It’s been a while! We’ve had some beautiful weather the last few weeks and I took advantage of it by spending a lot of time after work outdoors. It was such a joy + rather productive, especially during a 3rd lockdown. I’m finally back with a few simple outfits styled with some dainty jewelry pieces, kindly gifted to me by Sheena of Sheena Marshall Jewelry.
I thought it’d be fun to analyze some outfit styling when it comes to adding dainty jewelry, specifically necklaces. What I find works, doesn’t work, and how best to wear them. I had never taken these things into account and I think I now have a better sense of why certain pieces work with certain outfits. So let’s get right into it!
Though the jewelry pieces featured were gifted by Sheena Marshall Jewelry, this post is not sponsored and all thoughts are my own. Some other links used in this post are affiliate links, which means that I may earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase through them at no extra cost to you. My intention will always be to inspire you to get creative with what you already have and to create an intentional wardrobe with pieces you’ll love for years to come. Thank you for supporting Her Simple Sole blog!
About Sheena Marshall Jewelry
I was thrilled when Sheena reached out to send me a few of her handmade pieces. In my wardrobe essentials wishlist, I omitted most accessories except for gold jewelry. I believe growing a timeless collection will aid in enhancing even the simplest of outfits. Because of this, I was eyeing a few of Sheena’s minimal + delicate pieces after seeing them worn by some Instagram friends. Most intriguing was her passion for what she does and how it really extends out into the world through her website and Instagram account.
Sheena is based out of Denver, CO, with designs made to order using sustainable materials. A one-woman business that inspires women empowerment. What I also love is the affordability of her pieces. Her gold pieces are gold filled, meaning a layer of gold is fused onto a base metal – the next best thing after solid gold. This means more modest yet quality pieces, perfect for someone who is just starting off their jewelry collection (aka me). You can read more about each material used here.
I received the Poppy Earrings, the Nora Link Necklace in 18″ (though it can also be worn shorter), and the Carson Necklace in 16″. First impression – shiny! Each piece is beautifully made, and extremely delicate and light. So it does require more caution and care when changing into/out of clothing. I’ve accidentally ripped a delicate necklace off my neck when changing out of a top before, so now I try to be more intentional about it. In particular, I love how simple and light the earrings are. I’m now convinced that all I want to wear on my ears are items that feel like nothing at all.
Now let’s get into a few of my Do’s and Don’t’s of styling dainty jewelry!
DO: Pair Dainty Jewelry with a Lower Neckline
Outfit Details:
Henley Top – Frank and Oak
Trousers – Aritzia (no longer available, linked to similar)
Cardigan – Paper Label
Mules – Maguire Boutique
Poppy Earrings – Sheena Marshall Jewelry (gifted)
Carson Necklace – Sheena Marshall Jewelry (gifted)
Glasses – Chanel
When it comes to light-weight jewelry, high neck tops tend to easily overlap them. I’m constantly trying to make adjustments so that they’re not hiding underneath. In my experience, delicate pieces in a shorter length (e.g. 16″ as seen here) seem to work better with a lower neckline. That way, nothing is in the way to cover or obstruct it. If this piece was in a longer length (18″ or longer), it could possibly work with a higher neckline that sits tight against the body. Other tops with lower necklines include my v-neck t-shirts, as well as any square necklines.
DON’T: Wear Dainty Jewelry with a Dark Oversized Shirt
Outfit Details:
Shirt – secondhand from the Fiancé (brand is Jack and Jones)
Jeans – Denim Forum from Aritzia
Boots – L’intervalle
Poppy Earrings – Sheena Marshall Jewelry (gifted)
Carson Necklace – Sheena Marshall Jewelry (gifted)
Nora Link Necklace – Sheena Marshall Jewelry (gifted)
Dionne Necklace – Cuchara (no longer available, linked to similar)
I love the look of jewelry layered with a button down shirt. This way, the pieces are still sitting flush against the body and peeking through the unbuttoned top portion. I tested out a few necklace variations with my oversized cotton denim-like shirt:
Nora Link Necklace + Carson Necklace
Overall this works, but in terms of impact, this to me looks underwhelming, no matter the length of the Nora Link Necklace, mostly because of how dark and oversized the top is. As much as I love how the two pieces look together, the shirt pretty much overtakes them. Had it been a lighter top (like a white linen button down), it would look and feel more cohesive by maintaining lightness throughout.
Nora Link Necklace + a Heavier Necklace
To combat that underwhelming feeling, I replaced the Carson Necklace with a much more substantial and heavier necklace. Although it appears to overtake the Nora Link Necklace, I still like this combo much more when styled with this outfit as it balances out the shirt. I like the idea of heavier jewelry pieces with heavier clothing, and lighter jewelry pieces with lighter clothing.
DON’T: Wear Dainty Jewelry with a Boxy Crewneck
Outfit Details:
T-shirt – Frank and Oak
Sweater – Everlane
Jeans – Denim Forum from Aritzia
Choker Necklace – Made by Mary
Nora Link Necklace – Sheena Marshall Jewelry (gifted)
Lastly, and similar to the points mentioned in the first example, delicate pieces do not work well with a boxy crewneck top. Since the collar doesn’t sit flush against me, a dainty necklace in a shorter length would not sit comfortably along the neckline. After just a few movements, the necklace would end up behind the collar. I think more substantial pieces pair better with a looser crewneck-style top since the weight would hold both itself and the collar down.
Well that was a fun experiment, and a great way to understand how best to style dainty jewelry. And I’m sure these are just a few variations – if you have a favourite, please share in the comments below!
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