The best way of styling a dirndl is to complete the look with some trachtenschmuck. Adding traditional jewelry with dirndls pulls the whole look together and gives a very polished, festive look. Like the traditional clothes, these pieces hold the same significance as pieces of heritage. The jewelry includes multiple types of pieces like chains, earrings, necklaces, and chokers, for both men and women.
What is Trachtenschmuck?
Trachtenschmuck is the traditional Bavarian jewelry that is worn with the traditional clothing. It includes every piece of jewelry that is worn with the dirndls or lederhosen. The necklaces, pendants, bracelets, brooches, and even hair accessories are all part of traditional Bavarian jewelry, with the most iconic pieces being the charivari chains.
The trachtenschmuck is not the same as the trendy dirndl jewelry, because the making of trachtenschmuck requires skilled goldsmith techniques. Due to this high-quality craftsmanship, these pieces of jewelry are heirloom quality and are often passed down from ancestors, which adds irreplaceable sentiments to them. Having these pieces is equal to having a piece of Bavarian heritage.
Types of Trachtenschmuck (Traditional Bavarian Jewelry)
The traditional Bavarian jewelry comes in various types for both lederhosen and dirndls. Lederhosen are mostly styled with the charivari chains and symbolic brooches of edelweiss flower, deer, antlers and oaks. While the styling options for dirndls are much more vast including the traditional chokers, pendants, bracelets hair accessories and much more. Even the charivari chains are used with dirndls as well. The advantage of traditional jewelry is that it is very versatile and any type can be styled with multiple outfits.
Charivari Chains the Star of Traditional Bavarian Jewelry
The charivari chains are the most identifiable pieces of jewelry from the trachtenschmuck. It is a 12 to 15 inch long sterling silver or silver-plated chain adorned with charms. The charms can be anything from gemstones, edelweiss flowers, hearts, or teeth of hunted animals. These chains were like a trophy showcase for men where the achievements in hunting are hung at the belt of lederhosen.
Styling Options:
The charivari chains were originally strictly for men, but now they are frequently spotted with women's dirndls as well.
Men's styling: These chains are hung at the front flap of lederhosen. The chain is decorated with charms like small body parts of hunted animals, coins or gemstones. Nowadays it depends on the personal taste of the wearer how they want to decorate the chain. And options have expanded.
Women's Styling: Women wear these chains around the bodice or the apron of the German dirndl. Sometimes they are replaced with a necklace as well. The charms included in female styling are hearts, edelweiss flowers or pearls.
Edelweisse Pendants Symbolizing Culture
Edelweiss flowers are the symbol of Bavarian heritage. Any piece of jewelry that has these motifs quietly nods to the Bavarian heritage. For this reason, edelweiss flower pendants are very common as well as significant in traditional jewelry.
The edelweiss flower jewelry comes in a wide variety and price range. There are high price range options like a solid 14k gold pendant or a 925 sterling silver pendant for a classic look.
Styling Options:
Wearing the pendant with a delicate chain around the neck is the most classic look that effortlessly blends with traditional clothing or everyday clothing as well. For a more statement look, layers of other neckpieces can be added. Edelweiss flower earrings and bracelets are a good option too.
Chokers for a Complete Feminine Look
Chokers are the most significant pieces of traditional jewelry for women. The traditional Bavarian chokers are artisan-made, beautifully decorated with stones and pearls. These chokers are custom made according to the dress colors and the liking of the wearer.
Less exclusive options of chokers are also available that are more accessible and versatile for the festival season.
Styling Options
Chokers generally suit any neckline of the blouse but they look best with a round neckline. Layering can be done with other necklaces that hang lower than the chokers.
Styling the Jewelry According to the Neckline
The different traditional neck pieces look the most flattering when they are styled to match the bodice and blouse neckline. This technique balances the look with the necklace without overcrowding or leaving empty space, so learning the right technique is important.
Closed Neckline: For closed-neckline chokers, the best option is to fill the space without overcrowding.
V neckline: A low-hanging pendant necklace looks best with a V neckline and beautifully fills the space.
Round Neckline: Most neckpieces suit the round neckline. Layering of chokers and pendant style neckpieces can be done too.
Styling According to Occasions
Styling the jewelry according to the occasions is equally important.
Festivals: Styling a choker or a delicate necklace with simple earrings looks the best and is festival-appropriate.
Weddings: For weddings, the look can be minimal but statement. A traditional jewelry set with a pendant necklace and stud earrings will go perfectly with the wedding look. The pieces can be stones encrusted to add a royal wedding vibe.
Weekend brunch: For this occasion, the jewelry should be minimal yet playful, like small edelweiss-flower earrings paired with a pendant necklace.