When it became clear that the leather body harness was one of Spring 2013's breakout trends, I had to scratch my head and wonder if I (or anyone for that matter) would be attempting to pull it off in real life. Part of fashion journalism fun is parsing a look from runway to real-way, and this was an innovation that I wholeheartedly wanted to embrace — literally and figuratively. But let's face it, for any girl on a real life budget, a leather harness from Versace wasn't in the cards, nor do we all live near a Versace store. But there's another way to incorporate this tough-chic style into your look. Harness jewelry is hitting the chicest stores, promising to add a new edge to your favorite going out looks. Here are a handful of pieces you can pick up right now and wear not only during spring and summer, but take with you well into the latter part of the year.
Harness It: Bring One of Spring's Hottest Trends Into Your Jewelry Box
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Caged
This pure yellow gold-tone harness is going to look amazing with your warm-toned spring colors like canteloupe, yellow and leafy green. The cage motif pulls the eye to your torso and up to your gorgeous face. Plus it's simple enough to work for day and night.
$125 at Etsy.
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Vertical
For something a bit more serious, this sliver harness is begging to be worn over a slouchy black top. It'll give structure and shape where there was none before, but still retain the cool integrity of your T-shirt. Pair it with a body con bottom and heels, and you have a major nighttime look.
$20 at eBay.
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Mixed Metal
If you're not exactly sold on the torso harness, you might be interested in the bracelet variety. Love the simple triangle charm, and the mix of two tones. This piece capitalizes on two trends — beautifully.
$88 at Saks Fifth Avenue.
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Dark and Stormy
Let's say you want to do the harness, but rather than a statement piece want it to blend in with the rest of your chic dark look. Then go for a darker tone as seen here. The way the light glints off the center bars creates a rainbow color effect that precludes the need for colorful cloth.
$14.99 at Urban Outfitters.
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It's Delicate
This sweet piece's delicate chains bring a touch of femininity that can be missing in other harnesses. Feel free to pair this with your boyfriend jeans and brogues for an interesting contrast.
$9.98 at ASOS.
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Ring Finger
Who needs an engagement ring when you can draw attention with this? Okay, some of us still prefer diamonds, but until then, catch observant eyes with your attention to style detail. Wear this with anything and everything in your closet.
$20 at Topshop.
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The Blues
How much do we love the rustic, au naturale cool of this harness piece? Let us count the ways...that might take too long, actually. Suffice it to say that this cool blue is a color that pairs with all neutrals extremely well. It draws the eye without creating the distraction a stronger color might. We can see this with the prettiest cream and white spring tops and dresses or peeking out underneath your favorite worn-in leather jacket.
$45 at Etsy.
