Okay loves, this is another “please help!” post because, well, you ladies give fabulous advice and Lord knows I need it! I’m trying to decide how to accessorize my wedding gown (J.Crew’s Taryn shown above) and am completely stumped. Do I go for a big statement necklace like these pieces from J.Crew? Is it too safe (i.e. boring) to wear all J.Crew? Should I just wear pearls so I don’t feel like I did something “trendy” ten years down the road? Or what about big chandelier earrings? My hair will be up—you’ll have to help me choose the style another day… I have a tendency to over analyze this things so tell it to me straight! How would you accessorize this gown (feel free to get into shoes, veils, etc.)???
i really like the 3rd necklace. i think the idea of a big statement necklace to go with the dress is simply divine. it is very now, but with the right choice it could seem very classic. i am sure you will look divine no matter what your choice! good luck with the planning!!
xoxo
tod @ http://bibliochicshop.blogspot.com/
The last piece definitely. It will stand out more and I love the gold.
I love the top necklace – its vintage feel will make it timeless and yet more modern than a classic pearl necklace. A pearl necklace will never go out of style but it may look plain with such an understated, elegant gown. Since this J Crew dress is very popular, perhaps you could find some pictures of other brides to see what they did and go off of that.
This is all so helpful! My only concern with the bottom necklace is that it hangs rather low. I may be able to just shorten the ribbon though and wear it higher so it’s not actually on top of the gown. The top necklace is a definitely possibility as well… The second I like, but would want to swap out the little bows for a different color.
Off to google other brides that wore the dress, good idea Mariel! xo
I’m quite traditional…and graced pearls on my day. But, (scarily…) they were a gift for my wedding from a friend, so I also felt obligated!!! I’m happy I wore them though, cause I love the tradition of it all. On that note, I LOVE the vintage style of #1, but #3 has a vintage, modern vibe and even has pearls…so that would be my choice (esp. if you wear your hair up)! Oh, but I agree with you…got to pull the necklace up higher! Then with the earings, I would go simple…paired with #3, you really have a lot of options!!
I would choose the first necklace. For me, black isn’t apropiate for a “day wedding”, and you are a colorful peroson. I wouldn’t choose the third one because my mom and grandma always said that wearing pearls in your wedding is really bad luck.
I think a gorgeous pair of drop earrings would be stunning! But, I’m also partial to the top necklace. I know that whatever you pick it will look amazing! You have the best taste xx
OMG – you have got to wear that last necklace!!! Shorten it – do whatever you need to with it – but it is gorgeous! Maybe it is a little trendy, but that’s okay. Your dress is classic, and your pictures will still look lovely 20 years from now.
I wore a vintage pin under the bust of my dress, so I didn’t do a huge necklace. But then I wore my hair up with chandelier earrings (I also wore a birdcage veil, which I loved). I think if you wear this necklace (which you SHOULD!), then maybe smaller earrings, even if your hair is up.
But I will say it again… that necklace will make the dress. It is gorgeous!
(Can you tell I like it???)
I love the idea of sentimental wedding jewelry. You know, something that you will look back on decades from now and be reminded of your grandmother who wore the same strand of pearls on her wedding day. However, I do think that gold & pearl necklace (third pictured) would be perfect with such a simple gown.
I’m actually going to say that I don’t think I would wear any of these with this dress. I like them, but I think they all feel look too heavy and wintery(?) for this dress. I would go for a really simple gold chain. And I would get a really fun vintage piece for the hair.
I’m with Jessie! I wore my grandmother’s pearls just like every other grandaughter in the family! But even if you don’t have heirloom jewelry to wear, I would vote a simple pearl necklace. I think you’d be super happy with a classy wedding look. And I also agree with Ashley – a vintage piece for the hair would pull it together perfectly!
I am partial to the 3rd necklace as well, sitting higher up. I love the gold paired with the dress. If i were you I would look around for vintage necklaces before deciding upon the j.crew one. I feel like you will find the perfect piece that is more of an antique and classic feel and it will be just right! Vintage hair piece or just some flowers would look stunning in your hair!
Say La Vie — Pearls are timeless, I’m sure yours were lovely! Glad you like #3, it seems to be the popular favorite. It would look nice with tiny pearl studs.
Estefania — Pearls are bad luck? Oh my, I’ve never heard this! I kind of like it…what rebellious thinking : )
Lindsay — The top is probably the most “me” as well. But earrings could be stunning. Oh my… xo
Rachel — I love your enthusiasm. I maybe I’ll just order 1 and 3 and see which will work best! Your vintage pin must have been gorgeous, what a fun touch.
Jessie — So funny you say this, I was just thinking how I ought to raid my grandmother’s jewelry box (she’s used to it by now) before I order anything!
Ashley — Good for you for thinking oustide the box ; ) I have some pretty, dainty gold necklaces that could work really well, hmmmm….
Kate — I’m calling my grandmother tonight! xo
Meagan — Good call on looking for some vintage first. I’m going to certainly keep my eyes peeled the next couple of weeks!
Gown is amazing. I LOVE the last necklace to go w/ the dress. xo
Tricky choice. I love all three!
Not to add to your confusion, but have you looked at Kate Spade’s jewelry this season? Lovely!
i) Park Ave Pearls Triple Row ii) Clear as Crystal Short Floral — or for a big statement (and my favourite) iii) Flo for Fluorescent Multiple Bauble Necklace.
Good Luck!!
Debby — Thanks so much! I’m touched you like the dress and I do think the last necklace would be quite something… xo
Cate Louise — I was just looking at their latest collection this morning! Definite possibilities. Good call! xx
I rocked some statement chandelier earrings and never looked back.x
You should totally try some large drop earrings – I think a clean neck would be great. Or, anything with a vintage-y rhinestone feeling to it – I think maybe something silver-based would lend to that? For earrings, something like this: http://www.charmandchain.com/products/mini-bacall-earrings and for a necklace something like this: http://www.charmandchain.com/products/taylor-necklace, but I’m sure there’s cheaper out there. Good luck!
These necklaces are all quite lovely, but I personally feel like it’s always nice to wear no necklace with a strapless dress. I think it’s clean, simple, and always more beautiful than drawing attention to a piece of jewlery. With that being said, I am sure you will look amazing no matter what you do! Instead, I’m always a big fan of an interesting head piece on a bride!
Call me old-fashioned or a bit too Southern, but there is something so classic about a bride in pearls (i.e. Jackie O’s timeless look). All of the necklaces are fun, but I know that it when it comes to my big day, I will be wearing my pearls!
I love 1 and 3… BUT, I am all about wearing big statement earrings and going without a necklace would be gorgeous. If you did want a necklace, you could still go with bold earrings and a simple, delicate necklace. I wore huge fake pearl earrings and a short gold necklace with my new initial and a ring on it that was given to my grandmother on her wedding day. I actually bought several pairs of huge earrings and decided what to wear that day based on my mood.
I really like the idea of pearls, because they are so classic. But why not try a few strands of pearls or a chunkier necklace versus a single strand to make it a little more modern. I’m also a fan of no necklace or earrings and wearing a gorgeous bracelet instead (J.Crew and Kate Spade have a lot). Also, if you’re going for a white bouquet but lots of colors in your wedding, you could always do a colorful necklace if you feel a little daring.
A long strand of pearls and big diamond earrings.
The dress is so lovely. I am super traditional and think a simple strand of pearls with hair up always looks classic and perfect.
But if you feel like you are too plain, get some awesome shoes – go with blue for your something blue or another color to tie in with your wedding colors is you have any. I wore awesome green shoes because I love green. And this way you are guaranteed to be able to wear at least one part of your wedding outfit again and again.
I love all three of these necklaces! But. The only tangible things left after the wedding weekend is over are the wedding rings and the photos. Because of this I am all about avoiding trends for the wedding. The style of dress dates each bride a little bit, but your dress is so classic you won’t have to worry about that. I say raid your grandmother’s jewelry box or wear your pearls. When the photos still look fresh and in style when you are showing them to your daughter you will be glad!
Perhaps snag one of these beauties for the rehearsal dinner or the honeymoon.
I say no necklace and very simple tiny drop earrings or pearls. I think that the dress is so simple and beautiful and you should overdo the simplicity of it all. Plus the time of year you are getting married it would be lovely to have a really classic natural feel. xo
No one’s said this yet, but I like the second necklace. I think that it is trendy and timeless at the same time–like an updated version of something in your grandmother’s jewelry box.
However… I know you love your grandmothers, so why not represent them in your accessories, like the other girls have suggested? I’m using all my grandma’s brooches and costume jewelry to make a bridal bouquet :)
XX Lauren Stacks http://lauren-stacks.blogspot.com [book ends]
hummm, i *like* the 3rd, just feel like it might take away from the dress???
what about 3-5 strands of pearls, all different lengths- borrow your mom’s, grama’s, friends- let them be your something borrowed!- very coco and chic.
i loved loved loved my wedding earrings (the ocelot) from mabelchong.com… though i had more going on around the neck, so maybe you should go with the statement thing on your neck.
soooo exciting!
What about some big retro cabaron gems around your neck? Perhaps your somthing blue could be big blue retro beads? I’m thinking whimsy and playful? Could be fun to add some color to your day?
If you’re not feeling so bold (I tend to lean towards more traditional elemnts- although I do lust for a short/feathery dress- aaanyday now the boyfriend will come!) I would go with pearls. They are elegant and timeless. Sigh. xo
oops- typo! I meant to say cabochon- like these- only er, not as expensive! http://www.ireneneuwirth.com/#/home
Kate, I think you need to ask yourself, What would Grace Kelly do? And that’ll be your answer… hah not to be insanely cheesy, buy statement necklaces are beyond trendy and this dress is far too classic and elegant for something huge around your neck. It’ll take away from it’s simple beauty. My favorite look is the necklace I wear every day- it’s a pearl necklace but each pearly is spaced out an inch and a half apart. I know there’s a proper name, I just can’t think of it. It kind of looks like this:
http://www.tiffany.com/Shopping/Item.aspx?fromGrid=1&sku=22403982&mcat=148204&cid=287465&search_params=s+5-p+5-c+287465-r+101323352-x+-n+6-ri+-ni+0-t+
But I think if you could find something like this with a gold chain, that’ll be your best bet. Perfect for summer and it will look super pretty with your dark hair. At least that’s what I’d do!
Hope this helps!
Alaina
also found this one that doesn’t have pearls but it’s a similar look:http://www.anntaylor.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=25776&N=1200015&pCategoryId=3941&categoryId=210&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_210&loc=TN&gridSize=sm&showAll=true&defaultColor=Soft%20Ribbon&defaultSizeType=Regular
I think no question do the last necklace- it’s actually not that trendy, and has some classic elements that will carry it through. It would so stunning and just a jaw dropper!! If you decide against the necklace I would do no necklace and some great baubly dramatic earrings.
i would go with the first one. I don’t know what everyone else is saying but I think it’s a good medium between the other two. It’s not so out there that people think you are crazy, yet it is still trendy and elegant.
can’t wait to see what decision you make!
xo
Kirby
I say big chunky statement piece hanging around your neck for sure! It would be the perfect compliment to that dainty and adorable dress.
Hi Katie–
I vote for none of these three choices. You seem like such a classy elegant girl and I think down the road you may regret these of-the-moment choices. I would choose some timeless earrings, beautiful pearls or rhinestone/diamond earrings. You want people to notice you, not your dress or your accessories and I think brides often make the mistake of choosing a dress too “blinged” out and also too many loud accessories. You have chosen a very classic, elegant, but yet simple dress, so I think you should stick to that thought process when choosing your accessories. Have you considered a flower for your hair? Maybe if we knew your wedding setting/theme that would also be helpful. Good luck!
No one has said this yet, but I really like how simple and elegant the pearl necklace is styled in the image for your “Quote of the Day” for today. Perhaps that could be a cool way to keep the pearls, keep it simple, but add a cute little twist.
#3! Lovely!
I’m a huge fan of color — I’d go with some cute colored shoes, a gorgeous crystal headband (check out Jennifer Behr), and maybe a turquoise necklace?
My vote is for the third one. But if it hangs too low there is a similar necklace that is shorter and a bit more chunky available now at Neiman Marcus. It’s call the “Shag Necklace” in Ivory. I also like the idea of doing a fun pop of color like turquoise. Have fun shopping; I’m sure whatever you pick will be beautiful!
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod101930166&parentId=cat21800734&masterId=cat4870734&index=52&cmCat=cat000000cat2830732cat4870731cat4870734cat21800734
Statement necklace for sure. Go for the third option – it’s gorgeous. Don’t worry about a timeless look because how fun will it be when your daughter looks at your pictures and says, “Mom, you were so stylish.” That’s how I feel when I look at my Mom’s 70s wedding :)
I am with Ashley, Laura and Lauren on this one. Your dress is so stunningly simple and elegant, it really doesn’t need a necklace. I would go for a bare neck and stunning earrings, maybe also a bracelet and make the flowers another focal point. Whatever you decide you will be a beautiful bride and I can’t wait to see the photos!
The dress is beautiful, I would go for a really long simple veil and chandelier earrings so that when the veil is off you still have something of interest around your face. Of the necklaces the third stood out to me as really beautiful but I also like very classic pieces, perhaps an excuse to get something a little more expensive to keep forever?
Katie,
I didn’t read the other comments ’cause I have been so busy lately, but really please don’t wear all Jcrew. I know it is so tempting, but resist. How about seeing if your mom has anything vintage that would and check off the something borrowed box. Alternatively, look for a “new” vintage piece while shopping for Katie Armour Home. (something old–done!).
Finally if that all fails—classic pearls are better than all Jcrew. Lynn
We (my student and I) really love the 3rd necklace if you can shorten it. What are you doing with your hair? Are you wearing your signature style?
Here are some ideas!
–The Ann Taylor shoes, a fabulous Lo Boheme hairpiece instead of a veil, hair upswept and vintage or the like chandelier earrings.
–Ann Taylor shoes, Neclace one or three or one of the fab Elva Fields necklaces, smallish earrings which don’t fight for the spotlight but with some sparkle, hair upswept, fresh flowers in hair.
I love the 1st and 3rd necklace. No matter what you will be stunning. That dress is beautiful. Or do chandelier earrings and no necklace. That is what I ended up doing.
Shoes are the best part. Well, speaking from my shoe addiction anyways. What are you thinking so far?
Oh P.S. If you are trying to decide on the veil I have someone who will make you a custom veil for an incredible deal. Mine was $60 and made with lace from my mom’s wedding gown. Let me know if you want the info and I’ll send it your way. :)
I wish I could articulate this better, but I can’t. I just feel very strongly about strapless gowns and NO necklaces at all, then big statement earrings. Just my two cents! I love the simplicity of it, so chic.
So I’m going to go ahead and say I’m loving #2- I feel like it’s part statement/part classic design… and bows… swoon. Or, you know I’m always in favor of classic pearls… You’ll be looking at these pictures forever…
no necklace or something small and I would love a simple veil.
I thought about wearing a pill box hat, but I am so glad I did not. I look back and feel that my look is timeless. I think you want to love it years from now and not say, Geez, what was I thinking! I could see a scarf, a chiffon scarf?
pve