How to Choose & Wear Jewellery for Your Face Shape, Neckline & Personal Style
Great jewellery doesn’t just accessorise an outfit — it transforms it. Here are my favourite style tips to help you choose the right jewellery for your face shape, neckline, personal style and dress code, so you look and feel fabulous every day.
General Jewellery Style Tips
- Wearing a shorter necklace (like a choker)? Keep earrings small and simple.
- Wearing bold chandelier or very long earrings? Skip the necklace and add a bracelet instead.
Choosing Jewellery for Your Face Shape
Not sure which jewellery suits your face shape? Here’s a simple guide:
Round Face
Draw the eye downward to create length. Look for:
- Necklaces with irregular shapes, angular stones, pear shapes or ovals
- Y-style necklaces or styles with a vertical drop feature
- Earrings with an angular shape or longer drop styles
Square Face
Soften strong angles with curves. Look for:
- Necklaces with round or circular shapes
- A fine chain with a bold oval or round drop pendant
- Multiple fine strand necklaces
- Earrings with soft, curvy lines
Heart Face
Balance a wider forehead with width at the jaw. Look for:
- Necklaces with angular, geometric or chunky stones
- Styles that fan out around the neckline, or double strands
- Triangular or wide earrings
- Longer earring styles that sit around chin length
Oval Face
Lucky you — almost anything works! Try:
- Irregular shaped stones
- Choker or opera length necklaces
- Whatever makes your heart sing
Choosing Jewellery for Your Neckline
Round Neckline
Echo the neckline with simple, clean shapes. Try:
- Chokers, shorter lengths or short twin strands
- Angular shapes in a simple design
- Shorter earrings with a necklace, or go bold with larger earrings and skip the necklace
V-Neckline
Follow the V-line downward. Try:
- Y-necklaces or styles with a focal drop or pendant
- Multiple strand necklaces
- Linear or chandelier earrings
High, Mock or Turtleneck
Don’t crowd the neckline — go longer instead. Try:
- Longer necklaces, lariats or multiple strand styles
- Bold colours or shapes that stand out against the fabric
- Smaller earrings with a necklace, or larger statement earrings without
Strapless
Anything goes! This is your chance to experiment. Try:
- A choker, a long necklace, or a focal pendant
- Fine or chunky — both work beautifully
- Long earrings look stunning, just make sure they don’t compete with your necklace
Jewellery for Your Personal Style
We all have our own unique style — and sometimes it changes with our mood! Here’s a guide to jewellery that suits the four main style types:
Classic
Elegant, timeless and tailored. Think pearls, simple strands and smaller earrings for everyday. For a glamorous touch, try a shorter multiple strand necklace for maximum impact.
Romantic
Soft, feminine and floaty. Choose dainty pieces in softer colours — delicate necklaces, bracelets and smaller stones. Both shorter and longer earring styles work beautifully, but avoid anything too chunky.
Natural
Casual, relaxed and easy. Plain studs or simple drop earrings and pendants for everyday. When dressing up, reach for natural earthy tones, unpolished stone necklaces or larger, unusual earrings in organic shapes for a one-of-a-kind look.
Dramatic
Bold, confident and statement-making. Go for angular, unusual or chunky designs. Statement necklaces and bracelets are your best friends — and don’t be afraid of colour!
Expert Style Advice
Some of my favourite wisdom from the world’s top stylists and designers:
“Adding a necklace or pendant creates a great focal point to your outfit. Make it a personality piece!”
“Linear and chandelier earrings lengthen a short neck — the earring carries the neck length up to your earlobe as opposed to your jaw.”
— Trinny & Susannah, What Not To Wear
“Stylish, imaginative accessories show a woman who makes time for the finer things in life.”
— Trinny & Susannah, What Not To Wear
“In order to look more pulled together, choose colours in the same tonal palette. Not only will you appear slimmer, but also more sophisticated and elegant.”
— Nina Garcia, Fashion Director, Marie Claire
“Pearls are the most sporting of gems and the easiest to wear. They appear genteel with a good wool suit and quirky with black leather. Never seriously ostentatious, no matter how many strands are worn — they are favourites that never fall out of style.”
— What Should I Wear? Dressing for Occasions
“Begin acquiring over time special pieces that, worn repeatedly, become your personal style markers — those pieces that set you apart from the crowd.”
— What Should I Wear? Dressing for Occasions
“Good taste and design are by no means dependent on money.”
— India Hicks
“Colours that flatter you never go out of style.”
— Clinton Kelly, What Not To Wear
“Accessories can completely change the look of an outfit. A strong piece of jewellery can make a simple outfit look elegant.”
— Giorgio Armani
“Jewellery is art — wearable art. We don’t want to see the same thing on two people.”
— Lee Dorn
“Choose accessories you adore. Don’t settle for anything mass produced. It needs to make your heart sing.”
— Sue Donnelly, International Stylist
“One larger accessory creates drama.”
— Sue Donnelly, International Stylist
“If you love it, buy it. Something will resonate with you.”
— Sue Donnelly, International Stylist
Dress Code Guide — What to Wear (and What Jewellery to Choose)
Ever been stumped by a dress code? Here’s a clear guide — including the best jewellery choices for each occasion:
Black Tie
Floor or ankle length formal gown. This is the moment for your finest gems — diamonds, pearls and statement pieces shine here. Add an evening wrap and a small clutch.
Black Tie Optional
Short formal dress or glamorous evening pants. Wear your pearls and gems for a sophisticated, polished look. A 2-3 inch heel completes the look.
Formal
Similar to Black Tie — long dress, ultra-dressy pants or a dressy cocktail dress. Usually an evening event. Elegant jewellery is a must.
Cocktail
Knee to ankle length dress or elegant pants with a dressy top. Classic colours work well — brighter tones for summer events. Choose jewellery that adds polish without overpowering.
Semi-Formal
Same as cocktail. Think silky, flared styles — satin heels, a sparkling clutch and cluster drop earrings make a perfect finish.
Informal
Dressy pants or skirt with a smart sweater or blouse. Keep jewellery elegant but understated.
Business Attire
Always a suit — pants or skirt with a matching jacket and professional blouse. Choose classic, refined jewellery: pearls, simple pendants or quality studs.
Business Casual
A step down from business attire. Slacks or a skirt with a complementary jacket, smart shirt or sweater. Simple jewellery works best.
Urban/Casual Chic
Comfortable but put-together. A dark pants suit or skirt is a safe bet. Add a personality piece of jewellery to elevate the look.
BBQ/Pool
Sundresses, capri pants, long caftans or shorts. Fun accessories are perfect here — bracelets, metallic sandals and cool sunglasses make a chic, relaxed statement.
Have a style question? I’d love to help. Get in touch at annette@annettepiper.com