Add the perfect touch to that new outfit of yours by accessorizing it with the right jewelry. From fine silver filigree earrings to heavy copper bracelets and pendants, from delicate crocheted bead necklaces to abstract designs fashioned from polymer clay, the right piece of costume jewelry can do a lot to set off a particular item of clothing.

When pairing a piece of jewelry with a wardrobe item, a number of details need to be considered. Color, size, proportion, and pattern are all important. A simple gold or silver pendant on a metal chain or a velvet cord almost requires a simple dark background in either solid or subtly patterned cloth. Copper bracelets and necklaces look great with warm turquoise blues or greens, while colorful polymer clay pieces can be coordinated with colors picked up from a multi-hued dress or separates.

When choosing earrings, consider the color of your hair. Long, dangly silver or gold earrings look great against dark brown, black, or red hair but not so great with light blonde, red, or white hair. Women with light-colored hair would do better with brightly colored earrings.

Match your jewelry to the occasion. The elegance of silver, gold, and precious stones like diamonds suit formal occasions perfectly; more casual occasions may call for more colorful choices, including enamel on metal, copper, wooden and clay beads, and modern designs fashioned from polymer clay. A collection of metal or plastic bracelets is great for a casual event, not so much for a formal occasion. If you’d like to wear a bracelet for an elegant affair, wear one, and make sure it’s gold or silver; or skip the bracelet altogether and wear a gold or silver watch - a few encrusted diamonds are okay.

Remember, when aiming for sophistication, less is more. Too many bracelets, gold chains, or rings worn at once are definitely not classy. Choose a single, simply elegant piece for that special occasion, and save the jewelry combos for fun nights out.

When buying jewelry, some women prefer to buy lots of colorful, inexpensive costume jewelry, while others prefer a few high quality pieces. Whatever your own personal style, a carefully chosen collection of jewelry can serve as the perfect touch to your equally carefully chosen wardrobe.

Aldene Fredenburg is a freelance writer living in southwestern New Hampshire. She has written numerous articles for local and regional newspapers and for a number of Internet websites, including Tips and Topics. She expresses her opinions periodically on her blog, http://beyondagendas.blogspot.com She may be reached at amfredenburg@yahoo.com

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