Synthpop star Allie X shows us how the layered jewellery trend is done

Date August 5, 2015

When it comes to accessorizing, there’s a time and a place for chunky chokers and bold bangles. But with the rise of fine, layered jewellery on spring 2015 runways—now is not it. Nestled somewhere between oversized retro hoops and Chanel’s prominent slogan bracelets, dainty pendants and thin chains made a modest statement at Versace and Saint Laurent, while seashell-inspired rings lined up asymmetrically along fingers at Valentino. Multiple piercings stacked alongside one another on models’ earlobes at Dior confirmed our newfound love of this carefully curated layering technique.

Jewellery layering is a chic way to add a subtle hint of shine to your look, but we admit, it isn’t always easy (more bling = more problems). It’s a detailed art form that requires an understanding of the big picture (and the ability to problem solve when all of your necklaces become tangled into one). That’s where mysterious singer/songwriter Allie X comes in to show us how it’s done.

The Toronto-born pop artist has carefully cultivated an air of secret mystery, keeping her name and personal life somewhat under the radar. Despite her efforts, Allie’s futuristic pop melodies and deep lyrics were enough to catch the attention of Katy Perry, who revealed her obsession with Allie’s song “Catch,” released last February via Twitter and shot her followers a link to the track. The single peaked at the No. 55 spot on the Canadian Billboard Hot 100 Chart, without the help of a music video, digital sales, or live appearances, and for now, Allie X plans to keep it that way. “The Weeknd and Lana Del Rey, I think they both got to sort of pioneer this new ‘star is born of the Internet age’ thing”, she explains in an interview with CBC News. “I won’t deny that I was inspired by that.”

Now, Allie is gradually revealing more of herself in the name of layered jewellery. The “Catch” singer posed for a photo-shoot at Toronto’s Gilding The Lily, wearing some of the stores finest jewellery designs by Jacquie Aiche, Gara Danielle, Rona Pfeiffer, Carbon and Hyde, and Smith + Mara.

Whether you prefer stacked rings, killer cuffs or asymmetrical earrings, Allie X shows us how to master the art of layered jewellery without a fuss.

Browse the gallery below for tips on how to wear the layered jewellery trend.

Photography by Jenna Marie Wakani

Photography by Jenna Marie Wakani Middle finger: Alessia Magnotta Emerald Tini Band Ring finger: Jagger & Co Pyramid Ring

Photography by Jenna Marie Wakani

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Odd numbers, always

When choosing ear bling for the day, try to keep the numbers odd to prevent your jewels from looking too styled and orderly. Three is the perfect number to keep the balance on your ear, while maintaining an edgy, statement look.

(Chevron Ear Cuff by Carbon and Hyde, Starburst Stud Earring and Large Starburst Ear Jacket by Jacquie Aiche, available at Gilding The Lily)

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Double up

While mixing n’ matching different shapes and styles can create a playful contrast, your fave pieces can often get lost in the shuffle of daintiness when layered next to the rest. Opt for two similar bracelets or rings to show off the style and create a pretty connection.

(Pyramid Bangle by Jagger & Co, Gold Bar Bracelet by Carbon and Hyde, XL Bone Double Horn Cuff by Jacquie Aiche, and Pyramid Bracelet by Gara Danielle, available at Gilding The Lily)

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Contrast, contrast, contrast!

Stagger rings individually anywhere from the base to the top of your fingers, and stack one digit more heavily than the next to create a cool contrast. The negative space creates an interesting balance that keeps things from feeling too symmetrical and styled #IWokeUpLikeThis.

(Drake Ear Cuff and Bubble Drop Chain Earring by Carbon and Hyde, Thin Ear Cuff by Gara Danielle, Tini Bands and Emerald Tini Band by Alessia Magnotta, and Pyramid Ring by Jagger & Co, available at Gilding The Lily)

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Keep piercings to a minimum

Remember the stick-on earrings of our childhoods that prevented our ears from suffering several painful stabs? Today, we’re spared the same pain as multiple dainty cuffs and clip-on earpieces become the new norm.

(Starburst Stud Earring and Large Starburst Ear Jacket by Jacquie Aiche, available at Gilding The Lily)

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Add a pop of colour

A pretty pop of colour adds a subtle bold hint to your dainty look, helping your carefully curated stack to stand out. Pick one signature piece in a statement hue and keep the rest as neutral stones and metal chains.

(Ruby Eye Ring by Jacquie Aiche, Silver Diamond Tini Band by Alessia Magnotta, and Evil Eye Ring by Carbon and Hyde, available at Gilding The Lily)

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Mix shapes, sizes and lengths

Small hoops and edgy cuffs are a chic way to rebel against a sleek, dangling earring and ensure that all eyes stay on your ears.

(Drake Ear Cuff and Bubble Drop Chain Earring by Carbon and Hyde, Thin Ear Cuff by Gara Danielle, and Tini Bands by Alessia Magnotta, available at Gilding The Lily)

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Mix n’ match

With dainty pieces, less isn’t always more. So don’t be afraid to pair earrings of different shapes and styles next to one another on your ear. Hoops, arrows, spikes, diamonds – if it can sit in, on or around your ear, go for it!

(Chevron Ear Cuff and Bubble Drop Chain Earring by Carbon and Hyde, Single Pave Diamond Ear Band by Jacquie Aiche, and Triangle Ear Cuff by Gara Danielle, available at Gilding The Lily)

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Don’t stop at the wrist

That’s right, our arms need a little lovin’ too! Besides, who needs a man as arm candy when you can have this killer cuff sitting somewhere along your forearm?

(Beaufille Temple Bangle, Tumi Bangle, and Panama Bracelet, available at Gilding The Lily)

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Be different

With all of the unique jewellery styles out there, why not stand out by swapping your regular hoops for a, you know, household item? The Smith + Mara matchstick earring is small enough for everyday wear, but unusual enough to catch our eyes.

(Matchstick Earring by Smith + Mara, available at Gilding The Lily)