Fall Must-Have: The Gold Cuff Bracelet

It’s hard to believe summer is winding down and fall is just around the corner. As a savvy shopper, you know, any new purchases you make now, during this pre-fall period, should transition smoothly into the cooler months ahead. Luckily, gold cuff bracelets, a trend that began this past spring and still readily available in stores right now, will continue to be a hot ticket buy this upcoming fall/winter season.

I’ve selected a few of my favorite gold cuffs above, plus here are my 5 buying tips not to be missed:

• Flattering Width – The most important feature to selecting your best cuff bracelet is to pay attention to its width. Just as with your legs, you always want to create the illusion of a proportionate elongated arm. If you’ve got long arms then a wide cuff suits you best and if you’ve got short arms then avoid wide cuffs at all costs and instead opt for a more flattering narrow cuff bracelet.
• Pliable Metal – Make sure you can easily put on and take off your cuff bracelet. Look for flexible metals. Some cuff bracelets have accommodating hinges.
• Snug Fit – One of the best benefits a cuff bracelet has over a bangle bracelet is the fact that they can be a fuss free accessory. The key is a snug fit. Your well-fitted cuff bracelet should rest close to the skin directly above your wrist bone and remain comfortably in place all day long. Adjust its pliable metal for a firm fit around wrist as necessary.
• Snag-Proof – Avoid gold cuff bracelets with design details that may snag your favorite sweater, silk blouse, or trousers. Or, even get caught on a table, door, paper work, etc. while you’re working. These include cuffs with jagged metal edges or protruding gemstone prong mountings. Although the bracelet may be beautiful, it’s just not worth the probable damage or annoying hassle it may cause. Make sure every design feature is smooth and snag-proof before buying.
• Versatile – The design of your cuff bracelet should complement your overall personal and professional style. This way you can wear your new favorite accessory with many outfits – day or night. For example, if you tend to wear lots of romantic details (ie. lace, ruffles, bows, etc.) in your outfits then an ornately designed cuff would be your best bet. Or, if you prefer modern accents in your wardrobe (ie. clean lines, structure, bold colors, etc.) then accessorize with a more architecturally designed cuff.

Have you tried the bold gold cuff trend? If you have, share your experience with us.

Image credit, clockwise from top left: Runway at Hermès S/S 2011 via Style.com/Gianni Pucci GoRunway.com; Andrea Valentini Goldtone Square Cuff $40, available at Max & Chloe; Kendra Scott Jewelry Salome Cuff $150, available at Max & Chloe; Olga Prieto Triple Cuff $138, available at Max & Chloe; Kora Forged Brass Cuff $82, available at Shopbop; Soo Ihn Kim Jinx Cuff $58, available at Shopbop; MET Apollo Coin Cuff Bracelet $95, available at Metropolitan Museum of Art Store.