Perfecting Fashion's Finishing Touch
From broaches to bracelets, earrings to noserings, jewelry can make or break an outfit.
Choose the right jewelry, and your fashion-forward ensemble is complete. Choose the wrong jewelry, and your trend-setting outfit gets ticketed by the fashion police.
So, how do you pick just the right jewelry to complement your overall look? Just follow these simple fashion rules and you will be sure to avoid an overt fashion faux paux.
Avoid Excess
The No. 1 rule when wearing jewelry? You should wear the jewelry, the jewelry shouldn't wear you. Avoid covering every jewelry base with one outfit - you really do not need to wear the chandelier earrings AND the dramatic necklace AND the chunky bracelets AND the sparkly cocktail ring AND the quirky broach. Instead pick just two options from the list and allow those pieces to really stand out. In addition, if you do decide to go big and bold with your jewelry selection, you will want to make sure your clothing is simple - otherwise, your overall outfit will be overwhelming.
Color Selection
The best rule to follow when wearing colorful jewelry is to make sure it complements the various colors in your outfit. You should consider not only the main color in your clothing but also the secondary color. If you are wearing a blue dress with white detail, considering wearing jewelry that is primarily white with blue accents. If you own really brightly colored jewelry, picking clothing that is all black or all white will help make the colorful jewelry the centerpiece of the outfit. One practice you should avoid is wearing all one color - if your dress is completely blue, you do not want to wear blue earrings, a blue necklace and a blue bracelet. Instead, try a different color that goes well with blue.
Matching Metals
The fashion rule regarding mixing metallic jewelry is one that is up for debate. Some fashionistas contend that mixing your silver jewelry with your gold jewelry is a serious crime of fashion. Others argue that mixing the two metals in one outfit is perfectly legal. Most people do agree, however, that the scale of the jewelry should match - if you are wearing a delicate silver chain, avoid mixing it with a chunky gold necklace.
Picking a Length
When wearing a necklace, choosing the right length for the outfit is imperative. If you are wearing a top with a plunging neckline, a necklace that falls just below the collarbone is best. For a top with a high neckline, you will want a necklace that hangs below the bust. And a choker goes best with a strapless dress. When selecting the length of a necklace, you also should consider not just the outfit but your body type as well. If your neck is on the short side, a choker might not be your best bet - it will only make your neck look shorter.
Dress for the Occasion
Finally, when selecting which jewelry to wear, keep in mind your destination. If you are going casual, nice diamond stud earrings mixed with light bangles could be a great way to dress up jeans and a T-shirt. At work, keep the jewelry conservative; unless you work at a fashion magazine, you want to make sure that you stand out from the crowd - not your jewelry. The evening is when you can break out your 'bling.' Whether costume or the real thing, some sparkly gems can help enhance your night out on the town.
