The Right Accessories to Complement Your Formal Attire
From belts and bags to scarves and jewels, how do you strike the right balance when accessorising your evening look?
Are you planning your look for an upcoming formal event? Finding the perfect evening gown is only half the battle, with the right accessories making sure that your outfit is fully customised. To achieve a classic look, matching details such as the metal tone of your jewellery and your handbag will make your ensemble more cohesive. Accessorising is also a useful trick to highlight your favourite features, or perhaps draw attention away from others. Here are some of the top pieces you should consider wearing with your evening gown.
Choosing your jewellery
Karim London stocks an exquisite collection of formal evening dresses, and this will be your starting point for finding jewellery to match. If you have chosen a gown in a solid colour, such as the stunning mauve shade of our Annabel design, then you might choose to replicate this shade in your jewellery choice too. A mix of amethysts and diamonds will look simply divine. Another decision you have is whether to wear a statement piece or a more subtle piece instead. If your neckline is low then this would suit a largescale necklace, whilst an updo allows you to experiment with dazzling earrings.
Cover up with a scarf
As we head towards the colder season, it won’t be long before you’re feeling a nip in the air. Karim London stocks a vibrant range of evening scarves which are a truly timeless accessory. These are perfect when you’re heading home, catching some air outside or if you’re sat in an air-conditioned restaurant or theatre. Your scarf should be long enough for you to hold in both hands with your arms spread wide. You might choose to colour match your scarf with your dress, or else opt for a neutral hue such as black or white.
Styling with a handbag
A clutch handbag is the best style to wear with an evening gown and should offer enough space for your essentials. For added functionality, you might select a clutch with concealable straps. Opulent fabrics such as satin, velvet and silk and plenty of jewelled detail will match the formality of the occasion. If you’re holding a clutch rather than using straps, remember to keep your bracelet simple so the detail doesn’t compete with the glitz of your bag. It’s also important to match the metal of your bag with your jewellery, so don’t choose a bag with a gold clasp if you’re wearing platinum everywhere else.
Beautiful belts
Some formal evening gowns are already equipped with a built-in belt detail, but for other styles you may want to add a belt to define your waistline and deliver that enviable hourglass silhouette. Top tip: your belt should be worn at the smallest part of your waist which is above your belly button. If you’re wearing a fabric belt, then make sure this is either a perfect colour match or a direct contrast with your dress. If your dress is black or a darker shade, then a simple metallic belt will look fantastic.
The great thing about building up a bank of accessories is that you can mix and match them across a variety of outfits. Start planning your next evening look today.
