How to Match Jewelry to an Outfit
Coordinating your jewelry with an outfit – especially for a special occasion – can be tricky. Some classic pieces of fine fashion jewelry go well with just about any item in your wardrobe. Others can stick out like a sore thumb if paired with the wrong ensemble.
Sometimes you can choose an item from your existing fine fashion or custom jewelry collection to go well with a new outfit. Other times, you may find you need to purchase a new piece that specifically complements your attire.
No matter which scenario you’re in, there are some basic rules to follow for pairing success.
Rule #1: Choose the right metals
Gold and silver are the most common metals for fine fashion jewelry. You can even request 14 karat white gold if you like the look of silver but prefer a gold setting.
If you’re not sure which metal you prefer, a closer look at your existing fine fashion jewelry collection can provide a hint. Jewelry collectors tend to gravitate toward a certain metal for most of their pieces. Whether they do so intentionally or unconsciously, there’s usually a pattern.
Choosing bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and rings that coordinate is wise because it opens the door to wearing more of your favorite pieces together.
If you’re not sure which metal would be best with a specific outfit you have in mind, a master jeweler in Albuquerque can provide insight.
Rule #2: Choose the right length
If you’re looking for a necklace to complement an outfit, choosing the right length is crucial for creating balance between your clothing and your jewelry. The most important contributing factor to necklace length is the neckline of your blouse or dress.
For instance, if you’re wearing an evening gown with a plunging neckline, a longer chain on your necklace works best. It can draw attention to your best assets and highlight the style of your dress nicely.
Square or V-neck clothing calls for shorter length chains that linger around your collarbone. Chokers can be perfect for this kind of clothing because they draw attention to your delicate neck while complementing the clothing style.
Rule #3: Choose the right color of gemstone
Gemstones can make or break an outfit. Mixing and matching them among your fine fashion jewelry pieces like earrings and necklaces can be tricky without following some basic rules.
The first guideline is to keep your colors simple, so they stand out without looking too “busy.” For example, if you’re wearing an outfit with multiple colors in it, choose only one of those colors and match your fine fashion jewelry to it. Doing so accentuates your entire outfit without feeling overpowering.
The second guideline is to ensure you’re not mixing and matching too many different types of gemstones in your jewelry selection. If you choose to wear rubies for your earrings, then match them in a necklace or ring. An exception would be if you have ruby earrings with diamond accents. Then, you could reasonably pair a diamond necklace or ring with it.
Rule #4: Making a statement
Sometimes you just want to make a statement. Those are the best times to pull out the bolder, more vibrant pieces in your fine fashion or custom jewelry collection.
It’s best to plan your outfit around the jewelry instead of the other way around in this situation. For instance, if you have a chunky bracelet you’ve been dying to wear, consider pairing it with a blouse with ¾-length sleeves.
Want to layer your necklaces of varying lengths to capitalize on the stacking trend this fall? Wear a dress or shirt with a higher collar to offset the necklaces.
Getting help with jewelry mixing-and-matching
Your local jeweler can help with fine fashion jewelry mixing-and-matching if you’re at a loss for how to maximize the benefits of your jewelry collection. Or, if you’ve decided you simply must add a new piece for pairing with a new outfit for a special occasion, our master jewelers can help you make the perfect choice.
Stop by our showroom to explore your options today.