When I was a little girl, Michael’s craft store was my version of Disneyland. I would BEG my mom to take me to Michael’s so that I could buy more supplies for my
jewelry-making obsession. And although I’m no longer wearing handmade beaded bracelets with dangling aquatic charms, my love for jewelry is still alive and well.
If you want some tips on how to elevate your style with jewelry, keep on scrolling!
Dainty: when LESS is more
Don’t get me wrong, I love chunky jewelry as much as I love chunky chocolate chip cookies, but 9 times out of 10, I’d vote that dainty jewelry looks more expensive than chunky jewelry.
Here’s some scientific proof for you: I’ve received more compliments on a dainty necklace I bought at Forever 21 than any other piece of jewelry in my collection.
No, I didn’t stutter... Forever 21.
I’m pretty sure it cost the same price as a Mcdonald’s cheeseburger, but you know what? I’ve had multiple women tell me it looks expensive! Why? Because delicate jewelry automatically looks more Tiffany’s than Walmart.
And that’s facts.
Make a STATEMENT
While it’s no secret how much I love dainty pieces, I also want to emphasize that the right chunky piece of jewelry can take your outfit from “I’m brogue” to “I’m Vogue.”
Footnote: I googled words that rhyme with Vogue, and brogue was first on the list.
In my quirky brain, it sounds like someone with an accent is saying broke.
So, please be a doll and just roll with my terrible jogue, k? Thx so much.
One of the easiest ways to spice up a drab outfit is with statement jewelry: whether that’s a chunky necklace, dramatic hoop earrings, cuff bracelet, or oversized ring. You might think that statement pieces are only for fancy events. Wrong! My favorite statement necklace in my collection is a beautiful gunmetal necklace that I love to wear
with a T shirt, leather jacket, and jeans. Edgy but still chic.
The lovely thing about statement jewelry is that it can be dressed up or down.
Heck, I rock tassel earrings when I’m at the beach in a bikini.
Do you, sis.
Disclaimer: a statement piece WILL be the center of attention of your outfit, so make sure it’s not tacky. For example, if it’s got rhinestones, be sure they are rhinestones that look posh & polished.
Layer, Layer, Layer
Layering jewelry is all the rage right now, and for good reason! When done properly,
it’s feminine and eye-catching, without being too over-the-top.
Rule of thumb for layering necklaces:
Stick mostly to delicate chains. But don’t be shy to add a chunky pendant necklace to the mix – a crystal pendant, for example, looks extra exquisite when it lays atop chains of different lengths.
Let’s talk pearls real quick – I rarely wear a string of pearls, but when I do, my favorite way to wear them is with dainty gold chains layered underneath. It’s my way of saying, “I’m classy but trendy.”
When layering bracelets:
Stack thin, dainty bracelets and bangles if you want your wrist to look soft and elegant. If you are going for something more bold, there are plenty of stunning bracelet “stacks” on the market these days, and many of them incorporate gorgeous glass beads and crystals.
Mix & Match Metals
Yes, I'm telling you that you can wear gold and silver. On the same day. Together. At the same time. How many ways can I assure you that mixing metals is not faux pas?
Some call it breaking the rules, I call it knowing your fashion.
The first time I mix-and-matched metals, I remember feeling like some type of criminal, but the more I did it, the more I realized just how acceptable and trendy it really is.
My personal favorite place to have a mixed-metal party is on my hand,
with silver and gold rings. Just be sure your nails look pretty!
A gentle reminder…
In closing, I would like to take a moment to shout something from Neil Lane’s rooftop: CLEAN your jewelry, ladies (and fellas)! Invest in a jewelry care kit, or if that’s too much of a hassle for you, go to a local jeweler and have them do the work for you.
If you have some inexpensive jewelry in your collection, it usually passes a
point of return. Toss it or donate it. Remember that Forever 21 necklace I
was drooling about earlier? The moment it starts looking tarnished and/or green,
it’s off to GoodWill. You have my word.
And on a final note… If there is anything more cringe-worthy than jewelry that starts to turn green, it’s…
drumrollllll...
Earrings with face makeup smudged on them.
Remember your standards, ladies!
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