It was Coco Chanel who advised women to assess their ensembles before going out, and to then arbitrarily remove one piece of jewellery. These days, one sees otherwise presentable women wearing long, dangling earrings and several necklaces at once, perhaps a broach on the hat or coat, and then enough bracelets to open a booth in a souk. (These baubles may have sentimental value for the wearer, but to the discriminating eye, they just scream, “too many nuts and cherries on the sundae!”) Would you rather look like an elegant lady, or be festooned like a Christmas tree?
A strand of pearls or other tasteful necklace, such as one which features a simple jewel, OR a pair of elegant, non-pendulous earrings that separate you from the primitives, together with a watch, is a safe daytime scheme. A well-dressed lady may exercise a bit more flair in the evening. Beware, though, of appearing overly decorated–a person’s sterling qualities can easily be overlooked by the distraction that too much jewellery creates.
~~Copyright M-J de Mesterton 2009
