Choosing bridal jewellery or evening wear jewellery
1 September 2012 | Filled under Styling Tips |
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Jewellery has been a must-have for wedding ceremonies as well as formal lunch/dinner functions. Not only do they serve to accessorize and add variety to your outfit, in some cultures, they also serve as an indicator of your social status. In any case, with so many different designs available out there, shopping for bridal jewellery or evening wear jewellery can be a headache. Here are some tips:
Matching the outfit colour scheme
Unless your jewellery are silver, white, or black, you will need to pay attention to the colour of your outfit. Without knowing what colour it is, it is difficult to nail the correct jewellery for it. While white wedding gowns are easy to match for colour (white goes with pretty much everything), an evening gown have much more colour variation. Even within a colour, say purple, there are different shades and hues to take note of. Thus, wherever possible, bring a fabric sample of your colour, or snap a picture of it and bring these along when you go jewellery shopping. You can compare it with the shortlisted jewellery , or show it to the store assistant who can pick out something appropriate. It is the fastest way to tell if the jewellery you have selected will complement your outfit.
For patterned fabrics, you can select one of the main colours within the pattern to match the jewellery with. However, that same colour should be used in selecting other accessories, like shoes, veil or shawl.
Matching your outfits design
Apart from the colour, the design of your dress matters too. The neckline of your dress play an important part in selecting a complementing necklace and earrings. For example, sparkly hairpins for a classic updo with drop earrings would be suitable for a halter neck dress. A sweetheart neckline or strapless dress can be matched with 16″ or 18″ necklaces that sit on your collarbone for an elegant look.
To keep a consistent look, make sure your dress and jewellery match in style too. Any clash should be purposeful and measured.
Aligned with the theme or time of the function
Keeping with the theme or spirit of the event is of essence. When dressing up for a nature-inspired occasion, you can include elements of flowers, ocean, water, leaves into your selection. A masquerade dinner will, of course, call for something more extravagant and possibly over-the-top. In most events though, pearls will continue to be an appropriate and classic choice.
Do also note the venue and time of the occasion. For beach weddings, being lightly accessorized keeps to the casual vibe.
Don’t burst your budget
Unless you are regularly attending bridal or formal functions, consider getting jewellery that are versatile and can be easily worked into different outfits. Simple designs, like a single strand of pearls can be worn in many settings, including casual ones. Cheaper alternatives to diamonds include cubic zirconia, which are colourless and more sparkling, or Swarovski crystals. Freshwater pearls or faux pearls are also more afforable than saltwater pearls.
Photo credits: WeddingDress Bee, Laura’s Boutique