Despite the fact that we all know how much accessories can add glam to any outfit, many of us put ten times as much thought into choosing our clothes as we do choosing our jewelry. If you fall into this category, it might be time to take another look at which jewelry you usually wear with which outfits.
The right jewelry can accent a look and give off a playful yet sophisticated vibe.
The wrong jewelry can clash with a look or even make you look clumsy, tacky, or not put together.
Fortunately, choosing the right jewelry for your look is not rocket science. Here are a few quick and easy jewelry selection tips that you can use to kick your style up a notch.
Size does matter
The general rule of thumb is that you want the size of your jewelry to be opposite to the complexity of your outfit.
Let me explain. Say you are wearing a simple outfit like a blouse and blue jeans. Since there is not too much going on with your outfit itself, it is a good idea to ramp up your accessories to keep your look interesting.
You can use drop earrings, thick bangles, or anything that is brightly colored and they will all add to your look.
On the other hand, if you have a patterned or busy outfit, it is a better idea to lean towards plain stud earrings or a simple choker necklace. If you overdo it with bold jewelry when your outfit already has a lot going on, it is very easy to stumble into a clumsy or tacky look.
Theses simple and versatile jewelry picks for travel go with just about anything.
Choose the right colors
You would not go out wearing clothes that clash, so don’t just mindlessly put on the same necklace you usually do out of force of habit. Take some time to make sure that it matches!
I use a color wheel to help keep things simple for myself, but you can make a big improvement just by using an eye test to make sure the color of your jewelry does not clash with any of the colors on your outfit.
When in doubt, go with silver or gold. Silver and gold go with anything and almost always give off a classy vibe.
Having said all that, choosing the right colors in your jewelry can make a huge difference in your look. Consider looking at fancy colored diamonds in a shade that matches your favorite outfits.
Though it sounds like a term my three-year-old would coin, “fancy colored diamonds” is actually the correct technical term. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has a detailed article about just what sets them apart from other diamonds, but really all you need to know is that they are genuine diamonds, they come in almost every color imaginable, and they are a classy way to really make you stand out in a crowd.
If your budget is tight, you can also look for other gemstones: citrine, amethyst, turquoise, and many other gemstones are fairly inexpensive, and can also be found in almost any color. They are not diamonds, of course, but for your normal day-to-day outfits, they can still add some classy pop to your outfit if they are matched well.
Don’t underestimate the humble ring
Most of us subconsciously think of head and shoulders when we hear the word “jewelry.” And it is true that these areas are what will have the greatest impact on your look; however, it can be easy to so caught up in selecting earrings and necklaces that you neglect to choose rings that compliment your style.
Rings are a great place to get creative and really express your personality. Your hands are not nearly as prominent as your head, so you can go a little wild without coming off as too in-your-face or gaudy. Almost any ring (or rings – there is nothing wrong with wearing two or three) can make you look more elegant or feminine, so have fun with them and do not be afraid to let your personality shine through.
Taking just a few extra minutes in the morning to pick out jewelry to match your outfit is well worth the effort. You do not need to be a style guru either. Get some ideas from our list of favorite sassy jewelry for badass women.
Just remember these few tips and you will be way ahead of the game: the busier your outfit is, the smaller the jewelry you should wear; use unique gemstones to add some color to your collection (but when in doubt, you can’t go wrong with silver or gold); and do not be afraid to show off your personality with rings and toe rings.