November 9, 2012
Rules for Choosing Evening Jewelry Wearing the right jewelry for the outfit is a bit like pairing food and wine - it's an art, and sometimes, hard and fast "rules" will only get you so far. But that's not to say there aren't any rules to talk about. After all, we all know when someone has worn the wrong thing with a particular dress or outfit. So by the very nature that there is a wrong thing, there must be a right thing - and therefore, at least a few rules that we can definitively discuss when it comes to pairing clothes and jewelry. Going big with jewelry is a risky choice - after all, everyone will be sure to notice and comment on your jewelry selection (if not to you, then to each other, or their spouse or friends afterwards) - but it can pay huge dividends. There are two things you want to keep in mind when wearing a flashy piece of jewelry. First, go with only one piece. If it's a necklace - which is the most likely choice for a flashy jewelry centerpiece - make sure you ditch the other bling. Also, if your necklace is particularly attention-grabbing, stick with a simple dress or outfit. For best results, go with a solid-colored, or mostly solid-colored, dress. The jury is still out on mixed metals - some say there's no problem going with a silver bracelet and gold necklace, and for a more fashion-forward, progressive look, that's undoubtedly true. But if you're in a conservative environment - a business meeting, work dinner or formal occasion with an older, more conservative crowd - match your metals, keeping like with like, to stay on the safe side and give yourself a classic and classy look for that all-important formal event or party. Unfortunately, like clothes, jewelry must also take into account your shape and age. For example, older women should avoid chokers and look for longer necklaces that draw attention away from the neck area. Alternatively, if you have a bony neck and chest, consider a multiple-strand necklace, with the shortest strand hugging the base of your neck. A wide neck can be offset by wearing graduated necklaces. There are four main necklace lengths - chokers (14 to 16 inches long), "princess-length necklaces" (17 to 19 inches long), "matinee-length necklaces" (20 to 24 inches long), and "opera-length necklaces" (28 to 34 inches long). A princess-length necklace is the most common and versatile, and looks good with most necklines save very high ones. A matinee-length necklace hits the top of the bust, and because of that, it's a major "no-no" to wear this type of necklace with a plunging neckline, as it makes for a confused look. Opera-length necklaces fall below the bust and look stylish with a high or plunging neckline (think of the 1920s flapper, and in keeping with that image, you can also double or triple up the necklace to further accentuate the classic style from the past). However, women with amble bosoms may wish to avoid this length or to knot the necklace at bosom height to avoid that awkward moment when you find your necklace has caught on your chest. Of course, the most important rule is that you wear what you wear with confidence. If you feel good in your jewelry and feel good about yourself, there's a good chance that those around you will feel the exact same way. Amandine Fontaine (http://www.tesco.com) is a French-born, well-traveled, now full-time mom of two girls. Amandine loves to share her experiences of raising Aurore and Philip and sharing tips with other moms. Permission granted for use on DrLaura.com. Posted by Staff at 7:00 AM |