The Subtle Art of Accessorising seems to be disappearing.
Is it because we’ve lost the knack, or never had the knack? Whatever happened to bleeding colours through an outfit with jewellery, scarves, gloves? Why do so many women seem to be locked into dressing down rather than dressing UP?! When we could be using accessories to enhance… even flatter?
It really is time to reconsider the universal trend towards casual. Why would you want to look casual or unremarkable? Is it back to worrying about what other people may think of you… if you dare to be different?!
Pearls – The First Lady’s Accessories
These are just a few tried and true tips that will help you, and set you on the path to claiming a new style using pearl accessories.
Necklaces … the Most Common Pearl Accessory
Let’s start out with some pretty common sense advice. Wear necklaces that are right for the rest of your body.
Think about your face, neck and overall type of necklace to decide what works best for you.
In Search of the Right Pearl Necklace
Fake or real, pearls always work if they are unobtrusive – adding a touch of elegance with a pendant pearl necklace.
A blouse or shirt collar that opens to reveal a subtle touch of refinement speaks volumes about the sophistication of a woman.
Of course, pearls can also be worn for dramatic purpose as well.
An OTT statement necklace can really make a lasting impression and pearls can be just the thing to say “hello I’m here”.
Necklace Lengths
Your chart to wearing the right style of necklace with your outfit
| Length | Style Name | How to Wear it | Necklines Best Worn with |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35cm | Collar | Snuggly around the neck | Bateau, Court-neckline, Cowl, Decollete, Diamond, Queen Ann, Scoop, Queen Elizabeth, Racer-back, Ruffled, Sabrina, Scallop, Slash-neck, Square, Surplice, Sweetheart, U-neck & V-neck. Strapless, One-shoulder and Off-the-shoulder. |
| 40cm | Choker | Closely around the throat | Court-neckline, Crew-neck, Decollete, Diamond, Horseshoe, Jewel, Queen Ann, Queen Elizabeth, Scallop, Scoop, Square, Surplice, Sweetheart, U-neck & V-neck. Strapless and Off-the-shoulder. |
| 45cm | Princess | Sits on collarbone | Funnel, Queen Ann, Queen Elizabeth, Ruffled, Scoop & Surplice. Strapless. |
| 50cm – 60cm | Matinee | Draped between collarbone and bust | Bateau, Court-neckline, Decollete, Diamond, Envelop, Gathered, Jewel, Keyhole, Queen Ann, Queen Elizabeth, Racer-back, Ruffled, Sabrina, Scoop, Sweetheart, V-neck & Yoke. Strapless, Strap-neckline, one-shoulder and Off-the-shoulder. |
| 70cm – 90cm | Opera | Hangs to bust or 5cm below | Bateau, Bib-neck, Collared, Court-neckline, Cowl, Diamond, Envelop, Funnel, Gathered, Halter-neck, Horseshoe, Jewel, Keyhole, Queen Ann, Racer-back, Ruffled, Sabrina, Scoop, Slash-neck, Square, Surplice, Sweetheart, U-neck, V-neck & Yoke. Strapless, Strap-neckline, one-shoulder and Off-the-shoulder |
| 90cm – 110cm | Rope | Wrapped for multi-layered to just below bust | Bateau, Bib-neck, Collared, Court-neckline, Cowl, Diamond, Envelop, Funnel, Gathered, Halter-neck, Horseshoe, Jewel, Keyhole, Queen Ann, Racer-back, Ruffled, Sabrina, Scoop, Slash-neck, Square, Surplice, Sweetheart, U-neck, V-neck & Yoke. Strapless, Strap-neckline, one-shoulder and Off-the-shoulder |
Pearl Accessories to Hide Your Bits
Hiding Turkey Neck
You don’t have to be middle-aged to have a neckline that you’d rather hide.
If you want to disguise a problem neckline, wear your hair so it hits just below the chin. Wearing earrings to the same length as your hair this will bring an admirers eyes up and away from the neck area.
Redirecting from Jowls
Cluster earrings are perfect for drawing attention to your ears away from the jowls. They redirect your admirers gaze up to your ears which are close to your eyes, which makes them wonderful accessories for getting intimate.
And please, whatever you do, if you have a jawline that you’d rather people not notice. Stay away from drop earrings … they finish at jowl level!
Pearls and Bling Work so Well in Accessories!
Brooches
Add some bling! Brooches always work well.
This years trend is the flower brooch… Sssh… Remember you heard it here first!
Use brooches to add some flair and style to almost anything … they are sadly under-represented accessories.
Hair Clips
When we think of accessories, we often forget the value of a beautiful hair clip. One that just brings a whole outfit together.
Accessorising your jewelry with a hair clip is a “classic” stylist move especially for special events.
Pearl and bling hair clips are also a fabulous way to lift a somber suit. Which we all know can get a little drab from time to time.
Bracelets and Bangles
Expand your pearl accessories wardrobe to add lots of fun bangles or bracelets is another way to lift an outfit that might otherwise be considered “dull”.
Modernising your everyday white shirt and jeans with a wrist full of pearls and bling. Now that’s a Hollywood move!
Take your look to a whole new level with stacking and layering. Wear several at once, even with your watch …to be on-trend!
Finally, get some colourful scarves – there are so many ways to wear them! They are elegant and stylish, and a casual scarf can even dress up a t-shirt with jeans! Try a reversible Paisley Pashmina Scarves are one of the best accessories to change the look of an outfit … so fill your accessories wardrobe with them and use them to add colour and texture to your rooms as well! You can’t go wrong with chiffon or silk … for your accessories or your decor.
The bottom line? Don’t be afraid to accessorise!
Think bling, pearls and colour, but keep in mind … less is more!
Some links and images in this blog post are paid for links by Amazon. Penelope Whiteley is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk.
