Accessories

The quickest way to style is through the use of accessories. They give pizzazz and flair to any outfit. They can update a bland and boring dress. They make a pair of jeans and white shirt into a designer look. You can have a much smaller wardrobe, just by having a good supply of accessories. The people that always catch your eye and seem to look great are the ones who know how to accessorize. Here are some tips for making the most of your appearance.

Whenever you speak, you want to be noticed. The best way to do that is to wear appropriate earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Silver gives off energy, gold takes it in. Whenever you are doing a public speaking engagement, wear silver. Make sure you compliment your face shape with your necklace as well as your earrings (I will get into shapes in just a moment). There is power in bracelets dating back to the Roman Empire. Always stack them (wear more than one). However, if you are in an environment where it must be quiet, make sure they do not “clink”, but you can still stack. Always wear a nice “right hand ring” – it draws the eye. Also, everyone needs a “check writing ring” that is flashy, fun, makes you feel good, and makes others wonder whether it is real or not.

If you are going out for an intimate dinner – wear gold. It is warm and inviting. You want to wear woods, beads, and earthy tones. As a side note, wear soft, luxurious clothing. Everything about you should be warm and alluring. This is not the time for silver or cool colors. I don’t think you ever want to be thought of as cold when you are going out for a romantic, intimate dinner. Okay, back to jewelry….

Some rules for jewelry:
• The three inch rule – If a necklace falls below a neckline, it should extend at least 3″ below the neckline for a balanced look (or it can be 3″ above).
• If you have a larger body, wear larger earrings; a smaller body – smaller earrings. Do not let your earrings take over your petite frame or visa versa.
• Be sure your earrings compliment the shape of your face. If you have a round face, don’t wear round earrings. If you have a long face, don’t wear drop earrings.
• A round face looks best with drop or oblong earrings. Longer necklaces work best to add length.
• A square face looks best with round or oval earrings. Longer necklaces are the most flattering.
• A heart shaped face looks best with earrings that are wider at the bottom than they are at the top. Chokers or princess type necklaces work well with this face shape.
• An oval shaped face looks good with any earrings; the same goes for the necklaces.

Essential pieces of jewelry to have:

Earrings:
• Gold button type in shiny, brushed, antique or hammered finish with a shape to flatter your face type
• Silver – any geometric shape (square, triangle, octagon) in shiny, brushed or hammered finish, large or small to flatter your face type
• Pearls – small or large, dangle or not – to flatter your face type
• Hoops – can be more square or triangular if round is not flattering to your face type.

Necklaces:
• Short, single strand of pearls
• Long, single strand of pearls – can be knotted mid-way for a fun look
• Gold or silver chains (depending on which color looks best on you); one that hits above the collar bone, one that is longer (about 24″)
• A few playful necklaces

Rings:
• A few nice pieces, some more simple than others, in gold or silver
• A “check writing ring” for fun

Pins:
• These are flirty and fashion making. They can also be attached to a chain to make a bold necklace.

Remember, accessories give you the flexibility to create your own style without spending a lot of money. You can look “put together” without a lot of effort. Play in your jewelry one evening, and find out which combination’s look good. It will pay off because you will get noticed!