The most popular theme for women’s western dress is the chunkier the better. Big stones of turquoise, jade, jasper, or tiger’s eye are the rage. It’s all good and looks great with most women’s western and even some western men’s outfits. But, you can always make a serious fashion mistake following the trends too much.

I recently attended a very upscale western dress event. As I was dressing before the event, I came to a decision point. Being in the western jewelry business, I obviously have plenty to choose from. I have it all, chunky, slim, silver, gold, turquoise, leather, you name it. My dilemma was finding the perfect look to go with my formal western outfit. I have no problem going chunky. I am a slim build and chunky looks fine on me. I was leaning towards some of my best and most expensive turquoise and coral chunky necklaces and earrings. The longer I stood in front of the mirror, the worse I felt. Wow, we have all been there many times! Something was not right. Upon looking over my jewelry collection, I figured it out. I immediately reached for some of my best and most delicate sterling silver and turquoise jewelry. I chose a liquid silver necklace with beautiful turquoise stone accents. Dangling from the bottom of the necklace was a pair of sterling silver feathers. I tried it on and stood in front of the mirror. My “sick” feeling went away. The necklace was just enough to compliment my western outfit, but not big enough to draw attention away from my features or my clothes. It also complimented the silver boot accessories I was wearing that night. It was a win!

That night at the event, I received many compliments on my clothes and especially on my jewelry. Several of my friends asked if it was a new line of jewelry I was selling, as if they had never seen it before. They had not recognized the pieces I was wearing despite the fact I had worn them before. Even my husband said he loved the way I looked. He aslo asked if the jewelry was new. My husband said he “loves it when I wear very thin silver and turquoise. He says it gives me a very sexy look, and it highlights my neckline, skin tone and features very well. Needless to say, it was a great evening.

The lesson learned here is do not always get caught up in the latest fashion craze. There are some occasions that you need to accessorize with what makes YOU look best. You will know which jewelry pieces work best for you. Good western jewelry never goes out of style. The great thing about women’s western fashion today is it’s versatility. You can wear something that dates back 20 years ago, or any of today’s modern mix and still hit the mark. Women’s western fashion and western jewelry continues to evolve, but all of us still love that old west spirit and freedom!