Cover image: bangles by Celine SS18

We’d like to think of it as the Wonder Woman effect, but truth is, the big-scale return of ‘80s fashion – in all its clunky, chunky, kill-us-now glory – is probably responsible for autumn’s hit arm candy: bangles.

Remember those fantastic plastic cuffs your grandmother stashed in her jewellery drawer? Hope they’re still at arms reach because a solid hoop or five stacked up your arm a la Diana Vreeland (the patron saint of bangles) is the quickest way to Great Eighties-up your look.


Gold stacked: Rita Ora (Getty Images)

HERE’S THE WHY

It’s a concept even Celine, the poster brand for minimalism, understands given it included the most magnificent batch of bangles in its Spring/Summer 2018 collection. Star stylists and well-heeled celebrities have quickly taken note for both red carpet and everyday dressing.

Hermes, on the other hand, has been doing it for years – clic clac enamel bangles layered on a leather collier de chien has been the dream red carpet cuff scenario for seasons. (Just ask Emma Watson.)


Emma Watson wearing a Hermes cuff at the MTV Movie Awards (Getty Images)

HERE’S THE HOW-TO

In the same way that you’d not think twice about pairing clashing prints or colours in your clothing now (thanks to the fashion phenomenon commonly referred to as The Michele-Gucci Effect) it’s good when your bangles clash really bad.

Pair pink with red, and mix up your materials too. Wood next to plastic, resin and accented with metal is ideal if you’re wanting the full stocked ‘n stacked effect.

Which begs just one more question, one arm or two? That’s an individual touch that entirely up to you, but first ponder this: what would Ms Vreeland do?

SHOP: 14 of the best bangles (THEN STACK IF YOU DARE)


Florence Broadhurst, Steps Spliced Bangle Set, $69. 
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Armani Jeans, Multi-faceted bangle in black wood, now $79 at Farfetch.
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Carlo Maria Pelagallo, BB Bangle Bracelet in Gold-coloured bronze, $1121. 
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Dinosaur designs, long resin band bangle in duck egg, $105. 
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Hermes, Savana Dance Extra-wide enamel bracelet with rose gold plated clasp, $1210. 
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Tiffany & Co., Elsa Peretti Lacquer Bangle in red (over Japanese hardwood), $465. 
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Nest, Ebony wood bangle set with 22k gold plating, $337. 
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Kenneth Jay Lane, gold-plated bangle, $142. 
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Bottega Veneta, Brown antique silver stellular cuff, $4610. 
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John Hardy, Naga Bracelet in Sterling Silver, 18k Gold and blue sapphire, $2283. 
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Tiffany & Co., Tiffany T Cutout Cuff in Gold and white ceramic, $8500. 
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Basque, Bohemian Wood and Tort Bangle, $30. 
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Cartier, Panthere de Cartier Bracelet in yellow gold, lacquer, tsavorite, garnets and onyx, $49,400. 
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Marni, Bangle Bracelet in white and brass, now $234 at Stylebop. 
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