With temperatures plummeting, high neck tops, chunky sweaters and multipurpose scarves are becoming a must to stay warm and look fashionable.

But let’s not forget about the necessity of beautiful accessories to take that ho hum outfit to the next level.

For cooler temperatures, statement necklaces are the way to go.

Layer your necklaces over your sweater or cardigan to stay warm and show off your unique jewelry style. Fringe made with pearls, chain, beads, crystal and other elements is still in for this winter season as in the fresh runway looks above.

Rolo chain and rhinestone cup chain strung from a bracelet of Swarovski pearls create a stylish fringe bracelet. See our tutorial for making a variation on this bracelet here! Use leather for a stylish look like this Auden woven leather collar necklace below.

Mix large chunky crystal stones with suede lace woven with chain to create stunning looks that will turn heads like in this Venessa Arizaga silver plated chain and glass rhinestone pink panther necklace below.

Layer your crystal, pearl and chain statement necklaces below collars for a sophisticated cool weather look perfect for the office or a casual outing.

For a more cutting edge look, layer your necklaces at different lengths. Large, bold choker necklaces are a major trend right now, add to that a longer lariat necklace in a similar theme either color-wise or in a similar style to get a runway worthy look for any evening out!

Statement necklaces with matching earring are another trend spotted on the runways for this winter season as in this look from Dolce and Gabbana below:

Statement earring are another way to show off your jewelry style while staying warm this winter. These fantastic chain earrings featuring geometric beads and spikes below make a bold statement. Pair them with some very trendy hand jewelry such as the “racelet” shown below for a look everyone will envy.

Another huge trend that exploded this fall and is continuing for the winter (and is poised to become a mainstay of jewelry for the next few seasons), is ear cuffs. Due to the variety of design possibilities for this unique new jewelry trend, it’s one worth exploring although the look is not for everyone.

In addition to the gothic inspired looks featured above from Dolce and Gabbana, a major feature of their runway collection was Byzantine style jewel encrusted gold cross earrings and crown crowns. This is a beautiful look for a costume and could be scaled down for a more day to day look.

As for bracelets, this season has embraced the contradiction and resulting tension between metallic hardware and soft fuzzy elements, creating a unique blend of textures in cuff bracelets.

This season is stacking up to be a magical winter for statement jewelry. What’s your favorite trend this winter?