International catwalks are making a transition in accessories this year. If last year, long beady necklaces overtook the hegemony of the chandelier earrings, this year, they’ve been gladly elbowed out by bangle stacks.

Big, chunky bangles are showing up on arms of labels ranging from Bottega Veneta to Christian Dior. Marni showed shiny techno surfaces with abstract prints; Chanel’s black bands match their new denim line and Gucci went for elegant gold bracelet bands to team with their black-white-and-yellow abstracts.

One of our favourites is easily available close to home and doesn’t actually cost you your arm. Jessica Kagan Cushman’s fun and colourful bangles (from Rs 5,000 onwards) are available at Tarini Jindal’s fabulous multi-designer boutique, Muse, at Kala Ghoda. One of them has inscribed: Fashion can be bought. Style one must possess. And we couldn’t agree more.

Jindal says: “Most people love the circular shapes, but square and diagonal shaped bangles are also making it big.”

Tiny stores—from Lokhandwala to Colaba—are bursting with colourful bangle baubles. The oversized, bold ones are adding oomph into the summer wardrobe, be it an Indian or a Western ensemble. For instance, the classic diamond handcuff is perfect for a more formal look, or a handcuff embellished with different stones for a fusion feel. Team them with a dress when you want to go boho-luxe or pile on some bright and colourful ones with your basic jeans and tee look.

“Fibre designs such as floral and psychedelic prints can be teamed with your casual and beachwear as well,” feels Nina Tayal, senior executive, K Lifestyle who lists brights like yellow, blue, green and pink as the pick for this season.

Bangles are available in a variety of textures: there’s wood with floral and abstract motifs, metal, gold and silver polish, glass, resin and leather embossed with animal prints. Anjalee Arjun Kapoor who has a tie-up with Belgian company has incorporated various concepts like French enameling; Victorian based themes and stones set in 18K diamond. Designer ones are priced anywhere from Rs 500 for wooden and metal to Rs 1,00,000 for diamond and other precious stones, (Bottega’s leather ones start at Rs 33,000). The roadside vendors offer a good bargain on bangles that are neatly stacked at their store.