The key to combining jewelry with the richly patterned frocks and tops for Spring 2008 lies in analyzing the neckline profile and sleeve length.

Previewing the women's garments coming down the runways for Spring 2008, it is noted that there is a preponderance of brightly flowered skirts, sundresses and tops. Many of these fabric designs are not demure small prints, but larger-than-life exotic flowers – some closely resembling botanical line drawings.

Dolce and Gabbana is showing gorgeous artisanal handpainted silk gowns with elaborate designs. The effect of this artisan design element has filtered down to the screen-printed mass-produced designs that are available ready to wear.

Valentino Flowered Designs

The colors being mixed in garments are not tame. For example, Valentino combines a rich, medium hue of violet with large, bright yellow flowers. Referencing the color wheel, it is noted that this combination works because these two colors are complementary.

Neckline and Sleeve Profile is Key

However, how is one to co-ordinate jewelry to garments that have already taken over center stage with the lushness and largeness of their surface design? The key to combining jewelry with the richly patterned frocks and tops for Spring 2008 lies in analyzing the neckline, sleeve length and the ever-present fashion friend – the color wheel.

Bracelet Suggestions

Wrists are often proportionally the smallest part of a woman's body. Combined with a nicely manicured set of nails, it is always a safe bet to draw attention to that part of the body by wearing bracelets.

Additionally, Spring 2008 garments are shown having at most 3/4 length sleeves – making bracelets a visual, visible jewelry accessory. This sleeve profile sets the stage for precious metals bracelets being the perfect accessory to the backdrop of patterned garment fabric.

The More the Better

One or two bracelets are just going to disappear when combined with Spring's flowered fabric. To really make a fashion statement this coming Spring, wear four or five sterling silver, karated gold or gold-filled bracelets. Team the choice of precious metal to the dominant color in your garment.

For example, if the dominant color were cool, such as green, blue or violet, sterling silver would be the best co-ordinating choice. The warm colors such as red, orange and yellow would look best with karated gold or gold-filled bracelets.

Bracelets on a Budget

Karated gold has always been pricey. In recent years, the cost of sterling silver has been on the rise. What to do if both these precious metals are slightly out of your price range? Go with one of the trendy base metals.

• Copper is a fantastic alternative to gold. Its hue is rich, totally suitable to be worn with warm colors. Copper has a tendency to develop a greenish patina over time (skin also has a tendency to turn temporarily green). This hue itself is very attractive. However, copper polish can be used to maintain the original bright color of the copper.
• Stainless Steel has traditionally been used to manufacture men's jewelry. However, it is a price-conscious alternative to sterling silver for women. Look for men's steel link bracelets – one worn with a couple of thin sterling silver bangles will present a trendy, fashion-forward profile. Just make sure you check the bracelet length against the width of your wrist to make sure it will not be too big. Another idea – a cuff bracelet – the men's length is easy to adjust for a woman's smaller wrist.

The next article will discuss neckline jewelry options for these patterned garments.