Photo: Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images
Want to look great in any white cocktail dress? Here's the trick: Drape your neck, wrist, ears and arms with fabulous and flirty jewelry. Whether you are attending a college party or a work-related soiree, wear a flashy statement necklace, ring or bracelet to take your white cocktail dress from blah to beautiful. Say goodbye to boring baubles and understated jewelry, and pile on jewels that flatter both your style personality and crisp white party frock.
Pearls
Long and layered pearl strands are not only slimming, but also complement strapless, V-neck and spaghetti-strap dresses. By selecting colored pearls in pale pink or powder blue, you play up the contrast between the stark white dress and a subtle pastel color. Pair these pastels with silver shoes and a small white handbag to look elegant, not Easter-y. Simple pearl strands worn with a classic watch and simple stud earrings make a serious style statement.
Bangles and Bracelets
An oversized and chunky bracelet is a jewelry staple for every woman. When worn with a high-necked white dress, this wrist jewelry is the instant pick-me-up item for your white cocktail dress. For a nautical theme, choose a bracelet with blue and red stones to complement your white. Or to unleash your inner biker chick, wear a leather wristband adorned with Swarovski crystals and mixed with silver accents.
Large Cocktail Ring
For a piece of bling that is a conversation piece at dinner, wear a large cocktail ring. Whether your ring features pearls, semi-precious stones or crystals, adding sparkly jewelry to your hands ups the dazzle and shine factor. Need an opulent extra for evening? For your next special event, combine your rings with jewel-toned studs, a three-quarter-length white dress and four long strands of pearls à la Audrey Hepburn.
Shoulder-duster Earrings
For evening events or cocktail hour, you can get away with large and bold accessories, so finish off your white strapless dress with a pair of metallic silver or gold shoulder-duster earrings. Spruce up a simple white dress by mixing your shoulder-duster earrings with a simple gold- or silver-plated cuff and silver- or gold-toned strappy sandals.
