As an image consultant, I often get asked in regard to professional dress, “how much jewelry is too much.” The amount of jewelry you wear at any one time can be different for professional dress and every day dress. The main goal of professional dress is to create a memorable image without any distractions. The following are some tips to help you decide what to wear and what not to wear:

• Earrings, necklaces, pins and scarves help draw attention to your face, where you always want it for business. When your face is the focal point, your message is much stronger!

• Metals, pearls, precious and semi-precious stones, and crystal jewelry present an elegant look without being audacious. Examine each piece for a look of quality.  Avoid plastic or enamel, or anything that looks cheap.

• Medium-sized jewelry will be eye-catching and sharp, yet not distracting in business. Delicate jewelry is beautiful, but it doesn’t have the drawing power of a more substantial piece. Overly large pieces can be distracting.

• One piece of jewelry should be dominant, larger or more attention getting, and the other pieces should be subordinate. For example, if you’re wearing a substantial necklace, your earrings should be

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Strands of pearls and long necklaces are ever so stylish right now. However as an image, wardrobe and style consultant, I’ve consulted with a few bigger busted women who just aren’t sure if these necklaces will complement them. Without a doubt, you can wear necklaces…use the following tips to wear necklaces to add to not only your personal style, but your professionalism to boot! When it comes to long necklaces, you need chunky styles and those with multiple strands. Single strands and delicate chains with pendants will just fall into your cleavage-not where you want attention for business. If your preference is for shorter necklaces, chunky is still the way to go. Be sure it sits well below your collar bone. (In pearls, this length is often called opera length.) Your goal with this necklace is to balance your proportions and create a V or U shape, which brings attention to the middle of your body. The eye then naturally goes up to your gorgeous face. I urge you to try these tips. Accessories are truly magical!