by Leslie McLane, Marketing Content Development Group, Exclusively for Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®
Fashion,
including what jewelry you wear, is a reflection of your personality.
Whatever your style is, the power of jewelry can make the wearer feel
special, beautiful, chic and any number of other positive emotions.
Jewelry also spices up your attire, pulling together your ensemble for a
statement that truly reflects you. Sometimes though, jewelry can be a
little intimidating when trying to figure out how to wear your beautiful
pieces with certain articles of clothing. This guide provides a basic
outline for figuring out how to make your jewelry and outfits look the
best they can. These aren't regulations the fashion police will write
you a ticket over, simply use these tips to feel confident that your
jewelry is receiving well-deserved attention as it exudes your
particular style spirit.
A good
rule to follow is the main design of jewelry should lie either entirely
against your skin or on the clothing choice. Jewelry that does not
follow this can end up hidden beneath garments, which is obviously not
where your beautiful fashion sense belongs.
For
necklaces, when in doubt, follow the neckline. Necklaces, both short and
long, that match the curve of your ensemble will always be flattering.
Another tried and true accessorizing belief is the higher the neckline,
the longer the necklace. Lastly, when layering necklaces make sure
pendants or focal pieces don't overlap.
Necklaces
Turtlenecks
look especially beautiful when paired with long necklaces whether they
consist of one, five or even more strands. Layering necklaces is a great
way to get this look.
Along
the same lines of the turtleneck, boat neck cuts always look amazing
with a single- or multi-strand design with large components. Longer
necklaces will make lower cuts not seem quite as low.
Other
wide necklines remain closer to the throat than boat neck cuts. This
type of basic neckline follows the same rules as the previous two
clothing styles. Long or "large and in charge" will always look chic.
Long necklaces are never out of style.
Crew
cuts seem to be extremely versatile since longer necklace styles look
attractive but bib-style or collar necklaces add embellishment to the
shirt itself.
Strapless
clothing also provides an open-ended jewelry possibility. Long vintage
styles such as knotted pearls down to your midriff look fabulous but
bib-style necklaces and even chokers look stunning as well.
Square, scoop or sweetheart cuts supply prime real estate for voluminous pendants, wide chokers and intricate bibs.
Halter
and V-neck lines for Y and V-shaped necklaces will complement the
clothing's cut. Angular necklines such as these are perfect for designs
with angles themselves such as a triangle pendant, multiple flower
petals or graduated layers coming down to a point.
Collared
shirts and button-ups are friends with choker styles but certainly
aren't limited to them. Pendant necklaces also play incredibly well with
these types of clothing, drawing attention to your carefully chosen
focal piece.
When
wearing a sweater or outer jacket keep the lines simple, following the
cut of the garment so as not to have your jewelry disappear underneath
clothing.
Solid
color shirts work great with boisterous and multicolored designs. Make
sure if your shirt is busy, your necklace doesn't get lost in the noise
and vice versa. Loud necklaces will sometimes clash with a print that
has lots of color or movement. Don't allow your jewelry and clothing to
duke it out for attention; it should instead be a harmonious
relationship complementing each other's highlights. While clothing and
jewelry shouldn't fight, jewelry itself shouldn't fight with other
pieces. Remember jewelry is meant to enhance your beauty, not weigh you
down and make life difficult. When sporting an over-sized necklace opt
out of other jewelry or wear smaller types of earrings, a ring or other
accessory.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jewelry
sets can be a bit intimidating to wear. Have no fear--there is nothing
wrong with a matching necklace, bracelet, earrings, ring, etc. for
formal and yes, even casual wear. For those not so sure about full sets,
follow the rule of two. Match your bracelet and earrings, your ring and
necklace, necklace and earrings and on and on. Whatever two you pick,
the set still matches without feeling overwhelming. Another way to feel
not so overdone is try a set of colors, metal tone or style. Jewelry
sets need not be made for each other; wear a bunch of red jewelry
together for a unique set or all of a certain type of gemstone for a
cohesive look.
|
Other Jewelry
There
is more to jewelry than necklaces! Don't forget that other accessories
are just as fashionable and can make beautiful statement pieces all on
their own.
Cowl
neck cuts, shirts with ruffles and scarves are some examples of items
that are fun and flirty but can easily hide jewelry. Also, when wearing
larger styles of necklaces that have some weight, ruffles can even
become mashed and lose their appeal. Clothing with these attributes is
great for an armful of bangles, sparkling rings or face-framing earrings
rather than a necklace. Necklines that are heavily embellished, such as
with sequins, lace, beading or other bold patterns, look best without a
necklace as well. Instead, throw on an attention-grabbing bracelet or
larger earring styles that match the type of embellishment currently on
your clothing.
|
|
|
Bracelets
can be a great way to accessorize. Stack bangles in varying sizes or
add a watch into your bracelet mix. Just don't add so many, or those of
different styles, that they end up clashing or jingling so much you
can't stand the commotion. Mix up the materials of your bracelets as
well as wearing one or two types to bring emphasis to your decorated
wrist(s). Short or rolled up sleeves are considered the easiest styles
to wear multiple bracelets. A singular wide cuff looks just as trendy
though, slipped over a long-sleeved article of clothing.
Statement
earrings will receive their due time in the limelight when they are the
highlight of your accessories. Wear a simple chain in a metal tone that
matches your earrings for easy style that won't look overdone.
Chandelier, dusters and other long styles of earrings pair easily with
lower necklines. Stud, drop and other earrings that remain close to the
face are the perfect choice for clothing with higher cuts. For a guide
on picking earrings that will bring out your facial features take a look
at ''The Right Earring Style for Your Face Shape'' article.
In
regards to rings, use lavish styles with your cocktail frock or other
sassy ensembles. When wearing large rings, usually one (or one on each
hand) is more than enough. For smaller styles, stacking rings is just as
popular as stacked bracelets. To layer rings, choose styles with flat
edges or single stones that easily twist to fit snugly against each
other.
Often
overlooked, the accessorizing power of brooches and pins is far from
minimal. Wear them literally anywhere and on anything. Aside from
clothing, brooches can help tie your handbag, belt and even shoes into
your jewelry ensemble. Use them as scarf pins and hat pins as well. For
feminine touches to masculine or androgynous pieces, wear brooches on
blazers, button-ups and vests. Even grouping smaller brooches together,
as long as they remain in the same style, is a great way to wear this
type of jewelry. The most common place to wear these is the shoulder but
this versatile accessory is certainly not limited to one spot.
And of
course, there are opportunities to wear and embellish toe rings,
anklets, belts, head and hair wear, purse charms, phone charms, multiple
pairs of earrings, ear cuffs and even beaded shoes. Your ensemble is
yours for the making.
Shop ...
Additional Resources ...
- ''The Right Earring Style for Your Face Shape'' article
- ''Necklace Lengths'' chart
- ''Style Snapshot: Cocktail Rings'' article
- ''Style Snapshot: The Brooch is Back'' article
|
|
|
