How do you choose and match your jewellery to complement your style and show off your character? How do you make the most of your jewellery collection without being boring? The answers are not always obvious. Don't be afraid! We've come up with the top 15 tips for wearing your jewelry in the most stylish way possible.
Does that sound familiar?;
Do you have a huge jewellery collection filled with pieces you love (or have forgotten you love), but you're really not making the most of them and you're not sure where to start? Or maybe you're not sure which pieces to buy to match what you already own but most of all your style?;
We have all been in your shoes.
The good news is that we've put together some sound and handy tips to help you wear your jewellery beautifully, complementing and enhancing your style and personality.
1. Create layers with rings, necklaces or bracelets.
Why not start with something fun? Experiment with different lengths, shapes, textures and colours. This will create attractive layers with rings, necklaces, bracelets and even, in some cases, earrings.
If you're experimenting with necklaces, then use different lengths to lead the eye up to your face. Different shapes, colours and textures will create an attractive composition.
With bracelets you can create a party on your arm with different pieces that will shine and intertwine as you move. Rings can be mixed, matched and stacked in all sorts of interesting combinations. Whether they are thin darts, or larger ones with or without zircons they can be combined and create amazing combinations.
You can even experiment with using several different styles of earrings if you have more than one ear hole or want to combine ear cuffs with other earrings.
Layering and stacking are easy. Just gather a collection of necklaces and pendants of different lengths, textures and designs and try them in different combinations to see what works. Make a note of the combinations you like so you can remember them later.
Repeat with the rest of the jewellery, bracelets, rings, earrings and create your own style.
2. Know when to stop.
You know how it is: sometimes too much is too much.
If you're trying to draw attention to your face and neck with lots of necklaces or a statement necklace, maybe you don't need an armful of bracelets to compete for attention.
Or if you're wearing a bold pair of statement earrings, then perhaps your necklace could be more subtle or even non-existent. On the other hand, a bold pair of earrings with a matching necklace can sometimes work beautifully.
If you have used a lot of accessories, remember Coco Chanel saying: «Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove an accessory.» Or not, as the case may be. Do what suits you and the occasion you are dressing for.
3. Think about your earrings.
Don't you find that it can be very easy to forget your earrings?;
However, your earrings are usually in the line of sight for anyone talking to you, so they are really important. You should aim to choose earrings to frame your face and complement your hair, eye color and skin tone.
If you have long hair, a good tip is to choose a colour or metallic finish that is more likely to be visible, depending on your hair colour.
4. Don't forget to change your earrings.
I am guilty of this myself. If you have pierced ears, it can be so easy to wear the same pair of earrings for weeks. Or maybe you almost never change them. But remembering to change your earrings is a great way to add interest and style to your look every day. It's also the perfect opportunity to clean out your favorite pair of earrings!
You can make changes to your appearance by simply wearing a variety of small stud earrings every day. Or you can add sparkle and movement with some pendant earrings, depending on your outfit.
A good way to start is to look through your jewellery collection to find one you haven't worn in a while. You can also buy new pairs of earrings that catch your eye and will add some variety and interest to your jewelry collection.
5. Experiment with mixing different metals.
It was once considered a sin in fashion to mix different colours of metal. Personally it's something I never understood, as I love them all. But thankfully this is no longer the case. Even according to the fashion police we don't have to have all our jewellery be silver, all gold or all pink.
So consider necklaces with pendants that contrast with the colour of their chain and rings that combine different metallic colours. Lots of layered necklaces or bracelets in different metals to add vibrancy, interest and colour to your outfit.
6. Accessories to complete your outfit.
That sounds pretty straightforward, doesn't it? But I know from myself that it doesn't always happen. Before you start dressing up, think about which piece of jewelry you most want to wear wherever you go.
You may decide that you really want to wear a particular piece of jewellery on an outing, so you'll need to choose your clothes and other accessories to work with it. Otherwise, you can choose the outfit first and then match the jewelry and accessories to it.
Either way it works. If you've taken the time to put together the right combination, you should look sleek and stylish.
7. Decide where to focus your total.
Here is a relevant decision to make while you are getting dressed. What do you want to be the focus of your dressing?;
A simple - even boring - outfit will almost always look transformed into something special with the right jewellery and accessories. You can choose jewellery that really makes a statement to bring a simple outfit to life, or do some mix & match jewellery for a more layered look. But if you're wearing bold outfits, then it's often a good idea to go with smaller, more subtle jewellery as highlights.
The best advice is to make a decision about what will work for you and go with it. Your goal should always be to dress how you feel so that you feel comfortable and confident.
8. Choose the focal point for your jewellery.
Where do you want people to look if you're dressing for something special?;
If you are wearing jewellery that is meant to attract attention, then it is usually best to focus on an area that you want to draw attention to e.g. neck, ears, hands etc.
For example, if you're wearing a bold necklace, then go for more subtle rings and earrings. Or you might consider leaving them out altogether. Consider what the focal point is and make sure other accessories and clothing don't detract from it.
9. Expand your wardrobe with experimentation.
This can be fun to do whenever you have some free time on your hands.
Just wear a basic outfit and try it on in front of a mirror with various jewellery and other accessories from your collection. Try different combinations of jewellery designs that you wouldn't normally consider pairing and add different accessories such as scarves, bags or watches.
Try a single focal point with a statement piece, then try mixing, matching, stacking and layering. Keep trying different combinations and focal points.
You'll be surprised what you can find to differentiate the look of even the simplest outfit. And once you're done with one outfit, put on another and start again.
If you don't have a lot of jewellery or your collection is not very diverse, then think about the types of jewellery that will add interest and depth to your wardrobe. Now is the time to shop. Isn't it great to have an excuse to treat yourself?;
10. Don't be a slave to trends.
We all know someone who is a little too much of a fashion slave. Trends influence what we all wear to some extent, which is okay. But it's never a good idea to slavishly follow fashion at the expense of your taste and personality. You'll end up losing yourself. Oh - and it's also very expensive!
Instead, try to discover and develop your own style that suits you and makes you feel confident. This may turn out to be unfashionable at the moment or at some point in the future, but if you master it, you'll simply be fine.
When choosing jewellery to wear, always think about what goes with the colour, context and overall sense of style. Keep all of these things in mind when accessorizing. And don't forget your personality! We are all different and your personality should be allowed to shine through the jewelry you choose and the way you present yourself in general.
11. Wear rings with pride.
According to the old rhyme, wearing rings on your fingers (and bells on your toes, obviously) means you'll have music wherever you go. It's true.
Ring stacking in particular can add great versatility to your wardrobe, as you can match and mix and match them as you like to create a slightly different look every day. You can even choose to wear just one or two simple stacking rings for a more minimalist look some days.
Try combining a matching set of rings or choose a mix of colours, textures and gemstones. If you wear multiple rings, then we all agree on wearing no more than one cocktail ring on each hand. Wearing an odd number of rings on one side and the other works well.
But why not break the rules as you see fit? After all, that's what rules are for, to break them!
12. Match your necklace with your neck.
Unless it's a sentimental piece that you're happy to hide under your clothes, your necklace or pendant should be visible and show off your outfit. For example, if you have a low V-neck outfit, then a pendant that sits in the V above your neckline will work wonders. A long necklace will look great over clothing with a higher neckline and neckline. A rounded necklace is good with a scoop neckline or other rounded necklines.
13. You don't always have to wear a necklace,
Sometimes it's a good idea not to wear a necklace or pendant. If you wear a bright pair of earrings, then not having a necklace to detract from your appearance can be a good way to go. It depends on your outfit, of course. Also, if you are wearing something with a very low neckline or instead a high neck, not wearing a necklace will work great most of the time.
14. Think about your emotional jewelry.
Do you have sentimental jewelry that you wear all the time? I'm sure many of us do, myself included. But how do they fit into an outfit with well-chosen accessories?;
Just because something is sentimental doesn't necessarily mean you have to wear it every day (wedding and engagement rings excluded). Think about how you would feel about not wearing a certain piece every day and if it's an option for you.
If you choose to wear one or more pieces of sentimental jewellery all or most of the time, think about how you can layer these pieces with other jewellery to add interest and variety to your style. For example, if it's a necklace, you might look to get a longer chain or an adjustable chain so it can be hung under clothing if it doesn't match the rest of your outfit. Rings can also be placed on a chain and hidden under clothing if needed.
15. The most important rule: IGNORE THE RULES!
This is my favorite style tip of all: break the rules as it suits you.
I'm a big fan of people who look like themselves and not like everyone else. Dressing should be fun and personal to you. Your style is about who you are and how you want to look to others. It doesn't have to be all twin sets and pearls, or all loose and boho.
If what suits you is to do what you want, follow none of the typical fashion advice and create a chaotic clash of things you love to wear, then my advice is: go for it.
16. Bonus tip: Clean your jewelry.
So many people overlook cleaning their jewelry and I am on a mission to change that. It will really make a difference in how your jewelry looks and how well cared for you are.
If you take a close look at the jewelry you wear often or that may have been left unworn for some time, you will probably notice that they look dirty, dull and far from their sparkling best.
You would not neglect cleaning your clothes, so you should not neglect cleaning your jewellery which is equally personal.
By Simone Walsh
