Jewelry – How Much is Too Much?

Deciding on how much jewelry to wear is always dependent on where you are going and what you are trying to accomplish. If your goal is to look professional, there are fewer options for wearing certain kinds and amounts of jewelry than if you are going out to lunch with friends. Evening jewelry may look beautiful for a night out on the town but is way too over the top for going to the grocery store or attending a meeting at the school. Making the decision on how much jewelry to wear requires that you keep some basic guidelines in mind but also take a look at the final effect with a critical eye.

Professional Wear and Interviews

Selecting the right type and the right quantity of jewelry for a job interview or a day at the office can be summed up in one statement, "Less is best". When in doubt take one piece of jewelry off, especially if you are wearing heavy or clunky styles. Generally there are three types of jewelry that are appropriate for interviews and careers and those include rings, bracelets or watches and necklaces. If you are wearing a necklace that is large or has a large pendant, avoid wearing brooches or lapel pins that may add that look of too much. Avoid jewelry that looks too young or that is designed as casual jewelry. Large numbers of rings, necklaces or bracelets can also look very unprofessional. Stick with simple styles that are classy and tasteful rather than evening or very formal types of jewelry.

Casual Wear

Casual time is the perfect time to wear whatever jewelry you want. Keep in mind that if you are going to the beach or planning outdoor activities, smaller, lighter jewelry that is easily damaged such as fine chains or long, dangly earrings are often not the most practical choice. Since casual clothing is so ideally matched to a lot of the fun fashion jewelry, this is your chance to really go crazy. Try mixing, matching and even layering different items to get the look that you want. Avoid wearing really heavy types of jewelry or obvious evening jewelry pieces with casual wear, this can send a message that you are really a snob.

Evening Wear

For formal types of events wear simple yet elegant pieces that compliment your clothing. A heavier gold or silver bracelet and a larger ring are a good match for most outfits, however avoid multiple bracelets and multiple rings if they are heavy. A diamond dinner ring or a single solitaire on a chain is both dramatic as well as subtle. Necklaces can be fine chains or they can also be heavier chains with pendants, but avoid mixing the two. Earrings should compliment the other jewelry and suit the style of the clothing as well as your hair. If you want to really highlight your earrings, avoid wearing a necklace and select longer, hanging styles of earrings or studs that are dazzling gems.

Whenever you select jewelry for any event, make sure you take a look at the full effect in a mirror. Do not just look at your neck and face if you are also wearing bracelets, rings, watches or an ornate belt. Keep in mind it is the accumulation of jewelry that will put you into the category of too much, and only by looking at your complete appearance can you evaluate where you stand.