Jewelry Fundamentals

There are a few fundamentals that can you boost your fashion game, starting with the

function your jewelry is to play in your look: is it a supporting role or the star of the

show?

If your jewelry is supporting, it should mimic your outfit somehow and can be achieved

by using color, texture, or finish. If your cardigan has a fringe neckline, you will want a

necklace that has a “fringe” look, like thin elongated bars, or wear fringed fabric

earrings. If your blouse is a hammered silk, then your earrings or necklace should be

hammered too.

When jewelry is playing the central role, it is a bit less complicated. If you have a big,

colorful necklace, dress monochromatically and in an outfit that has clean lines so as

not to compete with your necklace.

Here, think of a textured necklace that’s silver paired with a simple sheath dress or a

dark top, without pockets, and a matching, flat-fronted pant. What you end up with is a

clean palette which highlights the necklace.

You could also wear big colorful earrings, pairing them with a black top, and combine

them with a printed pant and heels that have a bit of same color as the earring.

Consider too the length and size of your jewelry ensuring it doesn’t get lost in the outfit

or, if you are smaller, overwhelms you. Finally, don’t forget the top’s neckline: if it’s a

v-neck, you’ll want a necklace that hangs in the middle of the v as opposed to a

rounded choker, and so on.

Tammy’s Truism: When choosing jewelry, consider whether your undertone—cool or

warm—to determine whether silver or gold is the right metal for you.