DIY style: Make a statement with a bold necklace

Eye-catching collars, chokers, chains, bold beads and powerful pendants reigned supreme on the fall runways, making this season all about the “statement” necklace. Costume jewelry has never been hotter. Bigger is better, and more really is more when it comes to accents this season. So bring the focus to your face and highlight your creativity all at once. By reinventing, reusing and rethinking the tired trinkets in your jewelry box, you can create a one-of-a-kind couture masterpiece.

Bobbie Thomas, TODAY Style editor and author of the Buzz column for In Touch Weekly, shows us innovative ways to transform everyday basics and out-of-date jewelry into fashion-forward modern designs.

Reuse
I’ve encouraged layering on everything from jewelry to clothing for as long as I can remember. Adding elements always keeps things interesting, but by taking this one step further with your necklaces, you can create a whole new dramatic appearance. Rather than wrapping or layering a number of long necklaces and letting them lie as they will, try reassembling numerous necklaces into one piece, and fastening them together at the closure. Something as simple as knotting a longer-length necklace around a bangle can create a chic new pendant piece in seconds!

Rethink
Before giving up on old, unwanted baubles, rack your brain to find new ways to wear them. For example, you can transform a basic chain, choker or collar by adding a bundle of brooches into the mix. Or, merge two items using ribbon or string to form a fresh accessory. The key is to combine items asymmetrically and mix textures by using a cluster of different widths and shapes. It's as easy as 1-2-3! 

Reinvent
Get your creative juices into high gear and transform traditional objects into covetable collarbone creations. Before you toss broken or mismatched earrings, you should also think twice. These pieces can be used as accents to enhance simple styles. Use a hammer to fold and shape metal odds and ends around a chain. Consider tying trimmings onto a necklace to create a completely different feel, or use appliques as adornment with a simple ribbon. These whimsical additions make plain pieces seem less practical and more exciting instantly. Even chain and rope belts can easily be converted. 

So empty your jewelry box, along with your accessory drawers, and select styles you can get crafty with. A notice-me-now necklace is yours for the making!