Jewelry to wear with simple black midi dress for piano recital

[Anonymous]

I am helping with my child's music school recital in a couple weeks. I am keeping things very unfussy since I'll be helping wrangle kids and helping with instruments during the recital -- a simple black midi dress with short sleeves and kind of a wrap style waist, and black flats. But since we'll be doing photos with our DD and other family and going out after, I'd like to dress it up a little bit.

What would you suggest? I think it needs something more exciting than my usual jewelry wardrobe, which involves only very understated items. I want to make this look a little less like office wear (or worse, a funeral outfit). Maybe some color? Or something a little chunky or bold? Links or specific brands extra appreciated! TY!

[Anonymous]

If you have pearls or diamonds, I think that would be a nice contrasting look with the black.

[Anonymous]

Agree with strand of pearls. Not diamonds. How about a colorful scarf?

[Anonymous]

What about a pendant necklace with a colorful pendant? I think a strand of pearls is awful.

[Anonymous]

OP here. I think pearls would be too plain/conservative -- the funeral vibe I mentioned. Yes to color! But what color? Or multi-color? And where do you find stuff like that?

I looked through the Anthropologie jewelry selections because I thought I remembered them having colored statement necklaces (I haven't bought this sort of jewelry in a long time) but nothing looked quite right. My sister suggested earrings from Sezane and I do like their jewelry but the earrings are HUGE and I think too big for my purposes. Also I have long wavy hair and will probably wear it down or half up/half down (it's probably my best feature) so a necklace seems better because it won't compete.

Anyway I like the idea of a colorful pendant but no idea where to look for that kind of thing.

[Anonymous]

It’s not appropriate to wear lots of color when you’re a stage hand. Stick to black on black. Add a colorful scarf or jacket for dinner. A simple stand of pearls might be ok or some diamond studs but nothing OTT.

[Anonymous]

I am no expert but I think the colorful statement necklaces are out right now. I have some and feel frumpy now when I try them on. The stylish young women seem to be wearing delicate necklaces, subtle gold.

I would wear shoes/sandals that are fun, and some fun earrings.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s not appropriate to wear lots of color when you’re a stage hand. Stick to black on black. Add a colorful scarf or jacket for dinner. A simple stand of pearls might be ok or some diamond studs but nothing OTT.

I'm not a stage hand. I'm just walking some of the younger kids out onto the stage for their performances, keeping an eye on them backstage, and helping to set up some of the instruments since I am a musician. I don't have to wear black, I will just feel more comfortable in that because I don't want to draw attention to myself on stage, but since we have family coming into town and we will take photos with DD, I want to dress it up a bit so I don't look too dour.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am no expert but I think the colorful statement necklaces are out right now. I have some and feel frumpy now when I try them on. The stylish young women seem to be wearing delicate necklaces, subtle gold.

I would wear shoes/sandals that are fun, and some fun earrings.

Can you recommend some fun earrings or at least brands to look at? I usually only wear small studs.

Delicate gold necklaces are what I usually wear! But they don't read with this particular outfit. I think a bit of color/contrast would be good. Nothing super dramatic, but just some interest.

Would something kind of earthy work to you think? Wood beads or something woven, like these raffia earrings?

https://uncommonjames.com/products/raffia-woven-hoop-earrings?variant=42326676242455

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I think pearls would be too plain/conservative -- the funeral vibe I mentioned. Yes to color! But what color? Or multi-color? And where do you find stuff like that?

I looked through the Anthropologie jewelry selections because I thought I remembered them having colored statement necklaces (I haven't bought this sort of jewelry in a long time) but nothing looked quite right. My sister suggested earrings from Sezane and I do like their jewelry but the earrings are HUGE and I think too big for my purposes. Also I have long wavy hair and will probably wear it down or half up/half down (it's probably my best feature) so a necklace seems better because it won't compete.

Anyway I like the idea of a colorful pendant but no idea where to look for that kind of thing.

Here you go: https://www.macys.com/shop/featured/pendant-necklace/Color_normal,Gender,Necklace_style,Price/Blue|Multi|Green|Red,Women,Long%20Pendant|Pendant,50%257C100?ss=true

[Anonymous]

Summery scarf is my thought.

Statement necklaces are not popular right now, although I think a turquoise necklace might be nice.

https://mcys.co/42zq2PY

[Anonymous]

I have a few of these Madewell three-necklace sets (they typically have a few per season) and people always seem to comment on them. I've had them for 3-4 years, wear them frequently and there are no signs of discoloration or fading.

Not that expensive and add a little color and style (I am a very conservative dresser). I think they look a lot more expensive than they are and it makes people think you've got non-costume jewelry on.

https://www.madewell.com/p/womens/accessories/jewelry/necklaces/three-pack-mother-of-pearl-necklace-set/NL488/?ccode=ED0747

[Anonymous]

OP,

Sorry for being blunt, but I've spent 15 years viewing children's musical performances, and occasionally helping out as volunteer, for solo recitals, competitions, auditions, full orchestral or choral concerts, anywhere from small halls/churches to Carnegie Hall... and all this is completely moot. Wear what you want. No one cares except you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s not appropriate to wear lots of color when you’re a stage hand. Stick to black on black. Add a colorful scarf or jacket for dinner. A simple stand of pearls might be ok or some diamond studs but nothing OTT.

I'm not a stage hand. I'm just walking some of the younger kids out onto the stage for their performances, keeping an eye on them backstage, and helping to set up some of the instruments since I am a musician. I don't have to wear black, I will just feel more comfortable in that because I don't want to draw attention to myself on stage, but since we have family coming into town and we will take photos with DD, I want to dress it up a bit so I don't look too dour.

You just described a stage hand.

[Anonymous]

Squash blossom necklace.