It wouldn’t seem that an open-back cuff bracelet has more than one way in which it can be worn. However, style setters have turned the cuff bracelet design on its head, quite literally.  

The first time I spotted this bracelet styling in the December 2010 issue of Harper’s Bazaar, I thought perhaps it was a styling glitch, a hastily thrown-on cuff photographed before it could be resituated on the model’s arm. The photo, above, shows a model wearing a pair of Alexis Bittar cuff bracelets, one right side up, and one upside down. The dress and pants are from Ralph Lauren Black Label; the bag is from Chloe.

The same approach to a cuff bracelet appears in the February 2011 issue of More. With her colorful polka dot dress from Tucker, Tony-winning actress Idina Menzel (Wicked) wears a cuff bracelet from Anna Beck and two necklaces from Stephen Dweck. Notice that the cuff is worn with the opening on top of her arm.

Of course, it’s one thing for an editorial fashion spread or two to take an unusual approach to styling; it’s quite another to see the styling on a real live fashion-forward individual going about her day. The February 2011 issue of Marie Claire features this photograph of art maven Shala Monroque wearing a cuff bracelet, opening on top, in what appears to be the design of a hand. The designer of the intriguing bracelet is not identified.

Is this styling practical? A lot depends upon the bracelet and how it fits upon one’s wrist. Be mindful of the fact that the top of the bracelet may get more than its usual amount of wear when worn upside down. But for someone with a creative streak who likes to challenge the status quo, an upside down open-back cuff can be an inspired choice.   

JCK