, they look quite ornate, so finding the right sartorial match is important. Try heavier finger ring bracelets with outfits that make a strong statement, such as items in bold colors and prints. What you want is a balanced look. More delicate styles, such as those in silver with few stones, can look lovely with sleek trousers and a fitted top. Remember that finger/bracelet styles should rarely be the focus of your outfit. Slip it on and be critical – if it’s the last thing you notice, you’ve made a good style choice.

Cuffs
Cuffs are a big trend this spring. The runways tell us that chunky bangles are very “in” for Spring and Summer, which is great news for South Asian women – one less pile of jewelry to collect dust! Cuff bracelets can look fabulous with any sleek work outfit – try them with dark black trousers with heels and a crisp white shirt – or with a long, flowy dress. Think twice about cuffs with tassels; they’re still a trend in South Asian jewelry and look great with saris and lehengas but they can be too much when paired with Western clothes.

Mangal Sutra
For married women, sporting a mangal sutra – a gold and/or black-bead necklace that shares similar symbolism to a wedding band – can be a little difficult with a high-fashion outfit. Often featuring a longish, yellow gold chain with heavy pendants attached, mangal sutras can look a bit awkward with the standard jeans and sweater look. But instead of hiding your mangal sutra under your clothes, pick items that can properly frame such an ornate piece of jewelry. A mangal sutra can be a fabulous addition to a low-cut blouses or cotton sundresses in bold colors. Or try it with a v-neck top and a pair of slacks for the office.

Dangly Earrings
Dangly earrings landed on the scene long ago and while you don’t see them every season, they’ll never disappear. The right pair of earrings can not only transform your face but also can inject that missing element of style to any outfit. Many American and European designers have looked to India and Pakistan for innovative jewelry designs – no wonder we can find South Asian-inspired designs right in the mall. The easiest way to spice up your favorite jeans and a t-shirt is with a pair of dangly earrings in a classic South Asian style – our favorites include the ever popular hoop with small hanging beads – or wear a rounded shape to enhance a fancy top or evening gown.

Toe Rings
Traditionally, toe rings in silver are worn by married women on multiple toes. But contemporary styles suggests otherwise. While traditional toe rings can look great with a salwaar kameez and chappals, modern versions of toe rings are a safer style choice when it comes to wearing them with our Western clothing. Try wearing just one jeweled toe ring per foot on your perfectly pedicured toes with flip-flops or sandals. They also look great with casual, shorter dresses and skirts or with jeans and open-toed flats.

Bangles
This is a trend that has made its way overseas, and it’s here to stay. It’s hard to mess up bangles, but to keep the look fresh, try wearing about 12 bangles – color coordinated to match your clothing – on just one arm. It’ll provide a unique twist to your overall look, and add just the right amount of ethnic flavor to your outfit.

Hair Jewels
If you’re one to observe trends, hair jewels are a good one to pick. Ever since jeweled barrettes came on the scene a decade ago, coifs decorated with tiny, gleaming gems have become a glamorous, Oscar-worthy look. One-piece ornaments can look lovely as finishers to buns or half-up/half-down styles, but be wary of those pieces with too many dangly ends. As you sort through your jewelry box – or perhaps your mom’s – try to choose something appropriately sized. For an evening look, sweep hair to one side and fasten a circular jeweled ornament over the band.

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