But beware the human Disco Ball effect. Just how do you keep Bling glamorous without crossing the tacky Brynne Edelsten line? I’m glad you asked my glittery glamoristas, read my How to Wear Bling rules below and find the path to Bling enlightenment of the chic kind.
How to Wear Bling:
1. Is it Okay to Wear a Blinged-Up Dress During the Day?
Well Kerri-Anne, Brynne and a bevy of Double Bay mavens will all shout “HELL YES – with leopard print on top”. But unless you fit one of these categories [or have a Rachael Zoe degree in fashionista styling] the reality is NO. All-over sparkly frocks worn by day always look cheap, tacky and entirely out of place. Harness your sparkle power when it shimmers sweeter by night light – harsh sunlight only weakens the Bling effect.
2. Is it Okay to Wear a Bling Trimmed Outfit During the Day?
Mercifully, YES this is the loophole around the “No Bling Dress by Day” rule. A subtle matt sequin trim on t-shirt, knit cardigan or denim can add instant glamour. But choose your Bling wisely and make this the focal point. Don’t confuse the eye by adding sparkly accessories as well, or you risk Bling fatigue.
3. How to Wear Glamorous Bling Accessories by Day.
If you dare to wear sparkle during the daytime hours, then accessories are a good way to go. Of course, if your jewels are real, pile them high and wear them anywhere, anytime. If wearing bijoux, beware to only wear one piece at a time – earrings, cuff, cocktail ring, a brooch or necklace – not all together. Diamante clutches and shoes will always scream evening, so avoid them for day at all costs, but a clever oversized tote bag with some well placed Bling is tres chic. Ensure the rest of your outfit is relaxed and casual – denim jeans, jersey or knitwear are the perfect backdrop for a Bling daytime indulgence.
4. Metallic Must Do’s Metallics are Also a Great “Bling by Day” Option.
Again choose one metallic item, be it handbag, jacket, skirt or belt. Monochrome ensembles let metallics shine in their best light, wear gunmetal against dramatic black, or team with charcoal, dove greys or inky navy. Rose gold works with peachy creams, pinky buff or praline toffee shades. Team yellow gold with warm neutrals of beige, camel or champagne toned nudes. Silver goes with almost anything but looks most expensive against vanilla white or jet black. Showcase bronzes with rusty hues of burnt orange, warm molten browns and autumnal golds.
5. How to Accessorise a Bling Dress
There is nothing more glamorous than a fully bejewelled dress for evening. Think JLo at the Grammys or Gwyneth at the Oscars. The trick here is NOT to accessorise. Keep hair sleek and makeup minimal, perhaps with a slight sheen to the brow and cheek bone. Wear no jewelry – ok, maybe one huge cocktail ring – handbag should be a tiny palm sized clutch and simple stiletto neutral pump. Everything else needs to be pared back to let the Bling frock shine centre stage; otherwise you could end up looking like a glitzy Griswold’s Christmas Tree.
6. Makeup All a Glimmer
Don’t shy away from shimmer, just don’t overdo it. Subtlety is the key to pulling off makeup that Blings. Highlight cheekbones with lustrous luminiser and set skin aglow with body sheens and light bronzers. Go for shaded eyes in soft glittered charcoals, greys and silvers; or powdery metallic golds, chocolaty browns and cognac hues. Nails showcase the new matt finish metallics of gold, rose gold, platinum, bronze and titanium. The general rule here is, the more Bling you are wearing in your outfit, the softer reflection of Bling in your makeup.
Ok, now that you are not so blinded by the Bling light, enjoy your moment bathing in the expensive glamour of chic sparkle. And pass on the Bling Rules to Brynne if you see her.