No matter the season, accessories and jewelry are the perfect finishing touches that can add some much-needed glamor to your style. You could be styling an evening look with a little black dress and some heels, a polished job interview suit, or just an everyday casual look with some jeans and a tee shirt. So, regardless of the occasion and clothes you pull from your closet, there’s always a way to put a little extra sparkle into your style. Here are a few ways you can accessorize with jewelry for any look you have in mind.
Mix, Match, and Clash!
This is a great tip for a fun night out or a casual weekend event. If you have a less-structured, eclectic look in mind, then pump up the volume with some bright, colorful accessories. Don’t be afraid to mix jewelry from different eras. You can even layer necklaces, bracelets, and rings for dramatic effect.
When you’re mixing different accessories, consider style icon Iris Apfel, who gained cult status in the mid-2000’s for her boldly fun and expressive way of dressing and accessorizing. Pictured here on the left, Iris styles a monochromatic look with over-the-top jewelry. Her layers of turquoise necklaces, bangles, and baubles seem to effortlessly match with a bright blue chunky knit cardigan that ties the whole color story together.
Turquoise jewelry is destined for a comeback this fall with fashion industry insiders embracing boho-chic styles once again. With just the right eye for style, you can get the look for less with some savvy online shopping from independent boutiques and designers. To get a fun look like Iris’, you don’t have to go very far. Tons of stores sell high-quality turquoise jewelry, such as Southwest Silver Gallery, an online boutique specializing in authentic Native American pieces and more.
Think Minimally
At the opposite end of the style spectrum, you could go with a chic, minimalist approach. This styling tip is great for everyday looks, but it’ll leave you looking elegant and timeless for more formal occasions and in business settings, especially if you invest in truly stunning statement pieces.
For example, if you’re styling a really simple, summer maxi dress, then play up the piece’s long silhouette with a dramatic, oversized pendant necklace. Or, if you’re going to work and need something to spice up a blazer and skirt, try a cute brooch and complementary earrings to offset your suit’s strict sensibilities.
Another Girl’s Trash Is Another Girl’s Treasure
You don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to get a fashion-forward look. With an eye for innovative and creative pieces, you can spot great jewelry and accessories anywhere from fashion stores like H&M or Forever 21. However, if you want truly special jewelry that tells a story, hit up your local thrift and secondhand stores for remarkable finds.
Second-hand, retro, and vintage jewelry can personalize any outfit. Go mod with chunky, brightly colored bakelite jewelry from the 1960’s. Infuse your style with some early 20th-century glamor with antique Art Deco pieces. To find hidden treasures near you, just go on Yelp and search for the nearest second-hand stores in your area.
Accent Your Features
Jewelry isn’t just a pretty frivolity that shows off your sense of style. It can actually make you look slimmer, taller, and accentuate your best features. If you’re wearing a short-sleeve, three-quarter length or sleeveless top, then layer chunky bracelets to elongate your arms. To an extent, the same rule applies to necklaces. Alternate a choker with a single, long necklace or opt to pair a choker with multiple, long necklaces for more variation. Lastly, just as sunglasses can work to make your face look slimmer, the right pair of earrings can complement the shape of your cheekbones, nose, and chin. Just remember, it’s all about playing with your proportions and experimenting with what works for your style. You never know what’ll work for you unless you try.
Whatever your style may be, the right jewelry can make any outfit in your closet runway-ready. Be daring and don’t be afraid to try new colors and styles that you may not have tried in the past. With the right eye for accessories and a carefree attitude, you can utilize jewelry to make a look that’s truly your own.