Even though a dress is next to nothing without jewelry, it’s uber-important not to go overboard.
If your dress is on the simple side, glamorous jewels are key. One word of caution: there’s a fine line between gaudy and glam.
On the other hand, if your dress is glitzy, skimp on the jewelry. An overly beaded, sequined, or detailed dress calls for no more than simple earring studs.
Jewelry enhances a dress perfectly, as long as it’s done right.
A rule of thumb is to go for an attention-getting necklace or pretty earrings. With both, there’s just too much going on.
When deciding which to choose, factor in the neckline of your gown:
• With a strapless top, opt for dazzling chandelier earrings to keep the collarbone bare. Dust with shimmer powder for a goddess touch.
• Scoop necklines call for a feminine circular necklace.• For a halter, drop earrings or not-too-long danglies are ideal, while necklaces should be avoided at all costs!
• V-necks have options. You can do the whole stunning earring bit, or go for a lariat or V-shaped necklace.
PurseA purse for prom requires thought. While your everyday handbag just won’t do, you don’t want to be matchy-matchy either. Go for a purse that’s coordinated, yet playfully contrasting.
• Color. Stay in the same color family as your dress or play up the color of the trim or detailing.
• Shape. Choose something petite, but to be sure you can fit the essentials into your purse, do the fist test. If you can’t get your entire hand in the purse, chances are you won’t be able to get anything else in there either.
•Fabric. If you decide to go with the same color as your dress, definitely do not use the same fabric, too. If your dress has excessive beading, sequins, or embroidery, stay away from heavily detailed bags – instead go for a simple, low-key material.
As for purse contents, make sure all of your needs are covered, but be selective. It’s not necessary to bring your entire collection of makeup, your whole billfold, and a full line of backup hair products. Lipstick (and that means one tube – not five!), a powder compact, and a few hairpins, is about all you really need. If your purse permits, a cell phone isn’t a bad idea either (because you wouldn’t want stranded friends or a missing date to ruin your night!).
