A Woman’s Guide to Wearing Necklaces

Necklaces are designed to be a blossom of beauty and elegance. Whether you choose them for their snob appeal, to add a simple something to your outfit, or to show off your bold passion for jewelry, necklaces have been associated with female attire. From classic and timeless to cutting edge fashion, there are many different ways to style these beautiful trinkets.

However, a mismatch of the necklace and the dress, body shape and size, occasion or even the time of the day could end up missing the unmistakable object of transforming your outfit. We give you here, a detailed guide on how to choose a complementing necklace for every event.

Statement vs. Delicate necklaces

Gone are the days when chunky necklaces, designed to make a statement, were mostly made of wood or carvings and used to be worn only on casual/informal events (read beach) whereas delicate and fine jewelry necklaces should be worn on formal events because they command respect and class. Hollywood divas have set new trends and luxury designers began the trend of red carpet worthy statement necklaces.

The choice of deciding between a statement or a delicate neck piece now rests on your personal tastes and the type of impression you want to make. If the nature of the event is classic and decidedly white-tie, we suggest you stick to a delicate necklace. For any other glamorous event, you can pick up a trendy piece and make your mark.

Necklaces for Day time or Evening

Silver or gold dangling necklaces are suitable for the night because they are easily recognizable even in a dim lighting; conversely, such glittering necklaces are not suitable during the day because they can be problematic to the eyes and end up being a menace rather than a source of attraction. Necklaces made with more toned-down and non-blingy materials are more suited for day wear.

Which Occasion Requires What Type of Necklace?

Occasions vary from formal to casual to semi-formal. Formal occasions include funerals, conferences, office and delegations. In such occasions, delicate necklaces should come in handy as opposed to chunky necklaces which are designed to make statements during informal or casual occasions such as weddings and parties. Casual parties are the best places to try something different and show off your style with more edgy pieces of jewelry.

Wedding receptions in the evening, dinner parties and other Black-tie and White-tie events that require you to wear a cocktail or full length dress should be reserved for delicate, precious jewelry.

Pairing Necklaces with Different Outfits

Although your own style will answer this more effectively, here are some general rules for pairing necklaces with outfits.

1. A sparkly dress should be accompanied by a crystal or diamond solitaire necklace. The colour of the necklace should be matched with the shoes, belt or should be used to complement a certain color in the outfit.
2. A simple necklace should be worn with a patterned or decorated outfit whereas an elaborate necklace should be worn with a plain dress.
3. Long chains with a bold pendant dress up a solid tee or dress for a smart day time outfit.
4. Bold statement necklaces mix well with cocktail attire.
5. NO necklaces with embellished necklines or when wearing long, dangling earrings.
6. Jazz up a vacation or summer outfit with chunky wood necklaces or handmade artisan jewelry in different colors.

Necklaces for Different Necklines

1. Long necklaces should be used for Turtle necks.
2. Short necklaces should be used for crew necks.
3. Necklaces with angular finish best complement square necks as they complement the angular neckline.
4. Large scale necklaces or multiple strands of beads should be used for scoop necks.
5. Short necklaces should be used for strapless necks so as to leave the lovely neck bare.
6. Asymmetric necklines are best complemented by necklaces that are not symmetric. Also an alternative can be long strands of differently sized and shaped necklaces.
7. A narrow pendant with sharp ends matches well with halter necks.
8. V shaped necklaces ideally will complement the V-shaped necklines putting into consideration whether the V-neck is wide or Narrow.
9. Boat neck should be complemented by a long strand of 2 necklaces.

Our Parting Thoughts on Wearing Necklaces

A complimenting jewelry highlights your positive features and ought to match the neckline of your dress. The necklace should not contend with your neckline and it is best to wear a basic accessory with a more complex dress and the other way around. At times, for instance when wearing a dress with a plunging neckline, a necklace diminishes the impact of the dress and along these lines, it should not be worn. In such cases it is best to accessorize with wrist jewels, rings, and studs. The accessory picked ought to match your outfit and occasion. A simple example of this would be to consider delicate fine jewelry for more formal events and chunky wood accessories for a casual look.