Handcrafted Jewelry

 This sounds straight forward enough, doesn't it? But I know myself that it doesn't always happen.

 Before you start dressing have a think about what item you most want to wear to wherever you're going.

 You might decide you really want to wear a specific piece of jewellery to an outing, in which case you should choose your clothing and other accessories to work with it. Otherwise you might pick the outfit first and then match the jewellery and accessories to it.

 Either way works. If you’ve spent some time getting the combination right you should look stylish and well put together.

 Here's a related decision to make while getting dressed: what do you want the focus of your outfit to be?

 A simple - even boring - outfit will almost always look transformed into something special with the right jewellery and accessories. You can choose jewellery that really makes a statement to bring a simple outfit to life or do some mixing and matching of jewellery for a more layered look.

 But if you’re wearing bold clothing, then often it’s a good idea to go with smaller, more subtle jewellery pieces as highlights.

 The best advice is to make a decision as to what will work for you and run with it. Your aim should always be to dress like yourself so you feel comfortable and confident.

 Where do you want people's gaze to be directed if you're dressing up for something special?

 If you’re wearing jewellery that’s intended catch the eye, then it’s usually best to make the visual focus on one body area which you want to draw attention to: neck, ears, hands, etc..

 For instance, if you’re wearing a bold necklace, then go for more subtle rings and earrings. Or you might even consider leaving them out altogether.

 Simply put on a basic outfit and try it out in front of a mirror with various pieces of jewellery and other accessories from your collection. Try different combinations of jewellery designs you might not normally consider pairing up and add in different accessories like scarves, bags or watches.

 Try a single focal point with a statement piece, then try mixing, matching, stacking and layering. Keep trialling different combinations and focus points.

 You’ll be amazed at what you can come up with to vary the look of even the most simple outfit. And once you're done with one outfit, throw on another one and start again.

 If you don’t have a lot of jewellery or your collection isn't very diverse, then consider the types of jewellery pieces that will extend and add interest and depth to your wardrobe and go shopping.

Rubies

 Isn't it great to have an excuse to treat yourself to some sparkly things? You're welcome.

 We've all known someone who is a bit too much of a fashion slave. Trends influence what all of us wear to some extent, which is fine. But it's never a good idea to slavishly follow fashion at the expense of your own taste and personality. You'll end up losing yourself. Oh - and it's also very expensive!

 Instead try to figure out and evolve your own style which suits you and makes you feel confident. That might turn out to be unfashionable right now or at some point in future, but if you own it, I just know you'll be fine.

 When choosing jewellery to wear, always think about what works with your colouring, frame and general sense of style. Take all of these things into account when you accessorise.

 And don’t forget your personality: we’re all different and your personality should be allowed to shine through in terms of the jewellery you choose and how you present yourself in general.

 According to the old nursery rhyme, wearing rings on your fingers (and bells on your toes, apparently) means you'll have music wherever you go. True story.

 Stacking rings in particular can add a lot of versatility to your wardrobe as you can mix and match them as you please to create a slightly different look each day. You can even choose to wear just one or two simple stacking rings for a more minimalist look on some days. Check out our handy guide on how to build the perfect ring stack.

 Try pairing up a set of matching rings or go for a mixture of colours, textures and gemstones.

 If you’re wearing multiple rings then the consensus seems to be to wear no more than one cocktail ring on each hand. Wearing an odd number of rings on one hand and even on the other works well too.

 Unless it’s a sentimental piece that you’re happy to be hidden under clothing, your necklace or pendant should be visible and it should enhance your outfit.

 For instance if you have low V-necked outfit then a pendant sitting in the V above your cleavage will work wonders. A long necklace will look great over higher necked and crew necked clothing. A rounded necklace is good with a scoop or other rounded necklines.

 Find out more about matching necklaces with necklines in our very handy necklace lengths and style guide.

 If you’re wearing a bold pair of earrings then not having a necklace to detract from your look can be a good way to go, depending on your outfit. Also if you're wearing a very low cut or high necked outfit not wearing a necklace will often work really well.

 Do you have sentimental jewellery pieces that you wear all the time? I'm sure many of us do, me included. But how do they fit into a well-accessorised outfit?

 Just because something is sentimental doesn’t necessarily mean you need to wear it every day (wedding and engagement rings aside, generally). Consider how you'd feel about not wearing a particular piece every day and if that's an option for you.

 If you do opt to wear one or more sentimental jewellery pieces all or most of the time, then consider how you can layer those pieces with other jewellery to add interest and variety to your style.

 If it's a necklace you might look into getting a longer chain or an adjustable chain so that it can hang beneath clothing if it's not a match for the rest of your outfit. Rings can also be put on a chain and hidden beneath clothing if needed.

 I'm a big fan of people looking like themselves rather than everybody else. Dressing up should be fun and it should be personal to you. Your style is about who you are and how you want to appear to others. It doesn't have to be all twin sets and pearls, or all free flowing and boho for that matter.

 If what works for you is doing whatever you want, following none of the typical fashion tips and creating a chaotic clash of things you love wearing, then my advice is: go for it.