As an advocate on the importance of accessorizing, I want to use this series talk about statement necklaces and why every woman should have at least one that can be grabbed and used in a variety of ways. Accessorizing is daunting for most women, a task that is avoided for a several reasons. For one, many women don’t know what to buy. Second, accessorizing often just feels like another thing to do, and, third, accessorizing seems to require a lot of items to do it well. However, trust me when I tell you, accessorizing really can be easy, it’s an inexpensive way to add versatility to your wardrobe and you don’t need a lot to do a lot.
Here are five ways to wear a statement necklace along with things to consider when purchasing one for yourself. This necklace is from Stella & Dot and represents all of the things you want to look for in this statement piece. Here are a few of them.
Go for metal and avoid color
A statement necklace is most versatile in metal. Gold or silver, or both, it doesn’t matter. What does matter is that it is interesting while being versatile. While you can have statement necklaces in colors, having one that is gold or silver, depending on preference, will get you the most mileage because it will match everything you wear while adding a pop.
The length of your statement necklace
Typically a statement necklace is most versatile when it is longer because it will work with most necklines and can more easily be thrown on in a pinch. If you have a larger chest, and don’t like anything too clunky over your bust-line, go for a finer weight necklace that still has some interest. If you are petite and worry that a long necklace will overwhelm your figure consider having the necklace shortened to a length that works for your height and look for a finer piece that isn’t too bulky.
Statement necklaces that go from day to evening
The best way to get the most mileage out of a statement necklace is to look for one that can easily go from day to night with ease. Stay away from day or evening specific statement necklaces. Blinged out rhinestones don’t usually work for daytime and very casual necklaces typically don’t go well into evening.
Five ways to wear a statement necklace
Before I get into the statement necklace outfits I want to make one last suggestion when wearing a statement necklace. Avoid wearing it with statement earrings at the same time. It’s a one or the other choice and if you’re wearing a statement necklace go for simpler earrings or none at all. Additionally, avoid jewelry sets a matching necklace and earrings. Sets like this usually look uncreative and clunky.
Okay, to show you the mileage you can get from the investment of just one statement necklace here are five outfits using this one Stella & Dot Bianca necklace. With side by side outfits you can also see what a difference that the addition of this necklace can make.
Outfit #1
To dress up a casual pair of jeans, top and cardigan, this statement necklace adds some finish that doesn’t take away from the outfit and, instead, enhances it. When you’re running out the door for a casual day out, don’t forget to throw on your statement necklace. In this outfit, the necklace is paired with a pair of skinny jeans, a yellow sleeveless top by Vince Camuto, an easy Mango cardigan, heeled boots by Sofft, RAFE handbag and stud earrings by Kelacala Q.
Outfit #2
Bored to tears in your little black dress? Consider the use of your statement necklace to jazz it up. Here a Vince Camuto dress looks is a beautiful backdrop to the necklace and the outfit is finished with a pair of gold MICHAEL Michael Kors gold strappy heels, a pair of dressier stud earrings by Melinda Maria and Badgley Mischka clutch.
Outfit #3
The beauty of accessories is they are typically season-less. As you get ready for spring consider using your statement necklace to add some pep once the warm weather arrives. Here the statement necklace adds some chic flair to a pair of boyfriend jeans and white button-down shirt. The outfit is finished with a pair of leopard flats by Cole Haan, a Coach handbag and a simple pair of earrings.
Outfit #4
Even for a formal evening out you can grab your statement necklace. Here it is styled with a gala-friendly dress by Modcloth, the same shoes and earrings from an earlier look, a gold bangle and printed clutch by Lodis Accessories.
Outfit #5
Lastly, take your statement necklace to work with you. On those days where you are feeling particularly uninspired in your work clothes a statement necklace can easily be thrown on while you’re out the door. This is why keeping this piece in a creative metal is so important. No matter what you are wearing it will usually work. Here a pair of black pants, tank and work cardigan looks finished with the red shoes, black stud earrings, handbag from an earlier look and the necklace.
A complete accessory collection has several items in it, however, rarely it is complete without one statement necklace that can easily be grabbed in a pinch, wakes up most boring outfits and takes little to not thought to use.
Now, go make a statement.
