Jewelry styles are some of the fastest-changing and most diverse trends, and it may seem hard to keep up. However, there are few consistent guidelines that can always ensure a fun and fashionable look, no matter the jewelry you wear.

Color

      Mixing silver and gold-colored jewelry can look nice on occasion, but more often than not creates a “messy” appearance. One way to decide between silver and gold is to examine your skin color. Silver tends to look most natural on people with pale or fair skin, while gold is better for tan or dark skin tones. Usually one can determine which suits them best by trying jewelry on and examining it in the mirror. Using skin tone as a basis for jewelry coloring is very intuitive and can provide a basis for future jewelry use and purchases.

   One can also choose accessory colors based on the color pallet of the outfit. This works best for colored jewelry as it is easy to see that a blue bracelet matches a blue dress. Furthermore, when jewelry colors match clothing, the entire look becomes more eye-catching. People will notice these subtle details and respect the meticulous effort. 

     Matching silver and gold jewelry is a little more difficult, but also more based on personal preference. When wearing a soft-colored outfit with light tones or pastels, one may be inclined to wear the subdued silver, however, it would be equally appropriate to create a contrast with bright gold jewelry. Furthermore, it is attention-grabbing to wear gold jewelry and bright colors, but it is also complex and interesting to wear silver. Ultimately, one must determine the style and personality they are trying to embody before deciding how to match their jewelry to an outfit. 

Stacking Jewelry

   There is a taboo in our society around having multiple piercings. Some argue that facial piercings appear scary, some argue that multiple earrings look unprofessional, and some go as far as to say that it is inappropriate for men to have any piercings at all. However, in modern society, it is just as likely that a woman will be looked down upon for not wearing earrings as she is for wearing many. One should always remember that these standards are based on subjective and declining opinions and that the amount of jewelry appropriate for a given situation is based on what makes you most confident. If your concern about seeming professional is overcoming your self-image and preventing you from feeling confident in your appearance, then feel free to leave the piercings off for a day. Nevertheless, always attempt to find ways to express your personal style, no matter the setting.

     Stacking jewelry has become an increasingly popular practice, but it’s important to understand the goal of your outfit as a whole before deciding how much jewelry to wear. In a casual setting, stacking necklaces and bracelets can make you appear more eye-catching. But if you want your clothing to be the centerpiece of your outfit, then it is best to wear less jewelry as not to distract. More often than not, the amount of jewelry can match the atmosphere of the event: the more subdued, the more subdued the jewelry. 

     When you do choose to stack jewelry, make sure to do so in an organized manner. Bracelets should match in color and preferably in style. Rings should match in metal type. It is also best to place rings with a stone on your ring finger while placing rings that only have loops on your other Stacking necklaces can be a bit more difficult due to their differing lengths. However, a simple trick to ensure that each of your necklaces can be made visible is to hook the clasp of one to the loop of another and vice versa. This allows you to pull on the necklaces to the desired length to achieve the style you desire.

      Like most things, styling jewelry is a matter of personal preference. Jewelry should be used as a means of self-expression and not restricted by harsh and arbitrary rules. Style guides merely serve to provide advice and options on how to wear your jewelry. The most important rule one could follow about jewelry is to suit the setting and oneself. If you wear jewelry that is appropriate for the event and makes you confident, your outfit is sure to appear coordinated and fashionable.