Is it just me, or should Rihanna re-sing “Shine Like a Diamond” next year so that it’s “Shine Like an Emerald?”

Anyways, Emerald is 2013’s color of the year and it’s time to start incorporating the gem into your wardrobe. However, green may seem like a weird color to work with and you might be asking yourself questions like: “What colors does it go best with?” “How do I avoid clashing colors?” “I don’t usually wear green, so how do I incorporate it into my closet?”

If you are actually asking yourself these questions, no worries, because that’s the point of this post: to help you embrace your inner gemstone and work the color of the year.

But first, below are some great emerald picks to add to your closet, house, and beauty and jewelry collection:

Clockwise, from left to right: Disco Nights Dress from NastyGal, Green Circles Lamp (perfect way to add some color to a room!), 7 For All Mankind Jeans, Illamasqua nail varnish in Viridian, MAKE UP FOR EVER Pure Pigments in No. 18, Emerald Green, Emerald Drop Earrings from BaubleBar (these definitely look more than $32, right?), Coach Zoee heel, La Mer Collections Watch, Tealight Holder, Terry towels from Brooks Brothers.

Believe it or not, emerald is a simple color to work with if you’re not afraid of green.

Outfit #1: Emerald Dress from ModCloth — Gold-collared jacket, Bib necklace, Anne Klein Cap-toed heels

• This gemstone looks utterly chic when paired with gold (currently my favorite color combo), so have fun and add some gold to your outfit whether it’s with the great gold-collored jacket above, or with gold accessories. For some color, add pinks, blue, purples, or reds.

Outfit #2: Skater Dress from Nordstrom — Juicy Couture fur coat, Cobalt drop earrings, Pink Crystal Cluster ring, Oscar de la Renta ring, Steve Madden pumps

• Emerald is beautiful when paired with shades of  pink. It’s a great color combination and always looks great together. Add in some blue for a pop of color if you’re up for it, otherwise play with pinks and emeralds.

For a more simple approach to emerald, pick up an emerald sweater or top and have fun with all the accessories:

Outfit pieces: Cashmere Crewneck Sweater, TopShop Skinny Jeans, Aldo blue booties

• When wearing a simple, but chic, outfit, choose great shoes that will stand out. The blue booties are a great accent to the emerald sweater and are perfect for any day wear.

• Focus on the accessories. Wear a great scarf, like the Tory Burch dip dye scarf above, and pair it with rings (Asos zig zag rings) and the perfect nail color like ‘Stylenomics by Essie’ nail polish, also above.
• If you’d rather go without a scarf, choose a gold-accented statement necklace like gold Aldo necklace or the Kendra Scott reversible necklace above. Then choose the perfect clutch to bring the outfit together. The BCBG Satin Envelope clutch is a chic find.

Here’s to looking great in emerald in the new year!