Statement Necklace

I've avoided large necklaces because I never know what to put with them. I'm afraid that a bold necklace plus coordinating earrings would be too much! There must be rules about this. Thanks,
Kat


I was going to invoke the " Only One Tricky Item Per Outfit" Rule here, and leave it at that, but the SOStyled Group has suggested a few additional tips. About The Rule, if the necklace counts as a "Statement" (someone looking at the outfit would think "Wow! What a Necklace!") then that's the one tricky item, for sure. So, in general, stick with very plain stud earrings, no red shoes and no tricky prints. Judyanne advised: Skip the coordinating earrings. I don't have pierced ears, and I find that most boutiques will sell me just the necklace as they can sell the earrings separately.

Siepres remarked about the need to understand the proportions even if it's tough to get the explanation perfect. A woman Ili's size (5 ft) with a huge statement necklace that takes up most of her torso would look like she's playing dress up in mommy's jewelry box. Also, a woman with a larger chest has to be careful which kind of statement necklaces she chooses.

Remember that with the current necklaces, the area that you have available for decoration extends from high on the neck to about mid-bosom. The statement necklace shouldn't drape down below that. We want to keep the interest near the face, and not mar the all-important below-bosom-to-torso-definition of our clothes. If this restriction adds too much bulk up top for you, skip the necklace and add chunky bracelets (just as new a statement) instead.

Remember that the necklace must be supported by the proper top underneath. Note how
JCrew has added the necklace to a very plain knit tee, and the skirt is a
conservative tweed in a coordinating color as well. The round neck and neutral color contributes to the support. And, the model's hair isn't over decorated; it's quite casual. The clutch couldn't be plainer. No visible earrings or bracelets to be seen, either.

BTW, you can create your own statement necklace by using vintage or modern elements, and hooking several of these to loops that end in a ribbon tie or Chain. Notice how this one is worn high on the neck, as well as the absence of earrings.

So, you were on the right track!

Here's some additional support from
Michelle:
As a lover of big necklaces, I can also add to this. Quite frankly, they look silly with "matching" earrings. Big earrings or a big necklace, but not both. When I am wearing a big necklace I will either wear no earrings or my diamond studs. The only exception I have to this rule is one necklace that I have which has small, stud coordinating earrings (note, coordinating, not matching). The other trick is to make sure you buy necklaces that are the right length for both your frame and the neckline on the outfit that you are wearing.A long necklace looks silly with a v-neck and a choker style necklace looks silly with a high collar. Also, as you already know, you need to make sure that the necklace is not competing with rest of the
outfit or accessories.

And, From Halfpint:
One of the best and first pieces of advice that Pres gave me a couple of years ago was to wear my small diamond studs when I'm wearing a statement necklace. Never, never the coordinating pieces together.
One tricky item...