How to: Wear Costume Jewelry

Costume jewelry is an amazing asset for any fashionistas wardrobe. By definition costume jewelry is ornamentation for the masses made to complement a particular fashionable garment or costume. The right piece of costume jewelry can accent any outfit and serve as a statement piece for your individual style. Buying costume jewelry has always been one of my most favorite things to do.

Brands like Kenneth Jay Lane, Arielle, Amrita Singh, Kendra Scott, Carolee, and others make it their mission to create elegant pieces worthy of display. Retailers like Aldo, Banana Republic, J. Crew, and Forever 21 have also joined in on the fun, selling elegant and fun costume jewelry. Selecting pieces is the most exciting part about shopping for costume jewelry. There's always so many choices!

Here's a few tips on buying costume jewelry:

Know what you like. It's easier to buy jewelry when you know your style. Purchase pieces that will work with items in your wardrobe and always buy the best you can afford.

Select quality pieces that are well-made. We've all had jewelry break on us at some point, even the expensive stuff. Occasionally we might make a purchase, wear it once and then have it break. Cheaper jewelry items tend to do that, but if you spent two or three dollars on it, it's not that big of a deal. Aldo is a great place to get reasonably priced costume jewelry and most of it doesn't tarnish.

Go for the gold...And silver. Gold and silver are staples in any jewelry wardrobe. You can never go wrong with either because they constantly reinvent themselves. Jewelry with rare and unique stones are also great choices. Pendant necklaces and cocktail rings are great statement pieces.


Work with color. The wonderful thing about costume jewelry is its versatility and variety of color. You can match pieces to your outfit or wear a single attention-getting piece that is the opposite of your look. Faux colored stones are a wonderful complement to any outfit.


Have fun with your costume jewelry. But don't overdo it. If you wear a bold pair of earrings, don't wear a necklace. A bold set of bangles on one arm, a single cocktail ring on your hand, or a huge bib necklace are all great examples of how to wear costume jewelry.

Photo: Bow teardrop earrings by Banana Republic, $36