"Most people want a dress they can wear their jewelry with," said Cucinella. "If jewelry is key, we advise that they look for a dress that is simple and allows them to shows off their pieces. This way, jewelry big and small goes well."
For bolder prints, she suggests wearing fewer, more strategic pieces. "If you're wearing a beaded or lace dress, avoid wearing big jewelry because the dress stands on its own. Instead, opt for something small, and omit the necklace." Wearing a floral pattern? Cucinella suggests picking up a color stone that complements the fabric's hue. Pearls, a neutral classic, pair nicely, as do matching color stones. "Using a gemstone with a floral print makes the look more fun and unexpected," she said.
As a general rule, Cucinella tries to avoid pairing large hanging earrings with necklaces. Instead, she suggests those wearing hanging earrings to opt for a complementary bracelet. This way, the look doesn't become too distracting.
Handbags can also present a dilemma for many function-goers, as the array of styles, shapes and colors can seemingly make or break a look. Cucinella notes that while bags -- and shoes as well -- need not match with the dress exactly, keeping the tones similar can create a more polished look. For example, a navy dress goes nicely with a black shoe.
When selecting the right accessories, it's also important to know the occasion. "For daytime dresses, we tend to pare down the accessories," said Cucinella. "The best time to wear extensive jewelry is at formal functions, a cocktail party or black tie event." However, on these special occasions, most accessories are versatile enough to wear all year round, and what works in the heat of the summer fits right in during the middle of the winter.
To learn more about accessorizing your dress, visit the style experts at Mary Jane Denzer in the Ritz Carlton in White Plains.