BCBG statement necklace

(This is the third in a five-part series about making a statement in a second.)

It’s glorious mom math. Something you can add quickly to a casual outfit that ups the glamour quotient.

White boyfriend tee + jeans = casual afternoon

White boyfriend tee + jeans + statement necklace = an evening out

The quickest and easiest way to go from shabby to chic. Even a tee becomes elegant when you toss on a gloriously embellished necklace.

My favorite is today’s bib necklace (baby has hers to drool on, now you have yours to drool over). But I won’t say no to a heavy grouping of chains, fabric designs or some kind of mix. That’s right. I’m a necklace whore.

Here are a few tips on adding this easy piece to your wardrobe:

• Statement necklaces are meant to be the focal point of your outfit, so keep everything else you have on simple. Notice I said, simple…not boring. Just avoid patterned tops. The necklace will lose its oomph.

• Choose clean necklines, such as boat necks, v-necks and scoops. Of course strapless is the best way to showcase this “wow” accessory.

• Keep your hair style simple, like a swept-up ponytail or sleek, straightened longer styles.

• If you’re wearing a huge necklace, that should be it. That means no earrings. If you feel naked without them, go with tiny studs. If you have bare arms, forgo the bracelets and instead invest in a good cocktail ring or two. These are far enough away from the necklace to not really compete.

A few of the beautiful and bold:

alice + olivia

prismera

Topshop

Next in my Just “Wow” Them Part 4, we’ll tackle an even scarier statement—animal prints. Because it’s a jungle out there.

For more beauty, fashion and fitness tips, visit Cheryl at www.cherylfenton.com/blog.