eveningwear jewelry: is delicate still discouraged?

This question occured to me the other day when I was shopping for accessories and trying on necklaces like it was going out of style. I realized that my childhood and Ylf training came into opposition when it comes to formal jewelry, and I wanted to get some more feedback.
I was raised by someone who loves jewelry and has plenty of statement pieces for her daily look but tends to gravitate towards delicate pieces for more formal occcasions. Here on Ylf, some of my more delicate necklaces have been described as old-fashioned, and I've been encouraged to embrace chunkier pieces to add a more modern edge to my style. This I have done, and I'm delighted with the results, but I still wonder about what to do when it comes to eveningwear. I found a few more delicate pieces on my recent shopping trip that struck me as elegant and evening appropriate, but my Marvelous M's steared me away from those towards the multilayered necklace that I'm admittedly thrilled with. But I'm just wondering if I really am holding onto antiquated notions or whether dainty jewelry has a place in a formal wardrobe. I have a diamond pendant on a very fine chain that Corey gave me. I love it for aesthetic and sentimental reasons, and I'd hate to have to relligate it to the back recesses of my jewelry box.

15 years ago

Maya

Veteran

Michelle, I wasn't put off by those necklaces because they were dainty at all. There is nothing wrong with dainty jewelry. I just felt that the sparkly bits (whatever they were...the diamond-y pendants) combined with the pearls was kind of old fashioned. I liked both the layered pearl options you sent, that were just pearls and nothing else. I felt the glittery bits on some of the pendants cheapened the look a bit. But there was nothing wrong with the scale.

I think a delicate pendant can be lovely, and delicate pearls are fab too.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

There you go, Michelle. What Maya said.

Christie

Active Member

Good questions, Michelle. I love a simple pendant on a dainty chain. I thought it was a classic look. I'm wearing a semi-precious pendant today ... gift from my husband.

Anonymous

Lately I've been attracted to the idea of a very dainty charm on a very dainty chain after seeing this:
http://www.thesartorialist.com.....528Web.jpg
I just can't get it out of my mind and want something similar even though this young woman has the lovely neck for it and I don't.
Michelle, the photo from The Sartorialist shows a lovely dark haired girl with what looks like the kind of necklace you'd buy for a baby...very short fine chain with some very small charm (maybe with a tiny pearl?) hanging from it at the base of her throat. It's such a contrast to chunky jewelry that it makes a statement. It could be worn any time, not necessarily for special occasions.
My husband has bought me some nice pendants on chains over the years that seem dated right now. I recently got them out and wore three of different lengths together, all gold.

Inge

Moderator

I couldn't agree more, Michelle, dainty jewellery can look absolutely amazing for both evening wear and casual occasions. I have no hard and fast rules, but for me it often depends on the type of top (neckline, pattern, fabric etc.) I'm wearing. Sometimes a chunky necklace looks better, sometimes I prefer a daintier look. (no help there, I'm sorry).

But your diamond pendant sounds beautiful - hope you'll model it for us someday - so please keep enjoying it!
I quite like Joy's idea of combining a few daintier ones too!

Lisa

I hope it's still in style, I only recently started incorporating larger/bolder necklaces in my wardrobe. Most of my necklaces are pendants on simple chains.

Kristen

I alternate between delicate and chunkier pieces all the time! Like Inge said, it depends on the details of the rest of the outfit and the occasion.

Louise

While I have a preference for chunkier jewellery at the moment I do have a couple of daintier pieces, a tiny key and heart and a delicate cameo locket are my 2 favourites it really depends on what I'm wearing (like Inge) so another sorry i'm not much help! x

Scarlet

I have to say Michelle, that I also feel a little insecure about my delicate jewelry on this forum. Having said that, the picture that Joy linked to really works in a way that I can't say my jewelry probably does. Now the question to me is why. I think it is because in the photo the tiny necklace looks so deliberate. She is wearing an interesting mix of a lace top, tipped jacket (like Angie blogged about recently) and a very classic bob with a gently curl. I think she has the total look going on where every detail speaks to her style. (Which you accomplished for your last wedding by the way.) However, I would never have thought that for formal occasions delicate is better. I use dressier occasions to show off pieces I would feel shy to wear for day to day.

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