The latest trend is sparkling with a bangle or bangles. "It’s called full style fascination,” Pamela Umutoniwase, a jewellery seller in Kigali’s commercial centre, says.

Bangles are not a new trend, because according to the African traditional belief, bangles have all along been there and known to be one of the traditional pieces which add to the overall look of a woman.

In some tribes like the Masai, bangles depict the culture and tradition of a woman. However, in other societies presently women and girls have followed the western culture and no longer wear bangles as a cultural thing, but as part of fashion to enhance their beauty.

Today, they are a must ‘wear accessory’ for brides during wedding ceremonies. While in normal circumstances, bangles are worn for enhancement purposes, and worn in different sizes and colours.

Not so long ago since that huge bangles have been on top, but the trend has quickly attracted attention on the fashion industry. You may wear any size jewelry peace if it is made of material that creates illusion of lightness. The illusion is usually achieved by using small peaces of material.

Bangles that are commonly worn on a day-to-day basis are made out of glass or stainless steel metal. They are made in from various attractive colours and styles.

Women love to match them with the colour of the attire that they wear. Some bangles are plain, while others have designs etched on them, but all designed in astonishing parterns.

Nadine Uwamungu, 25, says that she is very particular about her appearance. She knows that she wants to be corporate and trendy especially when she is in public.

The good news is that Uwamungu knows the trick that a wonderful personality is complimented by utmost care to avoid common fashion mistakes which can possibly turn into fashion disaster.

"One fashion mistake and your whole look goes for a toss. You have to preserve your individuality while following the rules of fashion,” warns Kabatesi.

"Fashion is all about expressing your personality and not aping fashion trends blindly.”

Bangles are an integral part of culture as well as fashion. Most women love wearing colourful bangles that match their outfits. Some women wear their wrist watches along with a set of bangles.

"Just like other accessories, bangles are also equally necessary for any woman, because they make the wearer look stylish and chic,” says Azeda Uwimbabazi. 

Some people make mistakes of exhibiting jewelly without any occasion, whist others tend to accompany their ethnic look by wearing heavy earrings and many bangles, thus making a fashion disaster. 

Patrick Humuza, 30, says that though most women and girls are obsessed with jewelry, they should consider not muddling everything at the same time.

Bangles are among the latest trends on market. And men, too, have embraced the trend as their tasteful accessories.

"Bangles are now popularized by a countless number of men, and evolved into a fashion statement,” Clever Kamanzi.

Kamanzi also adds that wearing bangles with western outfits is still matching steps with the ever and fast changing fashion dictates.

No matter what material or colour you buy, the most important thing is that jewelry must serve as an achievement to your style. While choosing your accessory, the first thing you should consider is whether the jewelry will serve its purpose and match perfectly with your clothing and its colouring.

However, do not ever buy anything that will never show your style and make you look trendy.

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