Here are some style tips to help you look fabulous every day!
  
General Tips
When wearing a shorter length necklace (such as a choker) wear smaller earrings.
When wearing complex chandelier style or very long earrings, forgo the necklace and go for a bracelet instead.
Face Shapes
Sometimes, it can be a little confusing selecting the right style of jewellery for your face shape. There are four basic face shapes:
Round - to lengthen your face shape you need to draw the eye down. Go for necklaes that include irregular shapes, angular stones, pear shapes or ovals. Styles that will particularly suit you are ones that have a vertical drop feature at the front or a y-style necklace. In the earring department, choose earrings with an overall angular shape, or longer styles.
Square - you need jewellery that adds curves. Necklaces that contain round or circular shapes, a fine necklaec with a bold oval or round drop feature, or a necklace that contains multiple fine strands suits you best. Select earrings tht have curvy lines.
Heart - you will need to add width and therefore balance. Go for necklaces that feature angular, geometric or chunky stones. Styles that fan out around the neck will also look good, as will double strands. Choose earrings that are triangular or wide. Longer earring styles that are approximately chin length will suit you too.
Oval - anything works with an oval shaped face. Why not try irregular shaped stones, choker or opera length necklaces, as well as your favourites.
Necklines
It can be frustrating working out what style of jewellery you should wear with certain necklines. Here is a guide:
Round - keep to simple lines echoing the line of the top. Try shorter lengths, chokers, short twin strands or angular shapes in a simple design. Wear shorter earrings if you wear a necklace, or just go for larger earrings and forgo the necklace.
V-neck - echo the line of the top again, by wearing Y-necklaces or necaklces with a focal or drop feature. Alternately go for a necklace that has multiple strands. Linear and chandelier earrings will also look good with this neckline.
High/Mock/Turtleneck - don't compete with your top by crowding the neckline. Go for bolder colours or shapes to stand out against the top. Wear longer length necklaces, lariats and multiple strand styles. As with a round neck, keep earings small or forgo the necklace and wear larger earrings instead.
Strapless - basically, anything goes! Wear a choker, or a long necklace, or one with a focal pendant. Go fine or chunky. Long earrings look great but make sure they don't compete with your necklace.
Your Style
Everyone has their own unique and individual style. There are a few main categories, and as we're only human, sometimes we fall into a couple of different groups depending on our mood! Jewellery can change our 'look' and create interest and originality. Here are some guidelines on jewellery for the four main style types:
Classic - elegant and traditional, this style prefers timeless looks and tailored or simple cuts in clothing and accessories. Jewellery: Pearls are a favourite. To dress this style up, add some sparkle in simple strands and stay with smaller earrings. For a glamorous classic look, try a multiple strand necklace, but keep it to a shorter length where it will have maximum impact.
Romantic - soft and feminine, this style prefers dresses and skirts and enjoys wearing floaty fabrics, pastels and florals. Jewellery: Dainty, smaller sized stones in softer colours for necklaces and bracelets. Earrings - both smaller styles and longer designs suit this style, but don't go too chunky!
Natural - this style type wears casual styles tha compliment an easy, ladi-back lifestyle. Jewellery: Plain studs or simple drop earrings and pendants for everyday wear. When dressing up, go for natural, earthy tones in simple designs, an unpolished stone necklace or some larger, unusual earrings in natural tones, for a one of a kind look.
Dramatic - bold and confident, this style type likes to stand out from the crowd and isn't afraid to make a statement! Jewellery: Designs with angular, unusual or bold details. Chunky statement necklaces and bracelets are a favourite of this imaginative type. Use colour for extra zing!
Tips from the experts:
Adding a necklace or pendant creates a great focal point to your outfit. Make it a personality piece!
Jewellery can change your look and create interest and originality. Have a selection of necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings to update your look.
Linear and chandelier earrings lengthen a short neck : "if the earrings is long it will reflect its length on your neck. Waht happens is that the earrings carry the neck length up to your ear lobe as opposed to your jaw" Trinny & Susannah What Not To Wear - the rules
"...express your individuality" Simon Doonan, Creative Director, Barney's NY
" Stylish, imaginative accessories show a woman who makes time for the finer things in life ... like shopping" Trinny & Susannah What Not To Wear - for every occasion (The Boss - work wear, smart)
"Add an interesting necklace or other piece of jewellery " - Trinny & Susannah, What Not To Wear - for every occasion (winter, work to play, trendy)
"Make sure jewels are extra distinctive" - Trinny & Susannah, What Not to Wear - for every occasion (summer evening, work to play, trendy)
"Let accessories stand out for the key pieces they are" - Trinny & Susannah, What Not to Wear - for every occasion (summer wedding, smart)
"In order to look more pulled together, choose colours in the same tonal palette. Not only will you appear slimmer, but also more sophisticated and elegant." Nina Garcia, Fashion Director, Marie Claire
"Details can elevate the look from ordinary to extraordinary, to something that says high style" What Should I Wear? Dressing for Occasions
"Pearls are the most sporting of gems, and the easiest to wear. They appear genteel when worn with a good wool suit, and quirky with black leather. Never seriously ostentatious, no matter how many strands are worn, they are favourites that never fall out of style" What Should I Wear? Dressing for Occasions
"Begin aquiring over time special pieces that worn repeatedly become your personal style markers, those pieces that set you apart from the crowd". What Should I Wear? Dressing for Occasions
"A pendant pulls attention downward, toward the bustline" What Should I Wear? Dressing for Occasions.
"Good taste and design are by no means dependant on money." India Hicks, Host of Bravo's Top Design.
"Colours that flatter you never go out of style" Clinton Kelly, What Not To Wear
Dress Code explained
Ever wondered exactly what the dreaded "cocktail" dress code meant? Here's a great guide to what the dress codes mean:
BLACK TIE – floor length or ankle length formal dress. A small bag or clutch can be carried. For an elegant effect, wear your gems. A long coat is often necessary in the winter months - consider an evening wrap even in the warmer months. Men wear a tuxedo.
BLACK TIE OPTIONAL – Short formal dress or glamorous evening pants. Be sure to wear your pearls and gems for a sophisticated look. Shoes - a comfortable yet 2-3 inch heel with a formal design. Men may wear a tuxedo or dark suit and tie.
FORMAL – This term is similar to BLACK TIE; long dress or ultra-dressy pants or dressy cocktail dress. Usually refers to an evening event.
INFORMAL – This term usually means pants or skirt with a dressy sweater or blouse.
COCKTAIL – Dresses to the knees or ankle length, elegant pants with a dressy top, (often in black or dark colors), unless held in the summer (brighter colors) are fine.
SEMI-FORMAL – Term is the same dress as COCKTAILS. Think silky, flared ’50s- style frock. Satin stilettos and a clutch that sparkles, matched with cluster drop earrings gives a perfect finish.
BUSINESS ATTIRE – Always means a suit; pants or skirt with matching jacket worn with a professional blouse, such as an oxford, pointed or peter pan (rounded) collar.
BUSINESS CASUAL – This means a step down from BUSINESS ATTIRE. Slacks or skirt with a jacket that compliments is most acceptable. Casual, dress shirts, sweaters, twin sweater sets, and turtlenecks are also okay.
URBAN/CASUAL CHIC – Dress comfortably and not overly dressy but not too casual either. Dark pants suit or skirt is a safe bet.
BBQ/POOL ATTIRE –Capri pants, sun dresses, long caftan or shorts are great. If your host specifically suggests wearing a bathing suit, be sure to wear a cover-up that is “dress like” and bring your own towel. Fun accessories such as bracelets, metallic sandals, and beach bags with cool sunglasses make a chic fashion statement.
More style tips coming soon... |
