The Beauty of the Bib

Thought your days of wearing or even dealing with a bib were over? Not so fast.

Bibs are back, and in a big way.

Bib necklaces have been "in" since Egyptian times, according to Jill Ouellette, professor of the fashion-marketing program at Northwood University in Michigan. "Back then they were made from a variety of metals and natural materials and denoted a station in society dictated by how elaborate the necklace appeared."

Now, not only do they grace the necks of celebs, they solve a multitude of fashion dilemmas:

• They balance out an outfit that's slight on the top.
• They spice up a boring outfit, adding instant flash and panache.
• They add interest around the neck; especially good for photos (such as an anniversary party or wedding).
• They make a strapless dress (which we actually don't advise anyway unless you have M'Obama arms) look updated and age appropriate.
• Perhaps the most important, they mask the chest wrinkles that now linger too long after a night of sleeping on your side.

Bib necklaces are a great way to be current with the season. Style consultant Sherrie Mathieson calls bib necklaces a hybrid of statement jewelry, embroidered collars, and wearable art. "Originally introduced by Prada and adopted by designers like Vera Wang and Oscar de la Renta — they create an instant and novel fashion statement, bringing attention to the neckline and providing color and emphasis to a woman's face in one easy step," she says.

Colleen Sherin, fashion director at Saks Fifth Avenue agrees, "Layer one over a sleek, black cocktail dress and you're ready to go! To keep a bib necklace from overpowering your outfit, pair it with something simple — an unadorned top or an easy shift dress."

Fashion designer Kathryn Kerrigan adds that they can make or break an outfit.

For women over 40, look for bib necklaces with chunky, over-sized stones with color, or a unique sparkle or shine. Know your body: If the bib necklace is too large for your body type or height, the necklace will overpower you. Find ones with minimal chains and larger stones as opposed to larger ones that are almost as big as a blouse."

Bib necklaces run the gamut from quite pricey to rather reasonable, and allow you to make various fashion statements. You can go from chest-plate on a ribbon, to much less-expensive options that are both beautiful and effective.

Bergdorf has a gorgeous golden metal version fashioned into flowers. Silk flower versions are equally effective; you can even try making one yourself.

But if you do decide to go an inexpensive route, remember to stay in the contained-and-classy vein. You don't want to look like you're wearing a junkyard around your neck.

Another warning: "Even though the bib necklace makes a fabulous statement, these over-sized pieces can make a small or delicate woman look overwhelmed," says business-image coach Paula Dabney."It's just as important not to put a large or big-boned woman in a small, delicate piece. Proportion is key. The bib necklace can be a knockout — but remember to keep the outfit simple to showcase the necklace. This is one accessory where the adage "less is more" doesn't necessarily apply."

Kiran Rai, creative director of Satya Rai has dubbed the bib necklace the Pinny. "The Pinny ($168) is named after a traditional British pinafore... it's the perfect adornment to anything from a tank & jeans to a formal dress. It's spring's must-have because it'll add serious mileage to your wardrobe just by fastening it around your neck!"

For women with a little mileage, getting more mileage out of your wardrobe is a good thing.