All That Glitters Is Good — The Statement Necklace

Being a crossdresser and wearing statement  jewelry goes together  like cheese and wine or maybe the Lone Ranger and Tonto. Most of us are rather large or tall and wearing statement jewelry sets off our larger frames and creates  striking beauty or as one fashion writer said, “that’s in your face gorgeous.” Without glamorous accessories, an otherwise classic outfit would have a ho-hum daywear appeal, but as you will learn, layers of chunky chains and flashes of shimmer elevate your look to another level.

As most of you know, I’m a fan of the classic, basic look, except when I go Bohemian J, and then  I work to achieve an unexpected look through the use of startling accents. But it’s been a learning process for me, too.  Several years ago a friend gave me a beautiful turquoise layered necklace ($9 from Avon) which I wore with a turquoise outfit. Not a wrong choice but it could have been better. Yes , we should coordinate, but contrast creates a better look.

The best way to revamp an outfit is through flair, meaning accessories. It’s a no-brainer to layer-on  glittery costume jewelry which you get in hugh quantities on the Internet, at your local flea market or in the fashion jewelry section of clothing stores or department stores at an average price of around $20-$30. You can create any number of cute outfits. Did I say cute?  How about striking. And a statement necklace is a best choice, particularly when you want to keep your look simple and sleek. Let the necklace make the statement, and then compliment it with a bold lip. For sure you will turn heads for an admiring look.

Sharon Haver at Focusonstyle.com gives us these style tips on how to have fun with statement jewelry:

• More is more with this trend, but it works because each piece adds up to a collective, with similar motifs repeated.
• Look for pieces that while opulent and OTT (Over-the-Top), are most importantly age-appropriate — no plastics, no brights hues, think gems! Big ones!
•  While you pile away with abandon, remember to pair your jewels with minimal finds, classic silhouettes, and refined finishes. Think about adding glamour to even the plainest of black tee’s, instantly . . .
•  Quirky pieces are fun and suggest a lust for life, and luckily, you can place them anywhere this time around. Think about boosting a simple top with a well-placed, oversized brooch.
• If you don’t have anything large, wear a collection of related small pieces to create big impact.

See what you think of these looks:

Lauren Conrad and Andrea Zanetich also suggest that you should:

• Keep it collared. Update your oxford by buttoning your blouse all the way up. Then layer your look-at-me necklace under the collar so it is just peeking out from underneath the collar.
• Or use with an open neckline like a v-neck which is flattering to many body types.

• Got great boobs? Drape your necklace so it falls just above (but not into) the crease, to draw attention to them in a non-skanky way.
• Follow the lines of your top to place further emphasis on your statement necklace.
• Keep light, bright colors close to your face as it will make your complexion look brighter, and you’ll look more awake. Don’t be afraid to pair bright colors with other bright colors to make your outfit pop.
• Make Your Own Necklace. If you have a bunch of old brooches lying around, pin them together onto a short chain to create your own statement necklace.

• Minimize Distractions. Let your necklace shine by avoiding earrings all together (unless they are very subtle posts). Also, gaudy rings and excessive arm flair should be kept to a minimum. When I wear a bold necklace, I avoid extra jewelry all together. If anything, I will wear a few simple, thin band rings.

And a show-stopping necklace draws attention to your gorgeous face, so it’s is especially great if you want to distract from a little too much belly.

Now I know the trend this year is to push away from black and wear the bright colors but statement jewelry needs a simple, neutral background to achieve its best look. A simple solid top, whether blouse or top, compliments, not distracts from the jewelry. If you prefer a print top, just pair it with a necklace that is a little less busy.

As celebrity stylist Mary Alice Stephenson said: “Wear sequins in the sun, your heart on your sleeve, and remember everything looks better with a smile, Spanx, and a statement necklace!”

Tags: fashion, featured, necklaces, shopping

Category: Style, Transgender Fashion