Jewellery is more than just an accessory: it reflects our personality, enhances our outfits and marks important moments in our lives. Yet choosing a piece of jewellery that perfectly matches your style can be tricky. With a multitude of options available - from minimalist pieces to bold creations - it's essential to find jewellery that not only complements your look, but also enhances your individuality.
Here are some guidelines on how to choose the right jewellery for your style, as well as some practical advice on how to avoid common mistakes.
Understanding your personal style
Identifying your clothing style
Before choosing a piece of jewellery, it's important to know your dominant style of dress. Do you prefer a classic, timeless look? Do you prefer a relaxed, bohemian style? Or are you more attracted to glamorous, sophisticated outfits?
Here are a few examples to help you:
- Classic style: Opt for streamlined jewellery such as a gold chain or a pair of discreet earrings.
- Bohemian style: Jewellery with natural pearls or semi-precious stones is perfect for this look.
- Minimalist style: Go for simple designs, such as thin rings or chokers.
- Glamorous style: Imposing, sparkling pieces, such as rings set with precious stones or statement necklaces, are ideal.
Take your personality into account
Jewellery should reflect who you are. If you're outgoing, you might be attracted to bold, colourful jewellery. On the other hand, if you're more reserved, discreet and elegant pieces will suit your personality better. The key is to choose jewellery that you feel comfortable in.
Consider your lifestyle
Your daily life also influences your choice of jewellery:
If you work in a formal professional environment, opt for sober, elegant jewellery.
If you're active or play sport regularly, choose hard-wearing materials such as gold or stainless steel.
Key criteria for choosing the right jewellery
Depending on the type of jewellery
Each type of jewellery has its own specific characteristics and should be chosen with care.
Necklaces
The length of the necklace plays a key role: a choker will enhance a slender neck, while a sautoir will elongate the silhouette.
Match the necklace to your neckline: a slender necklace will go perfectly with an open shirt, while a large pendant will enhance a strapless dress.
Rings
Thin rings suit minimalist styles, while rings with precious stones add a touch of glamour.
Think about size and comfort: a ring that's too tight or too loose can quickly become uncomfortable.
Earrings
The shape of your face is an important criterion:
- Round face: go for dangling or long earrings.
- Square face: choose rounded shapes such as creoles.
- Oval face: almost any style will do.
Bracelets
For slender wrists, opt for delicate bracelets.
Wide cuffs are better suited to bold styles.
Materials and colours
The choice of material and colour can completely transform the effect of a piece of jewellery:
- Precious materials: Yellow gold is perfect for a warm, classic look, while silver or white gold adds a modern touch.
- Colours to suit skin tone:
- Pale skins: go for silver or white gold.
- Matt or dark skins: yellow or pink gold is ideal.
On trend vs. timeless
It may be tempting to follow current trends (such as chunky necklaces), but investing in timeless pieces is still a safe bet. A simple gold chain or a pair of classic hoop earrings will stand the test of time without ever going out of fashion.
Matching jewellery to outfits and occasions
Jewellery for everyday wear
For your everyday outfits, keep things simple:
A pair of discreet earrings (like studs) and a thin chain are often enough to complete a casual look.
Avoid over-the-top pieces that could overpower your outfit.
If you work in a muted atmosphere, bracelets can quickly make a lot of noise as they rub against the desk.
Jewellery for special occasions
Important events (weddings, parties) are the perfect occasion to wear bolder jewellery:
Pair a statement necklace with a simple dress to draw attention to your accessories.
Rings set with precious stones or cuff bracelets can add a sophisticated touch to your outfit.
Mix and match jewellery
Mix and match is a popular trend, but you need to know how to balance it out:
If you're wearing an imposing necklace, opt for discreet earrings.
Mix different metals (yellow gold and silver) for a modern look, but make sure you keep it harmonious.
Common mistakes to avoid
Overdoing it
Wearing too much jewellery can weigh down your look. A simple rule: choose one centrepiece (for example, an imposing necklace) and keep the rest discreet.
Ignore the context
Flashy jewellery may not be appropriate in certain professional or formal contexts. Always adapt your choices to the occasion.
Ignoring jewellery care
Materials such as silver require regular care to maintain their shine. If you don't have the time to look after your jewellery, opt for gold or stainless steel.
Choosing the perfect piece of jewellery to match your style requires thought, but it's also a great opportunity to express your personality and assert your unique look. By taking into account your clothing style, your body type and the context in which you will be wearing your jewellery, you can make informed choices that will enhance your outfits on a daily basis as well as on special occasions.