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How to Style Different Jewellery With Different Outfits
Jewellery adds flair. It is what you put on when your outfit is almost perfect to leap from “Yeah, that looks good” to “I have never, ever looked better!”. The jewellery you wear is a very personal thing. There are so many different styles of jewellery out there to choose from that every kind of person will find something just right for them, from maximalists who wear layers of beads and chains to minimalists who like a thin line of silver at the throat and maybe a little pearl at the earlobe to compliment it. There’s also the antique jewellery lovers, who love finding pieces with lots of history and more meaning behind them.
Knowing what jewellery you love is just one step in the process; the final step is knowing how to style your favourite jewels with your favourite garments to create a flawless complete package. Do your jewellery pieces go with a black tie outfit, or are they better for a casual brunch? Are pearls acceptable to wear with funeral attire? Should you wear your most enormous diamond ring with jeans and a tee? We’re going to take a look at what jewellery pieces will pair best with which outfits for which occasions.
A Rule to Live By
Before we go into which different pieces will work best with which look, there’s a golden rule that you need to know. This rule is an excellent guideline for styling any jewellery with any outfit: balance it out. If your outfit is loud and busy, there may be better choices than a big and bold piece to complement it. If your outfit is on the simpler side and needs a little jazzing up, that’s when you can break out the busy pieces. Except for those who prefer minimal jewellery overall, this is a rule to live by. It keeps your looks balanced and cohesive rather than giving the eye too much to take in or not enough to look at.
Casual
Casual outfits could be anything from jeans and a simple t-shirt to a sundress or a pair of relaxed palazzo pants and a crop top; it all depends on you and your style. In general, it only makes sense to don the jewellery you keep in the safe if you’re wearing a casual outfit. If you wear your vintage Harry Winston diamond choker with tights and an oversized tee, you won’t just look mismatched; you’ll look a little silly and ostentatious, and not in a good way. Let the outfit and the event dictate the level of the jewellery you wear. Simple silver and gold without too many stones is a good choice for any simple daytime look. If you like stones, they aren’t a complete no-no; just exercise caution. Keep them small and coordinate colours accordingly if they’re noticeable and colourful. A silver, wide band ring with little heart detail, silver bead bracelet or heart locket would be excellent choices.
If a casual outfit is incredibly minimal, say a single-colour bodycon mini dress or black pants and tee combo, you might want to add a little extra flash with jewellery that is slightly more obvious. A large pendant or chandelier earrings might work here.
Business
Unless you work for a jewellery brand and wearing several different pieces on rotation is part of the job description, there’s only one way to go if you’re in a business or corporate setting: keep it simple. Understated is the key: you aren’t meeting with clients to show off your excellent taste in jewellery but to close a deal and get the job done. Except for a wedding/ engagement ring and simple, single-stone studs, stay away from large diamonds. Keep earrings short; studs are best. Keep your necklaces and rings a classic, nothing that will attract too much attention but instead quietly complements the overall look.
Formal or Black Tie
If you have a family heirloom sitting in a safe somewhere that you’ve been dying to wear, this is the time! Formal or black-tie events are an excuse to dress up as much or as little as you want, with the exception of weddings. Wedding events mean you can dress up, but remember that it’s terrible manners to outshine the bride! Huge cocktail rings over gloves, just like in those old Hollywood films. Big, dangly necklaces with strapless, sweetheart cut dresses, smooth and slinky dresses with enormous earrings, and slicked-back hair. You name it; you can wear it. Here the golden rule applies too: balance the dress with the jewels.
Parties
Any parties that are not wedding receptions and do not fall into the formal or black tie categories have similar rules. You need to take a leaf from either the casual or formal books, depending on the kind of party. For example, your best friend will only be charmed with you if the subject of chatter at her baby shower is your enormous skating rink ring rather than the upcoming birth. Likewise, your mother and father might be more upset if you turn up to their 50th wedding anniversary celebration in dirty All-Stars and a neon plastic skull necklace. Be sensible and follow the advice in the previous sections.
Wrap-Up
These are basic rules that you should follow, but with your own style and personality in mind. If you are a “more is more” person, you know the combo of jewels and outfit won’t take attention away where it shouldn’t go for it! Stay sensible and considerate, follow the basic rules, and you’ll look great.
