Attending a black tie event is a special occasion that requires careful thought when it comes to your sartorial choices. It’s also the perfect opportunity to show off your finest, most gorgeous jewelry and accessories and express your personal style. These pieces act as the perfect finishing touches to an elegant black tie look, and selecting the right ones requires just as much attention as coming up with the most fabulous black tie attire.
Whether you’re attending a cocktail party, a gala night, a charity ball, or an evening wedding, here are a couple of tips on how to pick the right jewelry and accessories and always make the best-dressed list on every black tie event you show up to.
Wear mismatched accessories for a unique and bold look
In a world where creating a matchy-matchy look is a go-to styling technique for many, seeing someone step away from this common method and try something new for a change can be very refreshing. In fact, sprinkling a couple of contrasting elements here and there can make your black tie attire feel bold and unique which can help you stand out from the crowd.
To replicate this trendy look, choose pieces that are either different in size, length, shape, or color. Or, take a cue from designers such as Louis Vuitton and Anupama Dayal and wear a single statement earring. Complete the look with an elegant evening purse, and some semi-comfortable shoes. Whether you’re styling your gala outfit or getting ready for a cocktail party, your outfit combo is sure to turn heads.
Stick with diamonds for a more classic, timeless appeal
They say that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and this is true for more reasons than one. Diamonds can make a woman feel empowered and divine, they’re symbolic, and they’re forever! Diamonds also have a classic, timeless beauty, and are ideal for completing a traditional look.
The truth is, you can never go wrong with fine diamond jewellery regardless of the black tie event you’re attending. Give your strapless dress more allure with a diamond necklace or a gold chain with diamonds, rely on stacked diamond rings and tennis bracelets to enhance the look of a dress with shorter sleeves, or pair your diamond choker with a low neckline to make your neck appear more slender. Bonus points if you opt for lab-grown diamonds, which are a more sustainable, ethical option compared to their mined counterparts.
Pair subdued, understated pieces with attires in statement colors
Black tie occasions call for darker and richer tones, but this doesn’t mean you need to limit your color palette to browns, blacks, metallics, and jewel tones. While this is the rule you should stick to if you plan on wearing a cocktail dress (which could end up looking casual if you choose a brighter shade), in case you opt for a floor-length gown, you can go with a lighter shade because of the elegant silhouette.
If you do select formal wear in a statement color or with other eye-catching details (e.g. embellishments and unique design details), it’s best that you keep your jewelry and accessories subdued.
Understated pieces will create balance in your outfit and make you black tie event-ready, whether we’re talking about an outdoor wedding or an award ceremony. Just remember not to overdo it, and take one accessory off before leaving the house – a rule that Coco Chanel herself followed religiously.
Add a pop of color with accessories in multiple hues
Speaking of letting your attire dictate your choice of accessories and jewelry, if you’re going for a look that’s more on the classic side, you should make sure to add a fun, exciting statement piece to the mix. Accessories and jewelry in brighter hues work best if you want to add a pop of color to a timeless look and give it some personality. If you’re planning on wearing an all-black attire, opt for pieces that feature multiple hues. This will help break up the monotony and elevate a classic look without being over-the-top.
Keep in mind that the jewelry pieces you select need to complement each other instead of competing. If you go with statement earrings, skip the necklace, and if you want your necklace to stand out, go for a more subtle pair of earrings (e.g. a colored stud). Classy and elegant outfits are all about creating balance, so make sure that all the elements in your outfit, including your bags and your shoes, coordinate perfectly.
Wrapping up
Getting dressed up for a black tie event can be exciting when you’ve got some styling know-how. With these few tips up your sleeve, you can avoid fashion faux pas and feel confident about your future sartorial choices.
