1. Gold vs. silver
If your dress has metallic details or embellishments, always opt for jewelry of the same sheen (gold with gold, silver with silver, bronze with bronze). If your dress is metallic-free, simply choose your metal of choice.As a rule, gold really makes jewel and earth tones pop, while silver complements pastels. Metallic shoes are a truly great wear-with-anything investment, but they must match your jewelry.
2. Heels vs. flats
While teetering stilettos used to be the only appropriate formal footwear, flats are becoming more and more acceptable. Not just any anti-heels will do, though. Rich details like sequins, rhinestones, and bows take skimmers to the next level, while metallic colors and fancy buckles will make sandals red-carpet ready.Take your dress into account. If your LBD is fit for Audrey Hepburn, ballerina flats are just right. If you're dress is channeling bohemian gypsy, snag a pair of this season's shiny gladiators.
3. Necklace vs. earrings
Since prom night calls for a little more frosting than usual, you can definitely get away with wearing both a necklace and earrings. You can't, however, pull off shoulder-dusting chandeliers with a triple-strand rhinestone stunner.Pick a body part - do you want an iced-up neck or blingy ears? - and ease up on everything else. If you decide on earrings, leave your neck bare (exception: shimmery lotion is allowed). If you choose the necklace, wear the smallest, sweetest post earrings you can find.
4. Clutch vs. wristlet
Carry a clutch if you plan on wearing bracelets, because most wristlets have straps so pretty they should be considered jewelry. If you are going sans arm jewelry, by all means slide on that wristlet - not only is it a terribly stylish option, but there is no risk of leaving it behind.In a jam? Coin purses and fancy cosmetic bags make surprisingly hip clutches.
5. Earrings vs. hair jewelry
Once reserved for belle-of-the-ball dresses, the sparking tiara is suddenly pretty in a decidedly un-princessy way.If you don't feel royal enough to pull off an all-out crown, consider a jeweled headband or sequined hairpiece. This shimmery addition demands understated earrings; paired with rhinestone danglies, a tiara would be much too beauty queen.