Tips for trying out a brave new look

Have you ever wondered what your fashion limits are? You won’t know until you test them, and this summer seems to be the perfect time to find your Wild Side (if we do say so ourselves).

It seems the only rule is that there are no rules. Mixing metals is a no brainer. Pairing prints and patterns is encouraged. And as fashion takes inspiration from events in exotic locales – from music festivals in the desert (you know the ones) to the Summer Olympics in Brazil, these looks have a laissez-faire feel and a global flair that’s right in our wheelhouse. We’ve got plenty of fringe, flowers, crochet and color to go around, so here are three easy ways to test your threshold for bold.

Stay on the fringe

Bohemian styles aren’t just for concerts and festivals anymore. Update your go-to statement necklace with a chunky, colorful, tasseled version. It’s more laid-back than the jeweled styles we’ve been wearing for a while, but it’s still appropriate for work and play.

Keep it at arm’s length

If you feel a little shy about making a big show with jewelry, keep the focus on an area away from your face. Here are some basics for stacking bracelets: start with a single color or metal, but vary the types and textures. Or try all bangles in a variety of colors. The look below incorporates varying widths and mixes up the materials using a both fabric and metal, but it is unified with a pastel palette and gold metal. Repeating styles – at least two of each – also help to pull it together.

Another approach: put on one really unique piece. This linked ring and bracelet combination is eye-catching in the most elegant way.

Top it off

You know you need to protect your skin from the sun, but how often do you think about making a hat part of your ensemble? And while you’re at it…why stick with standard straw when you can have a super-fun one made from folded recycled paper?

With these three tips for trying something new, you can feel a little braver about going bold, because there’s plenty more fun to be had…