The legendary Coco Chanel had a sage pearl of dressing wisdom: take off the last thing you put on. When heading out for a dressy event, I follow this advice faithfully. In my case, most of my last-minute additions are made in a final moment of insecurity, when in the doubt and excitement of that moment I scramble for one extra bit of sparkle. Taking off that final piece has saved me countless embarrassing get-ups.
For instance, the silly necklace seen here, in all its frivolous glory, was a last-minute addition to a floral suit jacket that was, in itself, more than enough. (Some would consider it too much.) I clasped it, felt the heaviness around my neck, and on the way out heard the voice of Ms. Chanel whispering her words of wisdom. I quickly removed it and hung it around a doorknob for another day. And it worked out splendidly. The jacket was enough.
As in so many other aspects of life, sometimes less is more; elegance is a result of discerned and disciplined editing. Knowing when to stop is an art form of its own.
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