Costume jewelry offers an inexpensive way to achieve a point of difference.
Costume jewelry is bold and distinctive. It conveys a sense
about who the wearer is. People judge others based on their appearance and
assume many things about that person’s personality, values, and beliefs based
on how they are dressed. By carefully choosing what kind of costume jewelry to set
off your outfit you can boost your confidence and play the part of who you are
or who you want to be. It helps both guys and gals design their own sense of style, letting
them to step out of the run of the mill and classify themselves as exceptional,
confident, passionate, and interesting people.
Men and women from all parts of the world, from all cultures
and from all levels of society have been wearing adornment of some sort or
other throughout the centuries. Various pieces of clothing and accessories are a
sign of class as well as religious and cultural identities. People still use
fashion accessories to show the world who they are and what they value or to indicate
a persons rank and/or position in society. Costume jewelry is used to makes a
statement.
Unfortunately though, some men and women steer clear of
wearing bold accessories because they do not feel good about stepping out of
their comfort zone. But costume jewelry can make a person feel good about them-self. Used appropriately it can add a bit of flamboyancy and elegance to
your outfit and make you look and feel like a million dollars.
Costume jewelry exploits the aesthetic power of gemstones
and crystals whether real or artificial. Gemstones and crystals are associated
with special spiritual and physical properties which give gemstones meaning. Gemstones may be birthstones and come in many
different colors. They are superstitious and provoke emotional responses. For
example, wear carnelian for courage: malachite for calmness; aquamarine for
better communication. Gemstones are empowering.
The most popular types of costume jewelry include bib necklaces, long necklaces, cocktail rings, chandelier earrings, cuffs and bangles. When choosing costume jewelry the following factors should
be considered:
Size Match
Costume jewelry is often large and pretentious. While it is
intentionally big to draw attention to itself and the wearer, it should not be
overbearing. Choose items which are in proportion to your personal size,
because petite women may look absurd with overly large pieces.
Color Match
Costume jewelry is often very colourful and can be made from
a single bold color or it can be multi-colored. Choose pieces which complement
and match the color of your outfit. It is also a good idea to wear colors which
contrast your outfit or which pick out a color you wish to highlight. The color
can also be selected to match other accessories such as handbags, shoes and
hats so that there is an obvious color theme.
Slant Match
If the colors of your necklaces, earrings and bracelets you
wear are similar but don't match exactly, it is said to be a slant match.
For example, copper and gold do not precisely match, but they look good together
because although they are not the same color, but they are close enough to
slant match. There is just enough difference between them to draw attention. So
instead of just wearing a gold necklace with gold earrings and a gold bracelet,
add a copper piece as well.
Wear One Piece
Unless it comes in a matched set, it is advisable to only wear only
one piece of costume jewelry at a time. If wearing flamboyant earrings, wear a simple
ring. If the necklace is bold and ostentatious, choose simple earrings such as
small studs. Wearing too many big, bold pieces all at once can look a little
showy and overdone. It is important to choose clothes and other accessories
that are reasonably plain or tie in with the color scheme. Bangles are an
exception to this rule. Multiple bangles worn together look very impressive.
Avoid Clutter
Make sure the costume jewelry and other accessories you
choose does not add a sense of clutter to your outfit. It should complement
your style and add glamour. It should not distract from your appearance or
leave you open to ridicule. Choose pieces which color match your outfit and add
appeal. Do not use multi-coloured pieces if your outfit is already busy with
pattern and color.
Wear Vintage Pieces
It may be easier to find a really unique vintage or antique piece.
Vintage inspired costume jewelry, adds sense of sophistication and style.
Match Makeup
Keep makeup simple so as not to distract from your overall
look. Makeup should be coordinated so it is consistent with your look. Although
bold makeup is sometimes suitable, it is better worn with simple costume jewelry.
There is nothing wrong with using bold makeup, but the rule "one at a
time" applies here as well.
Match Clothes
Don’t have too much going on all at once. Take advantage of
the middle ground between plain and grandiose. If you are wearing costume jewelry
it is best to avoid bold, attention-grabbing patterns. Wear simple, plain,
pinstripes, and faded patterns. Conversely, when it comes to bold pieces in an
outfit, less is definitely more.
Wearing costume jewelry allows both men and women to define
their own style and stand out as individuals. Add flair to your look by wearing
a well chosen piece to complement your outfit and make a statement about your
fashion style.
