I recently added a few statement necklaces from BaubleBar to my collection, including the Orange Mosaic Bib pictured above.   In light of this purchase, the question posed to The Petite Edition is:

My general assessment:

• Statement necklaces may be worn to the office provided they are on the smaller, less glitzy side. Take for instance the below necklaces, which I have worn to the office on numerous occasions.  (The usual caveats apply: bear in mind your office dress code; look to supervisors for guidance; and it’s probably not a good idea to be trendy at a new client pitch, unless you’re in advertising, retail or a profession more fashion oriented than finance, law, etc.)  In contrast, I would not wear the white necklace pictured at the bottom to the office.  The rule?  The greater the embellishment, the less office-friendly.

Pictured above:  J.Crew Tessallate necklace (sold out online but available through several eBay sellers, with similar versions on Etsy); Banana Republic pearls (old, see similar versions here and here).

• A black, classic, high neckline, long length pencil dress can serve as the backdrop to many accessories.  I would venture to wear my newly acquired BaubleBar piece with a black (navy, or gray) shift dress to work.  I would not, however, wear it with a v-neck or low scoop-neck dress.  It goes almost without saying that a lower neckline, particularly when paired with boulder accessories, tends to be more appropriate for after hours than office hours.   Try to balance the overall look of your dress by pairing bold necklaces with more conservative clothing.

• Are statement necklaces really one-size-fits all?  Bear in mind proportions when selecting or styling a statement necklace.  I almost returned the below necklace from BCBG thinking the proportion of the necklace was too large for my narrow shoulders.  When worn closer to the neck, it overwhelmed my small frame.  However, when worn on the last hook (so that more of my body was behind the necklace, grounding it) I could pull it off.  The lesson?  Changing the length of the necklace might prove in your favor.

Introducing a statement necklace to your wardrobe will change the look of already worn piece, breathe new life back into your wardrobe and not over-stretch your wallet.  (For instance, at a price of $38, the BaubleBar piece is far cheaper than purchasing another work outfit!)

Through some trial and error, you will be able to find necklaces with right proportions that accentuate your style, rather than hide your frame and look which look great for work!

Readers do you agree?