How to Wear Jewelry (Plus the Fine Rules that You Can Break)

Jewelry can make or break an outfit.

Whether you’re new to accessorizing or you’ve been doing it since you learned to dress up, it’s important to know how to do it properly. Otherwise, you’ll end up sabotaging your entire look instead of elevating it.

Jewelry etiquette has evolved over time, and modern times aren’t so strict about it anymore. But this doesn’t mean you’re free to wear whichever jewelry you can get your hands on all the time.

Clueless on how to wear jewelry the right way? Learn the rules so you can follow—or break—them.

Accessorize for the Occasion

Certainly you love your fashion jewelry. But there’s a place and an occasion to every piece.

For instance, you can’t possibly wear chandelier earrings every day to work unless you want to grab the attention of the entire office.

For everyday wear, a simple watch can add extra oomph to your mundane look. Particularly, antique watches complement almost every outfit.

Aside from watches, you can don a pair of studded earrings or a necklace, and your look is made. Stick to two to three pieces of jewelry to wear every day. You can wear more if the occasion demands, but make sure to be strategic about it.

Your Outfit Matters

Different outfits require different jewelry pieces. Make sure your accessories complement what you’re wearing and vice versa.

An easy tip would be to contrast the colors. Find pieces that will stand out instead of blend in with your top or dress.

Mind your neckline when choosing your neckpieces. A wrong move could easily make your look stand out—and not in a positive way.

For deep V-necks, an opera or matinee neckpiece will flatter your outfit. Meanwhile, a sweetheart neckline will look best with a choker or collar necklace.

For short necklines like turtlenecks or crews, you should avoid chokers and go with long chains or opera.

Moderation Is Key

You may own stunning pieces that you want to flaunt all at once, but this could do your look more harm than good. If you’re not careful, wearing too much jewelry can destroy your entire outfit.

While there are many places to wear jewelry, the maximum number of pieces should only be ten to fifteen. Go any higher and you could end up being a fashion disaster.

If you’ve got a gorgeous opera necklace on, there’s no need to pair it with dangling earrings. But if you do opt for dangling earrings, you can tone down the neckpiece and stick to small pendants or lockets.

The Pièce de Résistance

A pro tip to make jewelry styling a lot easier is to choose a centerpiece for reference. Your statement piece could be those chandelier earrings or that huge gemstone ring on your finger.

Having a single statement jewelry piece will be the focus of your look, so avoid any added distractions.

If you’ve decided on wearing long cascading earrings, you can skip wearing a necklace. If you have a princess necklace on, you can stick to a pair of studded earrings and you’re good to go.

This goes back to the previous tip: moderation is key.

Talk to the Hand

If you decide to wear a gemstone ring as your centerpiece jewelry, pay more attention to your hand. People will be looking at that gorgeous stone on your hand, so make sure your fingers are manicured or properly polished.

It’s best not to skip this tip, especially if you’re going to a party or, worse, your own engagement—where everyone could be asking to look at your sparkly engagement ring.

The Party Code

If you want to go all out, parties are the right time to do so. Wear one ring more on your fingers, or wear those big hoop earrings you’ve been waiting to try on all week.

Wearing a lot of jewelry will make you stand out in these events. However, a little too much jewelry may steal the attention away from your great personality, so be careful!

Fashion is an expression of individuality. There’s no harm in getting creative with your outfit and accessories. These rules are simply guides that should help you dress and accessorize better.

Image URL: HERE