Jewelry "Rules" for Cocktail Attire

[frick&frack]

I go by the "5 points" rule...think of the 5 points of a star. you wear no more than 5 pieces of jewelry to a very formal occasion...earrings count as 2 points. only one of the five points can be a statement piece. it's up to your taste, style, & the style of the dress as to which will be the statement: earrings, necklace, bracelet, ring. of course, the less formal the occasion, the more jewelry you can add in if you want. I also think that a watch is a no-no for a formal occasion, but cocktail wear can go either way (IF you're wearing a dressy watch, not a sports watch).

I agree with mistikat...celebrities wear jewelry or don't wear jewelry according to stylists' trends. wear what you want or what makes you feel beautiful. I most often wear statement necklaces.

 

[Stophle]

I agree with what everyone else has said. Pretty much go with one piece as the star and keep everything else minimal.

One "look" that always struck me as beautiful was Keira Knightley at the Oscars. When thinking of a one shoulder gown I immediately think earrings instead of necklace, but the necklace she wore was a stunner and looked perfect with her gown.

 

[alliemia]

I'd do a nice necklace if the neckline is plunging. If it's boatneck or higher, I'd do chandelier earrings.

And personally, I'd do a striking cocktail ring and skip the bracelet. A gorgeous watch would be nice instead.

 

[Candice0985]

I like one statement piece, or small pieces layered together, usually this is either a necklace or a ring and bracelets. my one rule is I don't wear a watch when I go out. for me a watch reminds me of being on schedule and of work so when I do out my watch gets replaced by a pretty bracelet

 

[nyc_cady]

My one rule is I don't wear a watch when I go out. for me a watch reminds me of being on schedule and of work so when I do out my watch gets replaced by a pretty bracelet

I've tried that, but I'm one of those weird watch people where not knowing what time it is freaks me out. And a cell phone doesn't suffice!

I had my engagement party this weekend and I wore a vintage Valentino cocktail dress that had a VERY poufy, layered ruffled skirt, I kept my jewelry minimal because my engagement ring was the centerpiece that night. I did wear diamond drop earrings, but the rest of my jewelry was my everyday jewelry. Including my watch!

 

[Contessa]

I've tried that, but I'm one of those weird watch people where not knowing what time it is freaks me out. And a cell phone doesn't suffice!

I had my engagement party this weekend and I wore a vintage Valentino cocktail dress that had a VERY poufy, layered ruffled skirt, I kept my jewelry minimal because my engagement ring was the centerpiece that night. I did wear diamond drop earrings, but the rest of my jewelry was my everyday jewelry. Including my watch!

you look GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!! What a wonderful couple you make.

I'm coming to your wedding in spirit.....whether you like it or not!!!!

 

[Candice0985]

aww nyc-cady you two are soo cute!!

I can just see you know...you look down at your wrist and start looking around all panicked "whats the time, anyone? what time is it!?"
I dont know why i'm like that...i think it has to do with my line of work. I have to wear a watch for work and when i'm in meetings with clients and so when i get home its like a symbolic "work is done for the day...off with the watch" lol

 

[nyc_cady]

you look GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!! What a wonderful couple you make.

I'm coming to your wedding in spirit.....whether you like it or not!!!!

I fully expect you there!!!

aww nyc-cady you two are soo cute!!

I can just see you know...you look down at your wrist and start looking around all panicked "whats the time, anyone? what time is it!?"
I dont know why i'm like that...i think it has to do with my line of work. I have to wear a watch for work and when i'm in meetings with clients and so when i get home its like a symbolic "work is done for the day...off with the watch" lol

Oh, gosh, that's totally me!! I start freaking out if I don't know what time it is. I view my watch as my security blanket in a way, if I'm wearing it all is right with the world! If I'm not, watch out!! I will be glancing at a clock every 3 seconds!!!

 

[Contessa]

I fully expect you there!!!

Ha!! Careful what you wish for!!!

Honestly.......you both deserve every happiness on this beautiful earth

 

[slovakchick]

Here is how I handle the necklace/dress dilemma. If a lot of decolletage is showing, I must wear a necklace. I don't care how junky people think it looks; I need to fill that void. The trick is to wear either quiet earrings/bold necklace or bold earrings/quiet necklace, never bold earrings and bold necklace together. Also, who said you can't wear a ring and a bracelet on the same arm and hand? I do that, too, along with my necklace and earrings. Don't like my array of jewelry? Then don't look at it! Put your eyes somewhere else!

 

[slovakchick]

I've tried that, but I'm one of those weird watch people where not knowing what time it is freaks me out. And a cell phone doesn't suffice!

I had my engagement party this weekend and I wore a vintage Valentino cocktail dress that had a VERY poufy, layered ruffled skirt, I kept my jewelry minimal because my engagement ring was the centerpiece that night. I did wear diamond drop earrings, but the rest of my jewelry was my everyday jewelry. Including my watch!

When I get dressed up, I wear a very pretty watch decorated with faux diamonds; it looks more like a bracelet. I dunno, I like to be punctual. However, I didn't wear a watch to my wedding.

 

[lazeny]

I wear, at most 2 pcs of jewelry. A bracelet paired w/ earrings or necklace paired with ring, or stud diamond earrings w/ my diamond solitaire pendant. My e-ring & wedding ring doesn't count.

But if I'm wearing a statement jewelry I only wear one, leave the rest bare.