So you’re wanting to add jewellery…
Jewellery is such a weird thing. It can be ludicrously expensive or ridiculously cheap. It can be super luxe and indulgent or really personal and meaningful. Which is why it can be one of the trickier accessories to add to your wardrobe.
That’s if you even consider it as all…
When a client mentions accessories to me they’re usually thinking about belts or scarves. But that just scratches the surface and rarely do they go deep enough to unearth the possibility of jewellery. But I can empathise. I’ve personally felt I’ve had to grow into it. Perhaps its small size results in it being overlooked. Clothes take centre stage, while jewellery’s like the supporting cast. Although, without it, the main act of the clothes just doesn’t shine as bright.
You don’t have to spend a huge amount of money. Many of the high street stores sell fashion jewellery. If you can afford to invest in fine jewellery that’s great. However, what you decide will depend on the look you’re going for. But I personally feel you’ll have way more flexibility in terms of cost and style with fashion jewellery. It can be fun, inexpensive without a diamond in sight.
How do you choose your jewellery?
Recently I had an urge to add some rings to my accessories. Up until this point I’d never really been a fan. They always felt obtrusive and I just didn’t like the feel of things on my fingers I’m strange I know! Perhaps it was a picture on Instagram or seeing someone in the street with them, but all of a sudden something changed and all of a sudden I quite fancied some rings.
So I started googling different brands, searching on Pinterest, and keeping my eye open for menswear influencers on Instagram.
1 | This I like to call the discovery phase.
It’s that phase you go through where you know you want to add something new to your wardrobe so start to immerse yourself in all the possibilities. A deep dive with the intention of soaking up inspiration until you come across something that fills you with joy.
It wasn’t really a surprise when I decided I liked the idea of some minimalist rings.
Something I could stack. Something ‘a bit different’. Something gold.
Always gold.
Now I mentioned I love my jewellery simple and minimal. A single bracelet often looks great and has a big impact on a relatively plain outfit. It’s a piece that draws the eye and gives people something to notice whilst displaying your personality. But that’s my preference.
2 | How much you’re going to wear and how you see it connecting with your current style is another decision you have to make.
Do you want a single dainty necklace or a simple, clean, solid band bracelet?
Maybe you’re more a maximalist and love stacking bracelets and rings or wearing big, bold necklaces?
It doesn’t have to be an either-or decision. You can do both and simply decide which approach works with different outfits. You’ll just need to plan and budget accordingly.
3 | Decide on materials
Materials play a huge part in jewellery and it goes beyond silver and gold. Gone are the days where you had to stick to one, so you can mix both together if you’re feeling it. But it’s not just about the metals. Some people can have allergies when it comes to either gold or silver. If this applies to you or you’re not a fan of metals there are some great pieces out there that use natural materials or plastics and are just as interesting and cool.
4 | Now you either go all in, if you’re really confident and have planned well or like me, you can start to slowly add pieces over time.
Perhaps you start off with a couple of necklaces then add rings. Doing it this way you can really consider what you want and how it may look with your existing outfits. Even with so many options online and in stores finding something that connects with you may take time. Don’t stress it, carefully considering each purchase is a better approach than rushing out and buying something for the sake of it.
I know it took me ages to find some rings I was really happy with. There were some great ones on Asos but they didn’t fit. In the end, I went to the women’s section in COS and had a moment of panic when a ring got stuck on my finger and I couldn’t get it off. I did end up buying them but… it just goes to show it can take a while to find the perfect pieces.
5 | Once you’ve made these decisions you can start to plan what pieces of jewellery will go with different outfits in your wardrobe.
If you’re still searching for all your pieces I’d recommend trying on some of your outfits when you go out shopping.
For example, if you envision a chunky statement necklace working with a certain dress… wear that outfit and go out for a couple of hours trying on different statement necklaces to see if it works. Alternatively, you can order a few online and return any you’re not fond of.
And this is really through a bit of trial and error. Try on your new jewellery with various outfits and see what works. It’s ok if your items don’t work for every outfit.
This is the gatepost where all the discovery and decisions come to fruition and you check to see if you’re happy with the way everything comes together.
I truly believe jewellery is a very personal accessory, which is why this post simply dipped the toe in the water with regards to adding it to your wardrobe. So many people don’t even consider it. So take encouragement from the fact you’re reading this. If you’d like to learn more about how you think about your personal style, how you approach it, and your mindset. Then you can sign up to my monthly A Stylish Mindset newsletter.
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