Cuff Me

Certain things naturally come in pairs: earrings, shoes, Olsen twins. But it takes a true style-setter to play matchy-matchy with a singular item like the bracelet. At Balenciaga's Fall 2008 show, designer Nicolas Ghesquière sent models down the runway wearing a set of bracelets. But instead of stacking the sparkly bangles for a traditional look, he slipped one onto each wrist, creating a sort of French cuff for an invisible sleeve. Of course, Ghesquière's collection focused on little black dresses and patent jackets, so the jewelry was quite formal. To make a play for this look during the day, we suggest a resin-coated or lucite cuff, like Lanvin's stone-colored wooden bangle, on sale for $129 at Barneys. Pair them with a chambray sun dress or short shorts and APC wedges.

—Jessica Arthur