Choosing the perfect jewelry to adorn your neck is such a personal experience and also something that can feel pleasurable and wonderfully self-indulgent.
Our necks are a very sensitive and sensual area and are considered an erogenous zone. I’ve often wondered if that’s why, through the centuries, we’ve had a tradition of decorating ourselves in this area to draw attention to it.
I’m a firm believer that accessories are the key to fashion success. They add spice and individuality to an outfit, which can elevate a look to a whole new level.
If you enjoy big, bold costume jewelry there are lots of statement necklaces around that will add color and drama to the simplest of outfits. But if your taste is more classic, then you may prefer pieces that are neat and elegant and will remain timeless.
When you’re choosing your perfect necklace there are a few things to consider…
Traditional or modern?
Classic jewelry really doesn’t have to be boring!
Traditionally diamonds are the first choice for engagement and wedding rings because they symbolize eternity and love. And pearls are the epitome of lady-like elegance when paired with an understated outfit.
But gone are the days of only wearing diamonds and pearls for traditional and formal occasions. They’ve had a fashion revival and you’ll find them being used in cutting-edge modern designs. Because of this, more and more women are mixing them in with their individual everyday style, which gives these gems a fresh and edgy twist
Make it personal
The main benefit of wearing an accessory is that it’s a great way to inject a bit of your own personality and creativity into an outfit. You can have two people wearing exactly the same outfit, but as soon as accessories are added – hey presto, they couldn’t look more different!
This personality element can sometimes make choosing a necklace for someone else feels a little tricky. But don’t let that put you off, because it really is a special gesture and that shows how much you care. The thing to remember is that not every metal suit every person, so if you’re unsure your best option is to go for rose gold because it looks great with any skin tone.
Consider the Shape
When it comes to choosing the perfect necklace to complement your outfit, the main factor to consider is the neckline.
The usual rule of thumb is to echo the shape of your neckline with the necklace and, once you recognize that, you can begin to make the shapes work for you.
Wearing a choker with a high neckline shortens the neck area, whereas a V-neckline with a longer pendant brings the eye down and elongates the body.
Think about your outfit and your body shape and decide which parts you’d like to highlight and then choose your necklace accordingly.
Formal or Casual?
The choice of material for necklaces usually comes down to whether you’re going for a formal or a casual look.
As a general rule, a more ornate necklace with a lot of stones looks best with a formal outfit, while casual outfits will benefit from a simpler design.
There’s no right or wrong, of course, always go with what feels right for you and have fun experimenting. Just keep in mind that loads of diamonds might look a bit out of place with a casual t-shirt and jeans combo!
Learn More
If you’re looking for some inspiration I have an amazing array of gorgeous necklaces to choose from in my online shop. And if you have any questions relating to accessories and how to style them for certain occasions, feel free to reach out and ask for my advice – I’d love to help you.
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