Please help me find a necklace to go with this dress!

[Couldashouldawoulda]

I have a couple of events to go to in the next couple of months, and finances don't permit buying a new dress right now, so I need to work with what I've got. This black dress is the best bet from my pre-children wardrobe, but I'd love to find a really nice new necklace to jazz it up. Budget say £30. I'm hopeless at accessorising, though! I'm tall and need something relatively chunky weightwise, maybe beads, because fine little chains just get lost on me. I'm planning to wear the dress with black shoes and either nude or black tights. Thanks so much in advance for your help!

You look great! I have to say though, a chunky necklace won't work at all with that classically shaped dress. The neckline is begging for something more delicate.

I don't see how it would be lost on you at all. You are very proportionate and slim.

uk.accessorize.com/view/product/uk_catalog/acc_2,acc_2.3/1824494000

uk.accessorize.com/view/product/uk_catalog/acc_2,acc_2.3/1824651200

uk.accessorize.com/view/product/uk_catalog/acc_2,acc_2.3/1826580100

uk.accessorize.com/view/product/uk_catalog/acc_2,acc_2.3/1824949900

some of these are chunky I suppose....I like the last one a lot.

Heaps of topshop statement necklaces on eBay. I've been eyeing a few up myself.

They're under a tenner, so a couple to change with would still be under budget.

A double or triple row of pearls shorter than the décolletage would look chic.

It might just be me who hates chunky necklaces or excessive jewellery. I think it's a nice dress, plain and elegant and looks just fine with nothing.

Strappy sandals, hair done nicely, maybe up for one do, down for the other, good make up and maybe a slim tennis bracelet is all you need. Nails done. Toe and fingers.

Sometimes less really is more.

I have worn this recently with a very similar neckline and love it.

Have since worn it on a night out with a tshirt and jeans so it's pretty versatile.

How about this from John Lewis? It is shown modelled on a neck line similar to your dress, and it is big but not too chunky:

www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-statement-pear-drop-glass-and-cubic-zirconia-necklace-silver/p3061251

I also really like this. Very sleek and modern, if that's your thing:

www.johnlewis.com/nina-b-navette-shape-pendant/p1991226?colour=Silver

Thank you all very much for your suggestions - I'll check them out!

The dress looks great on you! I would either go with just a chunky cuff bracelet / wide bangle type of thing or try a long necklace with a delicate chain and a larger pendant or tassel.

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www.statementbaubles.com/image/cache/NOV/cobalt%20druzy%20round%20stone%20pendant%20tassel%20charm%20long%20necklace-1000x1000.jpg

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Pearls

Statement bracelet instead

Or if you wear earrings glitzy drops - Dryberg Kern (John Lewis Stock) , or Swarovski who do some simple drops. I also agree re Bluntness above re hair and nails etc

Probably more costly than a new dress but look at Michael Negrin's stuff. It transforms high street dresses. I had one piece for my wedding and recently treated myself to a matching necklace and earrings. I get complements every time I wear them.

An example of Negrin,s lovely work.

Thanks so much all of you, both for the kind comments and the ideas. I'm off to do some more research!