Everyone has a show-stopping necklace (or two) in their possession. While picking out a statement necklace is easy – it’s colorful, impressive, and a quick buy – styling it isn’t always a walk in the park. Statement necklaces are a great way to add dimension and glamour into an outfit, whether it’s for a formal event, an average work day, or an errand-running afternoon. Follow these five dos and don’ts to effortlessly incorporate any statement necklace into your ensemble regardless of occasion.
Don’t / Do
Tip 1: Neckline. For a more sophisticated look, pair a statement necklace with an unembellished neckline. In the left-handed picture, you’ll see the neckline is scalloped, which interferes and distracts from the texture and shape of the necklace.
Tip 2: Length. It’s easy to look like you’re trying too hard when wearing a statement necklace. Avoid this pitfall by pairing a bold necklace with shirt that complements its length. In most cases, a bib-shaped necklace should be worn as tight to the neck as possible so the chain can’t be seen. The neckline of the shirt shouldn’t interfere with the necklace either. So either wear a shirt that is cut high enough that the neckline isn’t seen but is covered by the necklace, or is low enough so the necklace doesn’t touch it at all.
Tip 3: Additional accessories. I’m all for over-accessorizing. I think the “take one accessory off before you leave the house” rule is complete rubbish. That being said, when wearing a statement necklace you need to accessorize sparingly. In the left hand picture, the pearl necklace is interrupted by the belt twist happening just a few inches below. Furthermore, if you’re going to wear a fun print and a statement necklace together, everything else should remain very simple. While the model on the right has accessorized with a statement necklace, a watch, and many rings, they all have a similar texture, are placed far enough apart, and interact on a blank black canvas.
Tip 4: Collared shirts. If you’re wearing a collared shirt with a statement necklace, it should be placed outside the collar (i.e. not touching your skin). Secondly, tighten the necklace so that it hangs directly below the where you’ve buttoned it, not hanging awkwardly low and not so tight that it messes with the structure of the collar.
Tip 5: Layer. It pains me to see people who wear statement necklaces, yet dress like they are afraid of them. If you’re going to be bold enough to wear a statement necklace, the rest of your outfit should follow suit. This doesn’t mean you should over-accessorize, but to allow a statement necklace to garner the attention it deserves, pair it with an outfit that combines textures, colors and shapes.
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