Jewelry Etiquette and Fashion Tips

Fashion trends change, but the basics stay the same. Basically, if you have to ask if something is appropriate, it probably isn't. When in doubt, always wear the plainer dress. Of course your wedding and/or engagement rings can be worn anywhere, and a meaningful simple necklace would certainly be acceptable at all events. More details for wearing jewelry for specific occasions are below.

Jewelry for Weddings

Wedding formalities vary and wearing jewelry coincides with that formality. There are a few rules, however: It is never okay to dress sexy or show lots of cleavage. Don't upstage the bride, and don't wear white to a wedding if you are not the bride. A splash of white like on a belt or earrings is fine, but a white dress is not in good taste. Below is a list of types of weddings, traditional accepted clothing, and appropriate jewelry to wear.

Informal daytime weddings: call for a short dress or slacks, simple, non-chunky necklace and earrings
Informal evening weddings: call for a cocktail dress, elegant pendant necklace or earrings
Semi-formal daytime wedding: short dress or suit, a single brooch and earrings
Semi-formal evening wedding calls for a cocktail dress, sparkly non-dangle earrings, simple necklace or bracelet
Formal daytime wedding: short dress or suit. Hats and gloves are acceptable. Elegant classic pieces w/o flash (like pearls, precious metals)
Formal evening or black-tie: Long or dressy short cocktail. A small glittery piece of jewelry. Short dangle earrings, a sparkly rhinestone necklace.
Ultra-formal or white-tie: Long gown, extra glitz, diamonds, fur, etc.

Jewelry and Clothes for the Office

Your goal here is to look professional, not trendy, too casual, or sexy. Less distracting clothing and jewelry is always best. Traditional colors of red, gray, navy and black work well. Logo'd clothing is out. Skip the dangle earrings, lighted novelty pins or anything that's flashy or makes noise. Not only does it make you appear cheap, it can be distracting on a video or conference call. Wear simple small earrings, a brooch, or necklace. Quality and simplicity count. Limit rings to one per hand. When in doubt, wear jewelry and clothing similar to your boss.

Jewelry for Funerals

The best advice for wearing jewelry at funerals is to be sure it is simple and in good taste. A piece of jewelry given to you by the deceased, or one that reminds you of that person is acceptable. In general, keep it simple. Opt for a single classic necklace and earrings that do not flash or dangle. Do not overwhelm by wearing a full parure (set), multiple bracelets or rings. Again, always opt for the plainer, more conservative look, and if you have to ask if something is appropriate, remember--it isn't.

Fashion and Clothing Tips

Remember, it's not about having the perfect body, whether you are rail thin or have womanly curves, what matters is what works for your shape, and trying to use what you have to your advantage.

It is not how much something costs, or the designer name on it that makes you fashionable, it's how you put your clothes together that matters.

What Really Matters

Attitude counts! If you have confidence, it shows. Don't keep or buy clothing or jewelry that makes you feel bad. If you feel like a million, you'll look like a million! Everyone likes to feel special, so finding that special vintage jewelry pin or necklace to perk up your wardrobe or your spirits is even more important than jewelry you keep in a case for a collection.