Have you ever stood in front of your closet mirror, holding up a necklace or a pair of earrings, wondering how to match your jewelry to your clothing style? Well, you are not alone. A study by Marks & Spencer found that women spend an average of 17 minutes each day deciding what to wear. That’s about four days in a year!
But who can blame women? With so many jewelry options, how do you pick the perfect pieces to match your unique style? From pairing a Moissanite tennis bracelet with a dress to finding the appropriate matching necklaces for each clothing neckline, matching your jewelry to your style can feel like art.
Your jewelry can fall into any of these three categories – bracelets, necklaces, rings, and earrings. So, when picking your outfit, you should consider how you can add them to your dress without one overwhelming the other. Here are a few guidelines on how to match your jewelry to your clothing style like a pro.
Get to Know the Basics
Jewelry, be it rings, bracelets, earrings, or necklaces, is categorized into three main types:
- Statement pieces: These are bold, eye-catching pieces that make a statement. Examples include chunky necklaces and oversized earrings.
- Classic pieces: Timeless, elegant pieces that never go out of style are classic pieces. Simple stud earrings or a single-stone ring, particularly a diamond, fit into this category.
- Accent pieces: Small, delicate pieces that add a touch of sparkle to your outfit fit into the accent piece category. Dainty anklets or tiny bracelets can be accent pieces.
Know Your Style Vibe
The first thing you need to know about effective styling is the vibe your outfits give off. Are you a rock-and-roll rebel with a love for bold statement pieces? Or a bohemian chic who loves layered necklaces and earthy stones? Is your style a mix of everything?
Identifying your fashion personality is key. Think about the clothes you gravitate towards. Do you love a classic and polished look, or are you all about making a statement? Knowing your style vibe will guide you in choosing fitting jewelry.
For instance, for a bohemian vibe, earthy tones, layered necklaces, and lots of bangles work well. You can go for natural materials like wood and stones. A more classic look preference will have you selecting pearls, diamonds, and simple, timeless pieces in gold or silver.
The more street-smart look will go well with edgy pieces like chunky chains, hoop earrings, and bold statement rings. If you’re going for a romantic vibe, you can opt for florals and soft colors in delicate pieces.
Complement Your Neckline
The neckline of your outfit should guide your jewelry choice. It plays a huge role in deciding which necklace or earring to wear.
- V-Neck: A pendant necklace that follows the V shape emphasizes a V-neckline. Likewise, a dangling earring tends to highlight the neck by giving it a stretched look, complementing the neckline’s shape.
- Crew Neck: Crew necklines tend to look boxed in sometimes. You will want to elongate the neckline with your necklace, although it shouldn’t be too dramatic to distract from it. A lariat or opera necklace that sits close to the neck works well, just as studs or small hoop earrings keep the attention on the neckline.
- Off-the-Shoulder: A statement necklace that draws attention to your collarbone is ideal for this neckline. Think: Short necklaces or chokers. For earrings, you can go big with statement pieces for a more balanced look.
Match the Metal to the Occasion
The metal of your jewelry can set the tone for your entire look. Wearing gold jewelry with warm-toned outfits like brown, burgundy, and teal creates harmony. Gold jewelry gives off a warm and rich aura, ideal for evening events and formal occasions.
Silver shines with cool colors like blue and purple. They are cool and sleek, great for everyday wear and casual outings. However, don’t be afraid to mix metals for a more modern look.
Also, depending on the occasion and your choice of outfit, you can add a bracelet to coordinate your jewelry. For formal events, a chunky bangle or a more bohemian jewelry choice would look out of place. Go for delicate and elegant pieces while you keep the chunky statement pieces for casual outings.
Balance Statement Pieces and Layer Jewelry
Statement jewelry is already loud. So when wearing them, remember that less is more. If you’re wearing bold earrings, go easy on the necklace. Similarly, if you’re flaunting a chunky necklace, opt for smaller earrings. Balance is key to avoid looking like a Christmas tree.
Also, layering necklaces and bracelets is a fun way to express yourself. But remember, keep your layers delicate and of varying lengths to avoid a cluttered look. Start with a delicate piece as a base. Then, layer with longer or statement pieces. You can also mix the metals for a more unique look.
Color Coordinate
Looking for matching necklaces for that frilly dress you’ve had for ages in your closet? You can match the color of your jewelry with the hues in your outfit. Alternatively, go for contrast to make your jewelry pop. Many stylists recommend using the color wheel for this purpose. Yes, the color wheel is not just for your art class and painting projects.
Looking for earrings to match a navy blue dress? Check the color wheel for either complementary colors or analogous colors. Complementary colors are colors placed directly opposite each other, while analogous colors lie directly beside each other. It might surprise you how well violet-colored earrings match a yellow dress.
As a simple guide to color coordination, consider the following:
- Neutral Outfits: Wear bright and bold jewelry that can add a fun splash of color.
- Colorful Outfits: Simple, understated jewelry in neutral tones can complement without overwhelming.
- Monochrome Looks: Jewelry in the same color family can create a cohesive, elegant look.
Consider Your Fabric
Different fabrics call for different types of jewelry. So, how do you pair jewelry with clothes? Some jewelry types can easily get caught in your fabric, making you uncomfortable or ruining your outfit. A bracelet fitted with stones using metal prongs bent over the girdle can easily get caught in a frilly or feathered dress.
Consideration of this occurrence should inform your jewelry choice. For instance:
- Silk and Satin require elegant, delicate jewelry that won’t snag.
- Denim and Leather will do well with chunky, bold pieces that can stand up to these rugged fabrics.
- Lace and Crochet need feminine, intricate pieces that enhance the delicate nature of these fabrics.
When wearing patterns or prints, you want to taper down your accessories. Loud jewelry can overwhelm prints or patterned materials, yielding a cluttered look. So, for such materials, keep your jewelry simple and stick to the delicates.
Personalize It
Your jewelry should be a reflection of you. Take your skin tone into account. Cooler tones look great with silver and gemstones like sapphires and amethysts. Warmer tones love gold (especially yellow gold) and amber. Yellow and green gemstones work out a stylish magic with warmer skin tones.
Beyond your skin tone is your skin undertone, which works similarly to the skin tone. A warm skin undertone calls for warmer colors, which should inform your jewelry choice. Likewise, a cooler skin undertone radiates with cool colors.
Have Fun with Trends
When looking for ways to match your jewelry to your clothing style, follow the trends. Jewelry trends can be a fun way to update your look without overhauling your wardrobe.
Keep an eye out for current trends. They are trendy because they work! But you should always choose pieces that resonate with your personal style. Don’t get lost in the trend and lose your personal style as well. Whether it’s chunky chain links or asymmetrical earrings, there’s always something new to try.
Don’t Forget Your Hands and Wrists
Rings and bracelets are often overlooked when styling one’s outfit. But they can make a big impact when done right. Not only do stackable rings, bangles, and cuffs add a touch of personality and elegance to your ensemble, but they also create a unique look. However, you must be sure not to overcrowd your hands with jewelry. Try different combinations of bracelets and rings to see what works.
Final Thoughts – Be a Jewelry Styling Pro
No matter how perfectly you’ve matched your jewelry to your outfit, the best accessory you can wear is confidence. Fashion is bold. This means sometimes you will have to try out styles and combinations that are not common to achieve a well-blended and unique look. Rocking your look with confidence will make you feel better in your outfit. If you feel it, then you must look at it.
Own your style, play around with colors, layer jewelry, and don’t be afraid of statement pieces. With these tips, you can match your jewelry to your clothing style and let your personality shine through every piece you wear.
By: Amy Fischer
Bio: Amy was born in Israel, studied in the UK and now works in the US. She is an experienced specialist who is well-versed in economics and banking. Also in her spare time, Amy shares her experience and interesting news with the readers of various blogs.