Budget Stylista: Make a Fashion Statement

By Jill

The number one reason I love the statement necklace: no effort required.

In your most lazy moments you can throw on jeans, a white tee and a statement necklace and it looks like you put time and effort into your ‘fit instead of hitting snooze fifteen times.

I also love statement necklaces because they work so well with unexpected outfits. When paired with the right patterns or opposing colors, the statement necklace adds the right punch. You know those times you look through a catalog (J.Crew, sigh) or a store window and wish you had the eye to put that combo together (think plaid with a big statement necklace over it). Well, now you can!

And the best news is you don’t need to shell out the big bucks to make your statement. You can find necklaces everywhere from Target to street vendors to Forever 21 that make you look like a million bucks (and like you spent that too- but shh, that’s our secret).

The Romantic Statement

Dress, Necklace, Shoes

This may be a walking Valentine’s Day cliche, but it’s also totally sweet and charming. Plus, playing with soft neutral pink tones is a nice change to the more obvious reds and fuschias we typically see on V-day. A chunky necklace works with this because of the solid neckline. And keeping it monochromatic from necklace to shoe makes it work even more.

The Rocker Statement

Necklace, Jeans, Tee, Wedges

A scoop neckline is one of the best kinds of necklines for showcasing a statement necklace. Highlighting your necklace AND your collarbones is a win-win. I love this necklace (yet another reason to love Target!) and the cap sleeves of this tee add more dimension to the overall look. Tuck it into these high-waisted jeans and it will strike the perfect balance with the flared leg. Hot to the ness.

The Prepster-Clad-in-Plaid Statement

Necklace, Plaid Shirt, Jeans, Boots

I LOVE statement necklaces over collared shirts. From chambray to plaid- it just works. While you may think plaid is too busy a backdrop for a statement necklace, I am here to inform you that you are wrong! Pick a bold statement necklace that stands out against the color you’re pairing it with (i.e. gold stands out perfectly on this red and blue background). A longer tunic like this one is great with skinny jeans and boots, but a shorter one would be totally cute tucked in with a metallic or brown skinny belt.