Jewelry is a finishing touch for any outfit. It adds interest, brings pieces together, and defines your look.
Accessorizing well takes a little know-how, but there’s good news. It's easier than you think once you know what to look for- the lines of your outfit, the color, and just the general vibe.
Well, never fear, this article explains how to accessorize and build an outfit step by step, with tips for specific outfit types. By the time you finish reading, you’ll be accessorizing with ease and creating ensembles that are the talk of the town.
How to accessorize an outfit step by step
The right jewelry can bring your whole outfit together. Here’s how to choose the best pieces for your look.
1. Start with the outfit and occasion
Your outfit is the palette you build your jewelry on, so start there. Choose an outfit that fits the occasion, whether it's casual or formal. Consider comfort, vibe, and style.
2. Choose one focal piece
The focal piece is commonly a necklace, as it’s central to your ensemble. However, it can also be earrings or a brooch. If your outfit doesn’t call for a necklace, a statement bracelet and rings can draw attention.
3. Let your neckline guide your necklace
A necklace is typically the focal point of your outfit, and it should align with your neckline. Wondering what necklace to wear with what neckline? Here are some general guidelines.
-
V-necks: Pendants and drop necklaces
-
Round Necklines: Rounded necklaces that sit along that neckline or just above it
-
Strapless: Chokers and short necklaces
-
Scoop Neck: Layered patterns
-
High Neck: Long chains and lariats
-
Off-the-Shoulder: Statement necklaces or delicate layers
-
Halter Neck: Skip the necklace- statement earrings are a better choice
-
Square Neck: Geometric or bold pieces
-
Sweetheart Neck: Pendants or short necklaces
4. Match your metals or mix them on purpose
You could play it safe and wear one metal, such as gold or silver, throughout, or you could mix it up. But if you choose to mix metals, make sure it looks intentional.
If the outfit allows, start with a layered necklace look that mixes metals, then carry that pattern through to your other jewelry pieces. Or simply carry the gold-and-silver combination throughout your pieces, ensuring you strike a balance.
5. Layer and stack with intention
If you choose to stack and layer, start with a mixed-metal anchor piece that sets the tone, such as a choker at the neckline, or a central ring or bracelet. Choose your core metal and your accent metal. Then integrate complementary pieces in an intentional pattern, leaning on your core metal while using the other metal for accents.
Read our article, How to Layer Gold and Silver Necklaces, for more guidance.
6. Check proportion and balance before you leave
Before leaving, check your overall look to ensure jewelry pieces are proportioned and balanced. For example, if you’re layering necklaces, use different lengths so they don’t crowd each other. If you’re wearing a large ring, surround it with smaller rings. With bracelets, choose one statement piece or wear matching pieces like chains or bangles.
How to accessorize different outfits
Different outfits call for different jewelry. Here are a few easy ways to accessorize some of the most common looks.
A little black dress
An LBD provides a basic palette, so you really can’t go wrong. The key is finding a look that matches the occasion. For example, if you’re going to a formal event, one or two delicate layers are ideal. For casual events, you can have fun with layers.
Our article, Best Jewelry for a Black Dress, provides more ideas.
Jeans and a T-shirt
This casual look also works well for layering. The key is matching the metal to the denim color. Generally, gold or silver goes well with a medium wash or black denim; white denim pairs well with gold, and dark wash allows for mixed metal looks.
Check out our article, Best Jewelry for Denim Outfits, for more inspo.
A work or office outfit
The best jewelry for work depends on your workplace. Is the culture corporate, casual, or cool and stylish? But regardless of the vibe, it’s important not to overdo it and wear pieces that will interfere with your typing and other responsibilities.
Overall, the vibe should be cool, classy, and confident.
An evening or formal look
Headed out for a night on the town? You can’t go wrong with gold jewelry, mixed metal pieces, charm necklaces, earring sets, and bracelet stacks. For a more formal occasion, like a best friend’s wedding, tone it down with huggie earrings, tennis necklaces, and accent rings.
Our article Best Day to Night Jewelry explains how these pieces can be great for a transition.
Common accessorizing mistakes to avoid
So far, you’ve gotten some great tips for achieving a put-together ensemble. Now, here’s what not to do.
-
Combine metals without establishing a pattern (such as with an anchor mixed-metal piece)
-
Wear necklaces that don’t complement your neckline
-
Layer or stack jewelry without considering proportion
-
Wear a piece that overpowers your outfit
-
Wear jewelry that doesn’t match the occasion
-
Show up at work with jewelry that interferes with your workflow
FAQs
What is the rule for accessorizing an outfit?
When accessorizing an outfit, consider the occasion, build around a focal piece, let your neckline guide your necklace, match your metals or mix them on purpose, layer or stack with intention, and check your proportion and balance.
How many accessories should you wear at once?
There are no hard-and-fast rules for how many accessories you should wear at once. However, if you are stacking or layering, the general rule is to stay in the three-to-five range per layered area. Avoid over-layering, and focus on your overall look rather than specific numbers.
How do you accessorize a simple outfit?
You can accessorize simple outfits in many ways. You may want to keep things simple by adding a few tasteful, elegant pieces, or you can make a statement with your jewelry.
What jewelry goes with everything?
Generally, classic pieces go with everything, such as a tennis necklace, bracelets, and elegant rings, like a diamond, engagement, or birthstone ring. However, even when integrating these pieces, you should pay attention to your lines, the occasion, and the other pieces you’re wearing.
