Choosing necklaces

Gigi

I haven't worn jewelry for many years but am starting to try it out again to add some boho elements to my wardrobe. My question has to do with different styles of necklaces. Do people usually choose a style of necklace based on body shape (e.g., a short person chooses something that is longer, to elongate vertically), or do people usually choose a style based on outfit and neckline?

Does neck length make a difference too? (I have a long neck.)

I bought this peasant tee from Loft. What kind of necklace (long pendant style or choker style or something else) would work best with this neckline? http://www.loft.com/3-4-sleeve.....6&

I am a jewelry idiot. Before spending money, I want to have a good idea of what to look for. Thanks for the help, fabbers!

12 years ago

Dressing

4 replies

Latest reply was from carambola

Alexandra

(website)

Veteran

I wrote a blog post about finding the balance points for jewelry (and necklines). It's based on an exercise in a book called the Triumph of Individual Style. The idea is that you take the length and width of your face into consideration. http://www.studio-alexandra.co.....le-part-4/

12 years ago

Anonymous

I'm not good at advising other people what to wear. I can only talk about what works for me. While I'm petite in stature (5' 2" tall), I have medium bones, and don't look good in jewelry that is either too dainty or too large. In other words, I try to keep my jewelry in scale with my height and bone structure. Also, I'm busty, so long necklaces are out. I tend to go for v-neck or scoopneck tops and necklaces that work with those necklines. I've developed a preference for chunky gemstones, but they can't be overly large or they'll overwhelm me. If I wear a showy necklace, I wear simple small hoop or post earrings. If I wear showy earrings, I skip the necklace entirely. It all depends on what I'm wearing. I just don't like jewelry to look too "busy" if that makes sense. Also, I'm not a ring person, so I just wear my wedding band set. I always wear a wrist watch and feel naked without one. I sometimes a bracelet on the same wrist as my watch.

12 years ago

carter

Veteran

Great neckline on the top! I'd choose something that lays right on your collarbone. It will highlight both the neckline of the top and a long gorgeous neck.

I have a short neck, so I usually wear a V neckline to give the illusion of a longer neck. If it's a deep V, I'll wear a shorter necklace to draw attention up. If the v is a bit high (like the one I'm wearing today), I may wear a slightly longer necklace to visually extend. The rare times I wear a higher neckline, I'll do something long in a necklace. A deep U shape, like on my LBD, gets a choker length pearl necklace.

I love big, chunky necklaces, and I wear them nearly everyday. So whatever looks like "me" is what I buy. Then just figure out later what to wear it with.

12 years ago

carambola

Veteran

I am an accessories novice, but I tend to choose based on the neckline of my top. From your link, I think a choker would work or something with a skinny pendant. I found this article helpful.
http://www.insideoutstyleblog......kline.html

ETA: I cross-posted with Carter and see from her response that I was misusing the word choker. I meant what she said about something that sits on your collarbone. See, I wasn't kidding about being an accessories novice!

12 years ago

Category