How to Wear Costume Jewelry
Written by Ali Straka Thursday, August 05 2010
Costume jewelry gets a bad rap. The very use of the word “costume” implies it’s something more suitable for your daughter’s play jewelry box than your own professional wardrobe. That’s a misconception. Most jewelry you see is in fact costume jewelry or “fashion jewelry,” meaning it’s made from less expensive materials – like sterling silver, turquoise, or cultured pearls – than high-end jewelry.
Did you know Jackie Kennedy Onassis’s signature pearl necklaces weren’t real? The pearls were fake! She inspired millions of American women and changed fashion in the 1960s all while wearing costume jewelry. Here are some ways you can incorporate costume jewelry into your own wardrobe:
Imitate Luxury: Not everyone can afford pricey baubles like diamond studs or sapphire necklaces but that doesn’t mean the look isn’t achievable for less. Take a note from Jackie – arguably one of America’s most sophisticated style icons – and utilize costume jewelry to imitate the luxurious look you love. No one will know the difference if you wear cubic zirconia earrings instead of genuine diamonds, wear faux or cultured pearls, or sport a semi-precious pendant instead of rare gems. The key is not to take it too far – getting too glitzy, especially at work, quickly leads to tacky.
Rejuvenate Your Closet: Breathe new life into your closet with costume jewelry. You can utilize jewelry to revive your wardrobe’s tried-and- true favorites. Instead of buying a few new shirts to get out of your fashion rut, purchase unique neck art. An eye-catching necklace – like strands of vibrant turquoise stones or a bib necklace with chunky baubles – will add interest to everything from a basic t-shirt to a neutral blouse to a LBD. That one piece of jewelry can be worn with a plethora of outfits rather than just a few times like a shirt. You’ll get bang for your buck.
Add an Accent: The average work wardrobe is a mix of neutral suits and blouses dying for a jolt of interest, but often your clothing choices are limited in the name of professionalism. A classy and sensible way to liven up your office attire is to add an accent. A coral necklace will pop against a crisp white shirt. An ornate bangle plays up a dull sleeve, and an eye-popping cocktail ring provides a pick-me-up as you pound the keyboard. Even the most conservative looks can go bold with the help of costume jewelry. Think of your clothes as a blank canvas to showcase colorful and interesting pieces. If bold is not your style, you can stay refined with dainty silver pendants or dangle earrings.
Experiment with Style: Costume jewelry is far more wallet-friendly than fine jewelry, which makes it ideal for experimenting with new looks. It’s easier to take the plunge and try out unconventional styles and trendy pieces – like statement necklaces, tribal-inspired trinkets, and oversized rings – when you’re not worrying about whether your jewel purchase is a worthy investment. Inexpensive price points also mean you can purchase specific items to match outfits without fretting over whether you’ll wear them again.
Costume jewelry originated in the 1930s for those very reasons. It became so popular because it provided a cheap, fashionable, and disposable option to accent specific ensembles and showcase new styles. Costume jewelry allows you to have fun experimenting with fashion.
Ali Straka is a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism. She majored in magazine journalism with a minor in textile and apparel management. She used her experience as a college student to contribute to developing products from University Chic in addition to writing regularly for the site. In her free time, Ali muses about fashion, interior design, and all things pop culture on her blog According to Ali. She hails from the North Shore suburbs of Chicago.
