PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE BUYING JEWELLERY

Almost every woman, and many men, have jewellery in their closet. It’s an essential final piece to your look that can transform an outfit from everyday, to red carpet, and everything in between. The thing that many of my clients find difficult is how to know what to invest in when it comes to their jewellery with confidence. This also applies their partners as well, who may be gifting a piece of jewellery!

If you want to build your jewellery collection, or you are looking for a piece to get for your loved one, and want to know exactly what to look for before buying your jewellery, then this guide will share my top tips to help you.

START WITH THE COLOUR OF THE JEWELLERY

 The first, and most important step, is to know which metal and colours to choose. For example, would gold and warmer shades such as brass and copper, or rose gold, suit your skintone best, or is silver and cool shades such as platinum and white gold be better?

While the metal tones that work best for you are part of our colour and style clinic, and will help you have a go-to selection of colours that work best for you, if you haven’t had this experience, and you are unsure, try out different metals and see which ones you like most. After all, it’s about your personal preference!

But also think about the stones, that often come with a piece of jewellery and can add a pop of colour to your looks. Which ones to go for: the cool and bright emerald? The warm topaz? The light and soft pearls?

If you are gifting a piece and you’re unsure on which one to choose, take a look at your partner’s jewellery, or what they regularly wear and make note of the colours they’re drawn to.

WHAT STYLES ARE RECOMMENDED BASED ON YOUR FACE AND BODY SHAPE?

Our jewellery can complement our features, and create a balance as well as enhance them, or go against us, and we want to make sure we make the right decision.

Small details can make a big difference in the way we look and feel.

Here is a quick guide to the best styles for your face shape:

OVAL FACE SHAPE JEWELLERY SELECTIONS:

Oval faces can wear pretty much every style of jewellery, but as they usually have more soft, curvilinear features, if you have an oval face shape I’d recommend going for pieces that complement your natural features while avoiding anything too angular and geometric.

OBLONG FACE SHAPE JEWELLERY STYLES:

As the name suggests, your face has an elongated and quite narrow. The best jewellery styles to complement this face shape need to add volume at the side, to create balance, like short, bold earrings or statement studs, but also short necklaces and chunky chokers.

ROUND FACE JEWELLERY OPTIONS:

Round faces, as opposed to the oblongs, are almost as wide as they are long, with soft and curved features and a rounded jaw. With this in mind, the best pieces to select to complement your face shape would be pieces with length to create a longer looking face shape, such as drop/V-necklaces and longer earrings.

HEART AND TRIANGLE FACE SHAPE JEWELLERY SELECTIONS:

With a heart face shape your forehead is the widest part of the face, with the jaw and chin being narrower and sometimes sharper (especially in the triangles). Teardrop style earrings are excellent for heart face shapes, as they create balance adding volume at the jaw, as well as shorter, round necklaces to bring a sense of fullness around the jawline.

SQUARE AND RECTANGLE FACE SHAPE JEWELLERY OPTIONS:

With a similar width all the way down, a square face has an angular jaw and overall angular features and therefore is complemented by jewellery that adds length, such as longer earrings or cluster studs, as well as long necklaces to draw the eye down. While the rectangle is longer, but with similar features, they don’t have to focus on adding length with their earrings, but rather to soften their angles with softer shapes and styles.

PEAR OR WEDGE FACE SHAPE JEWELLERY STYLES:

Finally, a pear face (sometimes referred to as a wedge face shape) has a wider jawline and slimmer forehead. Minimalist jewellery is recommended here, such as narrow, drop earrings and dangle earrings, to soften the jaw and add length.

Obviously, there are other jewellery pieces over and above earrings and necklaces, such as rings and bracelets, as well as watches and pendants.

When it comes to rings, if you have slimmer fingers, you want to complement them with smaller designs, while larger fingers can enjoy larger more statement-style rings.

The same goes for watches and bracelets. If you have slender wrists, don’t overwhelm them with bracelets that are overbearing to your wrists, while if you have broader wrists, you can opt for watches with bigger faces, as well as bracelets with larger stones or styles.

CONSIDER YOUR PERSONALITY

As with every style-related decision, our personality plays a big role in our choices: from romantic to dramatic, from bold and chunky to minimalist, our jewellery choices are an extension of our personality and, being the final touch of our looks, the styles we choose are very important.

If you are gifting a piece of jewellery and are unsure where to start in terms of the styles, take a look at the outfits your partner wears – are they more minimal, or bold? Do they love patterns and colour, or do they prefer a more monochromatic look? This can inspire you for the jewellery that will work in their wardrobe perfectly.

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: WHAT NECKLINES WORK FOR LARGER BUSTS?

Depending on your needs, body shape, and personal style, finding the perfect neckline to complement you can be tricky. For example, if you need to remain more conservative at work, but want to lower the neckline for out of hours, or have a larger bust, the necklines in your wardrobe can vary drastically.

The right neckline can enhance your silhouette, boost confidence, and make you feel your best every day.

In my Colour&Style Clinics in London, Kent, and online, I've had the pleasure of assisting numerous clients in discovering the most flattering necklines for their body shapes (as well as the colours, styles, and patterns!) and I’m pleased to share here some universal tips that always work well:

Make sure your underwear is the right fit first

One of the most important elements for the comfort and confidence you can feel when wearing any garment, but in particular those that have lower necklines, is the right bra. Whether you prefer a softer, non-wired bra, a balconette, or a push up bra, you will want to find the one that fits you well, and is appropriate for the neckline.

For example, a v-neck is best with bras that go lower down so you aren’t showing the lingerie, whereas a scoop neck may be best with a t-shirt style bra that is full coverage so there aren’t obvious lines underneath the material.

When you have found the right selection of bras, you can then play with some of the different necklines with more confidence.

Here are some of my top tips for the best necklines for those with larger busts:

V-Neckline: A classic V-neckline is a go-to option for those with larger busts. It creates a vertical line that elongates the torso, drawing the eye upwards and away from the bust area. Opt for a moderate V-neck that doesn't plunge too low to maintain a balanced look.

Scoop Neckline: Scoop necklines are another fantastic choice for larger busts. They offer coverage and support while still showcasing the décolletage in a flattering way. Look for scoop necklines that aren't too high or too low to achieve the perfect balance. For this, understanding your ideal cleavage point - that comes with the face shape analysis – could be a game changer!

Square Neckline: Square necklines can work wonders for those with larger busts by providing structure and support. They create a visually appealing frame for the bust area without adding unnecessary bulk. Experiment with different variations of square necklines to find what suits you best.

Photo via: @jazy_g

If you prefer a softer line, try the sweetheart neckline which is similar but less angular.

photo credit: TheMomEdit

Wrap Neckline: Wrap necklines are incredibly versatile and flattering for all body types, including larger busts. They offer adjustable coverage and can be cinched at the waist to enhance the silhouette. With a larger bust, finding a wrap neckline with sturdy closures will ensure proper support.

photo credit: Curves Next Door

When shopping for tops and dresses, pay attention to the fabric and fit in addition to the neckline. Fabrics with a bit of stretch give added comfort and invest in pieces that are tailored to fit your body shape perfectly, while more flowy fabrics will complement your curves and result in a very flattering look. Remember, confidence is the best accessory you can wear, so wear whatever neckline makes you feel fabulous!

Finding the right neckline for larger busts is all about balance, support, and flattering proportions. By experimenting with different styles and paying attention to fit and fabric, you can elevate your wardrobe and feel your best every day.

If you're unsure where to start, don't hesitate to reach out to a personal stylist like myself for expert guidance tailored to your unique needs and preferences.

There’s a fantastic promo running until the end of May, where you can have an Online Colour&Style Clinic at HALF PRICE! We’ll help you take your style to the next level, from the comfort of your home, and at an unbeatable price.

PERSONAL STYLIST TIPS: WARDROBE ESSENTIALS - BUILDING A TIMELESS AND VERSATILE CLOSET

Many of my clients come to me unsure on how to create a wardrobe that reflects their personality, works for their body, and is easy to create outfits from. 

For some, it’s the “I have nothing to wear” problem. Most of the time this can be due to an overwhelming amount of garments in their wardrobe, that, in fact, do not work well together to create a collection of outfits. While some feel that the outfits they can create don’t work for their day to day lives or reflect their personality.

The most important part of making your wardrobe work for you is picking garments that are versatile and timeless. This can feel a little daunting, particularly if you have been following trends and building a wardrobe for years! 

If you’d love to have a wardrobe that feels accessible and that works for your needs, here’s my guide to help you create a versatile and timeless wardrobe! 

Assess your needs

The first thing you need to do when creating a wardrobe that works for you, is knowing what you need each day. 

Ask yourself: 

• What does my professional working life look like? 

• What does my free time look like? 

• Do I attend many special occasions? 

• Do I need to change after the school run?

When you know what outfits you need, you can know what type of clothing you will require. For example, if you attend lots of special events, your wardrobe will need far more black tie and formal wear than someone who doesn’t. In the same vain, if you have a corporate job that requires suiting, your requirements will be different to someone who works in a creative company where you can wear more casual attire. 

If you're a mum, your priority is probably practicality (but this doesn't mean you have to give up on style!).

Understanding your daily needs will help you have a strategy when you assess your current wardrobe and when you go shopping in the future. 

Declutter your wardrobe

Now you know what you need, you want to make sure your current wardrobe works for you. If you have the “overfilled” wardrobe problem, the best way to work on this is to take out everything and go through the items one by one. When I work with a client, we work through the items and question whether the pieces either bring them joy, or work well across multiple other pieces to create outfits. If it doesn’t do this, it can be put to the side to be donated or sold. 

When you have the pieces that work together, and work with your daily needs, your wardrobe will already begin to feel more approachable. 

Keep your wardrobe curated and minimal, and get rid of what doesn’t work for you, especially before buying anything new. Only keep what suits you and your lifestyle and what makes you feel good. A minimal wardrobe will truly simplify your life.

Curate a wardrobe of versatility 

Versatile pieces are the ones that can be mixed and matched across one another in unique ways. They should be able to be worn in different situations, without compromising on your style, personality and comfort. 

Here are a few of my top pieces for versatility: 

• Denim – a pair (or two) of jeans are an essential for any wardrobe. They can be dressed up with a blouse, or down with a vest/tee. They are great for running around and doing errands, or can even work for a date night with heels. 

• Blazer – essential for a professional look, but can also work for more casual looks that you want to elevate. You may be amazed at how many ways you can style a blazer.

• White (or neutral) shirt / Tee -  depending on your personal style, you can’t go wrong with a plain white t-shirt or shirt. It can be paired with countless bottoms, and can balance out a statement piece that you have in your outfit. 

• Body suit or fitted tank top – I love a body suit, because it can be worn as a layering piece, and can be a clean, smooth garment that doesn’t require tucking in. If you don’t like a bodysuit, a fitted tank top is a great alternative. 

• A neutral dress – the little black dress is beloved for a reason – it works! Black can, however, be a colour that doesn’t work for many skin tones, so finding a neutral shade in your colour palette can be a great alternative. Depending on your style, you could opt for a maxi dress, mini dress, a-line – there are lots of options. Adding layers and hosiery, as well as accessories can transform the dress effectively making it work as multiple outfits in one. 

• Knitwear – I know this is a broad term, but, you need a few pieces of knitwear that you can throw on as the weather gets cooler. I like a cropped cardigan, a longline cardigan, and a couple of heavier jumpers in my wardrobe. 

• Formal trousers – even if you don’t go to the office regularly, a pair of more professional trousers can work across a multitude of events. Depending on your body shape you may want to look for wide legged, straight leg, or cigarette style. 

• A selection of skirts – Midi skirts have stayed in style for several years, and this is because they are so versatile! Pair with a white tee, a blouse, or a body suit to complement the day ahead. 

For more ideas on how to create a wardrobe that works for you, you may want to consider creating a capsule wardrobe. View my recent article on how to do this, here. 

Let your wardrobe reflect your personal style

Finally, the most important thing to consider is your own personal style. A timeless wardrobe works when you have pieces you feel confident in. Staying away from fast fashion and trends that don’t work for your personal style will ensure you have a wardrobe that lasts. 

Too often we fill our wardrobes with garments that are currently in style, rather than pieces that reflect our personality. When you understand the personal style that is inherent to you, you will feel more confident when dressing and when shopping. 

And it's rather simple, it's about understanding what works for you on the outside (from colours, shapes and styles) and on the inside (helping you express your personality and feel your most confident)with.

One of a Style team is here to help you create a wardrobe that truly works for you and simplify your life!