Bling up your Basics

1. Wear with a candy-hued knit

Soft touch: Phoebe Philo’s homely knit-plus-bling look for spring 2015 means you don't need an “occasion" to sport your favourite gleaming jewels. Opt for a candy-hued fuzzy sweater and contrast with icy oversized jewellery.

2. Mis-match with utility denim, plaid or military khakis

Forget the tribal bangle or gothic hardware - the jewellery to seek out now is about all-out old-fashioned sparkle. Styling it is a question of contrasts. Layer ornate, heirloom pieces with utility denim, plaid or military khakis to bring a measure of modern luxury to your wardrobe. (As demonstrated here by model and author Caroline de Maigret).

3. Reconsider the choker

GivenchyRiccardo Tisci at Givenchy demonstrates the hard edge of princess jewellery with his spring/summer 2015 collection. Your styling cue? Choker necklace styles are a fiercer way to dazzle - they add a glamorously punk edge to second-skin leather trousers, a groupie blouse and lace-up heels.

4. Beauty rule: let the jewels do the talking

When it comes to hair and beauty: dressed-down pays dividends. This translates to clean but strictly un-styled hair and a seriously understated approach to foundation coverage. Rather than a heavy eye, lip or cheek colour, this is about letting the jewels do the talking.

5. The mannish suit makeover

Rihanna is never one to shy away from a strong red-carpet look, as the very large and very pink Giambattista Valli gown she sported at the Grammys proves, however it was her paired-down after-party ensemble that caught our eye. Her look – a boxy, all-black gentlemanly Maison Margiela couture suit and substantial (but not overwhelming) strand of glistening Chopard diamonds – offers a lesson in simplicity. Pair your mannish tailoring with Prada's spring/summer 2015 crystal necklace to ease the androgyny back towards elegant. Try a fine knit underneath for daytime - the new bling necklaces look best over clothes rather than against bare skin.

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