Jewelry expert Sutton Lasater is the owner and head designer of Sutton Lasater Jewelry. Sutton Lasater Jewelry specializes in custom wedding jewelry and repurposed vintage jewelry. All of their jewelry is one of a kind and handmade in the United States. Custom options are always available. www.suttonlasater.com
There are a handful of fashion rules that seemingly everyone knows about. Some devout people even adhere to these rules as if they are universal law and the punishment for not following them is banishment. But for other people, rules are meant to be broken…or at least questioned for proper interpretation of the almighty “fashion laws”. If you’re vacationing in Florida is it ok to wear white after Labor Day? Should you wear a brown purse if you’re wearing a brown belt, or is your black purse ok? Can you wear silver jewelry with your gold wedding ring?
As a jewelry designer, some of the “fashion rules” concerning jewelry are frequently on my mind, and many people ask for my advice when they’re putting on their jewels. Here are some of my favorite, least favorite, and most common jewelry “laws” I’ve come across, and I won’t be shy telling you what I think about them.
1. One statement piece at a time
This is one rule that I actually follow myself, with a few exceptions. When I get dressed every day, I wear the same bracelets, rings, and necklace every single time. These pieces are fairly simple and all have personal meaning to me. Then come the earrings. Earrings are my favorite thing to wear, so I am always try
ing to wear a fabulous pair each day. This is where the rule comes in. When I wear big earrings, I stick to my simple necklace that I wear every day. BUT……when a day rolls around when I’m feeling like a necklace, I swap the big dangly earrings for something understated, like diamond studs, silver balls, or gold hoops. I don’t want to look like a walking Christmas tree with decorative ornaments hanging off my every limb. If you try to use the argument “but the earrings and necklace are a set,” then that’s even worse. Most sets look tacky to me! DON’T DO IT! Unless it’s a fine jewelry set (like oval sapphires surrounded by pave diamonds) it generally looks cheesy. Please spare yourself.
http://www.flutterby-jewelry.com/
2. Don’t mix your metals
LIES! This is just ridiculous. Gold and silver actually look FABULOUS together and is a huge trend right now. If you feel unsure about this, go to the nearest costume jewelry store. I guarantee that you will find a necklace that looks something like this: multiple chains, in gold & silver (other combos are silver and antiqued silver, pewter and brass, and gold and copper) some chains a little longer than others, and the chains might even be in slightly different sizes. There’s your proof that gold & silver go together and look good. Sometimes I wear silver rings with a gold bracelet, a silver necklace with a belt with a gold buckle, or gold earrings with a silver necklace. It’s too much of an effort to coordinate your metals every day, and besides, who has the budget to buy two of everything: one in gold and one in silver?
This J.Crew necklace combines gold, silver, AND pearls. And isn’t it awesome?
The clothes you’re wearing effect the jewelry you should wear
This is something that should only vaguely cross your mind. No need to get too caught up with this one. But if you’re concerned about it, here are some clothing/jewelry tips to help you out:
· Shorter statement necklaces are generally better with a lower scoop neck
· Long necklaces look best with simple tops with little or no embellishment
· Statement earrings look good with any outfit
· If you’re wearing long sleeves, bangles are better than elastic bracelets
4. Don’t mix expensive jewelry with cheap jewelry
Again this is just silly. Most of the time people can’t even tell what is expensive or cheap. My only 2 rules about cheap jewelry are: 1) trash it if it starts falling apart and 2) don’t wear anything that turns your skin green. And if you MUST wear something that has turned you green in the past, at least paint the part that touches your skin with clear nail polish…it keeps the green from rubbing off on you!
5. This jewelry is too old/young for me
Many older women I talk to are concerned about wearing jewelry that is too young for them. My counterpoint to this one is a little story about a lady I like to call Grandma. I am always making earrings for my Grandma. And her number one request? Make it longer! Like my Grandma, don’t let your age dictate what you wear. The only thing about age and jewelry is that really bright colorful pieces can sometimes look like they are meant for the younger crowd. But if you’re 80 and your favorite earrings are neon yellow, be my guest!
Dame Judi Dench rocks a major statement Choker necklace.
http://www.celebritywonder.com/
Being in the fashion and jewelry business, I come across these rules literally all of the time. Some of them I am completely sick of hearing about but others I believe in myself. Whatever the case, I’d like to just get rid of these rules completely and start promoting a new rule…the only rule there really needs to be: If you wear something that makes you feel great, then you will look great!
