Finding the perfect eveningwear can sometimes be a struggle all by itself. Naturally, you want something that makes you feel elegant, sexy, and feminine. But just as crucial as finding the perfect number, the accessories you choose to pair it with can make or break your final look. You might be tempted to stick with your favorite jewelry or reliable heels when wearing formal dresses, but take the extra time to properly consider the best way to highlight the important features of your outfit, which will elevate your look tenfold.
When it comes to evening wear accessories, what works for one outfit wouldn’t necessarily work for another. This is because design, details, style, etc all come into play, posing a challenge for beginners. However, it doesn’t have to be hard. The key is to consider the “elements” of your evening wear and then select accessories that complement it. For instance, a heavily-embellished outfit, especially in the neck region can do without a statement necklace. On the other hand, big jewelry will speak volumes when paired with a simple dress.
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Additionally, you would need to consider the overall vibe of your ensemble because if you’re aiming for a minimalist approach, then your accessories should dance to the same tune. Having said that, there is one major thing to remember with evening wear accessories with regards to the outfit itself — the neckline. This is perhaps the first place to look when wondering about the jewelry to pair with your outfit because a deep V and a cowl neck don’t necessarily demand the same necklace. Lucky for you, we’ve got you covered.
Here are 7 common necklines and the evening wear accessories to pair with them…
#1. The V
A dress with a V-neckline leaves a lot of blank space for you to adorn with your best statement necklaces. You want to complement the cut instead of selecting something that will get caught up within your cleavage. A long pendant is an elegant option for this style of dress. It draws the eye to the neckline while making the area look more defined. Experiment with different chain lengths in order to avoid your pendant reaching as low as your cleavage. Ideally, it should reach just above your chest area.
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#2. Strapless
A strapless dress leaves your arms and upper chest exposed. In addition, it typically has a specially designed neckline to add an extra element to the overall look. Because of this, it would be best to avoid covering the dress with any jewelry and allow it to speak for itself. Instead, opt for a pair of statement earrings, preferably something reasonably dramatic. They will do an excellent job framing your face, elongating your neck, and allowing your dress to shine as the perfect complement to this flirty style.
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#3. Off-the-shoulder
Off-shoulder eveningwear will usually come in two styles. Either both shoulders will be exposed, or it will be a one-shoulder design. If both shoulders are exposed, employ the same ideas as a strapless dress by wearing bold earrings to frame the look. On the other hand, if there is added detail to the top of the item, consider a more straightforward pair of earrings to compliment but not overpower the styling. If your dress is one-shouldered, match an eye-catching bracelet on the wrist that is uncovered. This accentuates the uneven nature of the dress, which is a feature you want to highlight and not minimize.
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#4. Sweetheart
A sweetheart neckline is a built-in styling feature all by itself. But, as opposed to most fashion advice that recommends not to match jewelry to a busy neckline, this is quite the opposite. When styled correctly, this sexy design becomes chic fashion. You can choose a pair of elegant and sophisticated earrings, preferably ones that do not dangle, to add minor dramatics to your look. But, by far, the better option is a chunky necklace. Something short enough to draw attention up to your face but not a choker. At no point should the neckpiece and your dress overlap.
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#5. Halter
A halter dress is naturally very busy around the neckline. However, your statement pieces should not be necklaces or earrings as they will create too much to look at around your face. Instead, turn your attention to bracelets, bangles, and rings. Depending on your own personal style, you can choose one or two statement bracelets along with a gemmed ring to finish your look. Alternatively, you can stack gold or silver bracelets for a more dramatic effect, as long as you don’t mind the clinking sound.
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#6. Tank
Tank dresses are designed to flaunt long, loose lines and create an airy feel to your style. Big, chunky jewelry will completely counteract this effect and make your overall outfit look heavy and overdone. Instead, choose a simple pair of dainty earrings or an equally delicate necklace and turn your attention to rings. You don’t need to wear one on every finger, but adorning your hands with multiple bands and gems will give you elegance without weighing you down.
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#7. Crew
If you are unfamiliar with what a crew dress style is, it is when your entire upper body is covered with material. It is sometimes an embellished fabric like lace or just an extension of the dress material itself. Typically, the dress is balanced with a shorter hemline, but you can easily find long-length skirt options. This style of dress is exquisite but can look quite monotoned. To ease this, consider layered necklaces. Again, nothing too chunky or extravagant, but two or three complementing chains will create something interesting to look at without taking the shine away from the dress itself.
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You can always use these additional accessories…
While jewelry seems the natural option to turn to when it comes to evening wear accessories, it certainly is not the only option. The simple fact is there are people out there who don’t enjoy wearing jewelry or would prefer to highlight their outfits through other means. In this case, turn your attention to hair, makeup, shoes, and clutch handbags. Add pops of color with fun heels, or choose a clutch with an exciting pattern to pair with a simply designed dress. The only rule to follow here is to not over-accessorize. They must not compete with each other or overpower the other items you are wearing. Less is always more in this department.
Featured Image: Mikhail Nilov/Unsplash
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