Jewelry Should Work with Hair, Skin Tone, & Wardrobe

I have a necklace that's more valuable to me than any diamond-and-gold-encrusted bauble. It's an old - and used - red and silver lure that I hung on a silver chain.

The fishing lure was my father's, and wearing it brings back memories of childhood fishing trips to the Lake of the Ozarks. It was so long ago that I only remember bits and pieces of these vacations, but we'd stay in old wood-paneled cabins by the lake. When we'd fish, we'd head to a covered dock with a fishing hole built into its center. At night, a light would illuminate the hole and my brother, sister and I would stare at the fish swimming for hours.

Why did I tell you this abbreviated story? Because if we are shooting family photos, senior portraits, or engagement photos, if it's at all possible, I want you to wear jewelry that means something to you.

Moms, that means that if you have a necklace made of macaroni or seashells, I want you to bring it. If you have a bracelet that your kid crafted out of string and beads, bring it!

Personally, I wear a beaded anklet that spells LOVE every day. My daughter made it about a year ago, and I dread the day that its pink thread becomes too worn and breaks.

In my opinion, the perfect piece of jewelry for a photo session is the one that adds to your story.

Now I know that some of you - I'm looking at you high school seniors - might not have the life experiences yet to have collected jeweled mementos.

If that's the case, let's dive into some options that can work.

Be Adventurous

Don't be afraid to go bold and choose bright colors that contrast with your wardrobe for your photo session. It'll make the colors pop. Think blue dress, yellow necklace; a teal top and red unexpected earrings. You get the idea.

Play with size and shape as well. Pair a statement necklace with a smaller pair of earrings so that both of them don't draw focus away from your face. Mix and match rings. Wear multiple bracelets.

Use your jewelry and other accessories to let your personality shine.

Pay Attention to the Hair

Hair length, style, and texture plays an important role in selecting the right size of earrings.

Updos

When your hair is styled away from your face and piled on top of your head, it's drama at its finest. You have a lot of visible space to style and your jewelry should accent the look. Consider long chandelier earrings, diamond hoops, or large rhinestones. Just make sure that the earrings look good from all angles because they will be on full display.

Short Hair

Much like an updo, a short style leaves the face exposed and can be tricky to style since every cut has its own look and overall vibe. So be sure to balance the jewelry with your overall appearance. In general, stray away from bold and oversized earrings and stick to small studs and hoops, earring jackets and cuffs.

Medium Hair

For those of you with medium-length hair, you can really wear any size earring as long as it doesn't go past your shoulder line. Just make sure it matches the occasion and overall style of your outfit.

Long Hair

Long haired dames (and dudes) should wear earrings that are bold enough to be seen but with a smooth surface so they don't get tangled in your locks.

Hair Texture

Slip on earrings that are the opposite of your hair's structure: if you have curly hair, opt for straight lines, and if you have straight hair, put on earrings with curves and dangles.

Add Hair Clips & Headbands

If you have a young daughter, a colorful, jeweled or flowered headband would look amazing. You can also consider pearl clips, rhinestone pins, and crystal combs. Just make sure it's not too much.

Go Classic for Headshots & Conservative Portraits

In an artistic portrait or professional headshot, your face should be the star, and your eyes should draw people to you. For that reason, choose simple pieces so they don't draw focus away from you and your fabulous features. Pearls, diamond studs, or a single charm necklace on a graceful chain would be perfect for a headshot session. In this case, avoid overwhelming colors and accessories.

There is an exception, though. If you are posing for a branding photoshoot and your brand is bold and daring, don't shy away from loud colors and accessories. If you're the face of your brand, it's important to represent who you are as an individual.

Help! Gold or Silver?

Selecting a gold or silver accessory depends on a few factors. In the warm-toned months of fall and summer, go for from something gold. In the chilled winter, opt for silver for outdoor family photos or a professional headshot.

But your skin tone also plays a huge part in the tone of jewelry that works best for you.

First, find out whether your skin's undertone is warm, cool, or neutral. I have several related posts to help.

A warm skin tone works well with gold accessories. A cool skin tone plays well with silver. And a neutral skin tone can wear both.

Pick the color of gemstones, beads and rhinestones to match your eyes or hair. Imagine a short hair cut on a woman with green eyes. Short emerald stubs would look spectacular on her.   Redheads also benefit from green or blue stones while rubies or garnets would be overpowered by the color of the hair. Blondes do well with lighter colors like aquamarine, turquoise, quartz, moonstones and diamonds. Brown and black hair makes bright colored stones like rubies, amethyst, sapphires, opals or citrine glow.  

You should wear the best accessories that exude your personality and best fit your brand. If this includes larger, dangle earrings, go for it!