Have you ever found yourself in the accessories section of your favorite store, pondering which pieces would suit you best, or stood in front of a mirror trying on multiple options from your collection, unable to decide what looked the best?
Styling jewelry may seem simple to the average person, but the truth isn’t quite as straightforward.
Why? Because it’s easy to wear jewelry, but it’s not so easy to wear it well.
Believe it or not, there’s a science to fashion accessorizing. A necklace that pairs beautifully with one neckline may look clunky with another. A bracelet that’s dazzling in one instance may be distracting when worn with another dress. A simple earring may be timeless at a brunch yet too understated when worn to a more glamorous event.
As you can see, knowing how to wear jewelry isn’t as simple as finding an item you like and putting it on. It requires mastering the art of selection and understanding how pieces come together to create a cohesive look.
Wondering where to start? You’ve come to the right place! Keep scrolling for our complete guide to jewelry styling.
Types of Jewelry Styles
Before you can learn how to accessorize with jewelry, you must learn the various styles and designs available to you. Your eye for cute and fashionable choices will start to sharpen as you know more about the different materials, shapes, and elements you can choose from.
Here are a few of the most popular jewelry styles:
Classic Chic
If you like your jewelry to have a timeless elegance that’s both feminine and charming, the classic chic style is perfect for you. Many of the most enduring pieces throughout history, like teardrop earrings, locket necklaces, and diamond studs, fall into this category, and they all share the same appeal — incredible versatility! They’re classy enough to be worn at formal events yet simple enough for everyday wear. What’s not to love?
Modern Contemporary
Modern contemporary jewelry is marked by its clean, innovative, and unconventional designs. You won’t find flashy gems or ornate details here. Instead, these pieces use sleek geometric shapes, compelling textures, and pure, organic materials. Whether you’re a young professional looking for sophisticated pieces to pair with a power pantsuit or a person who likes to showcase their unique personal style in a refined and thoughtful way, you can’t go wrong with modern contemporary jewelry.
Big and Bold
Understanding your personality can help you decide the ideal jewelry to wear. If you’re a risk taker who doesn’t shy away from the spotlight, big, bold jewelry choices will allow you to embrace and celebrate your larger-than-life identity. Plus, they instantly add visual interest to an ensemble, capturing the eye and making you stand out in a crowd. Think chunky beaded statement necklaces or dangling chandelier earrings. These pieces can’t be missed!
Unique and Expressive
If you embrace a free-spirited, bohemian vibe and have a love for nature and creative art, you'll be captivated by the vintage-inspired designs and intricate craftsmanship found in this style category. Explore layered necklaces, stackable bracelets, and whimsical feather earrings that resonate with your sense of wanderlust and originality.
What Jewelry Should I Wear?
One of the best jewelry tips a person can receive is to stay true to their unique personal style while considering the environment or setting they’re dressing for. The perfect pieces will strike a balance between both of these factors.
For example, if you tend to wear edgier, more unconventional designs, there’s no reason you should stray from what makes you feel most authentically you. But if you’re attending a formal event like a wedding or professional networking event, it may not be appropriate to show up wearing a spiked collar necklace or leather bracelet. In this situation, opting for a smaller, simpler chain necklace or a single onyx statement ring might be more tasteful (while remaining true to your inner rebel).
The key is finding your style and exploring fashionable ways to add flexibility.
Top 6 Jewelry Styling Tips
There's no such thing as knowing too many jewelry tips and tricks. The greater your knowledge, the more experienced you'll become at adapting and accessorizing effectively for any occasion.
Here’s our best advice on how to style jewelry:
Balance is Key
Jewelry can elevate or detract from your outfit, making balance crucial. The aim is to choose pieces that harmonize with each other and your attire, avoiding clashes or chaos. This is particularly vital when you wish to highlight a standout element, such as a dazzling diamond necklace or statement earrings. Keep in mind less often translates to more!
Consider the Neckline
This is easily one of the most crucial parts of any jewelry guide. The neckline of your top or dress is arguably the most significant factor when it comes to what jewelry you should wear. It dictates which accessories will make your outfit sparkle and which will stop it from making the “best dressed” list.
For example, if you’re wearing a scoop neckline, we recommend staying away from multi-layered necklaces or bib-style designs, as they defeat the purpose of exposing your decolletage.
Wearing a dress with a sweetheart neckline? Opt for more simple and chic earrings like pearl studs rather than large, dangling designs, as they can detract from the elegant softness of a sweetheart neckline.
Consider the Occasion
It goes without saying that you likely wouldn’t wear the same necklace you’d wear to the beach to an evening cocktail event. You also wouldn’t wear your most glamorous diamonds to a backyard BBQ. So before accessorizing for the day (or night), think about the purpose of the event or outing.
If you’re going to a Christmas party, choosing accessories that tie into the theme, like a necklace with a snowflake pendant, makes sense. If it’s New Year’s Eve, breaking out your most brilliant diamonds makes sense.
Have Fun with Layering
Why stick to the same look when you can play with endless combinations? Multiple bracelets or necklaces can be worn together to create a whole new look. Be sure to experiment with different textures, colors, and materials. The more contrast there is, the more eye-catching your layered set will be.
Consider Your Outfit's Style
You never want your jewelry to contradict the style of your clothing. Instead, you want to choose pieces that match the overall aesthetic you hope to achieve.
Rocking a casual outfit? Think easy-going, mix-and-match pieces that add a touch of personality. Stepping out in an ultra-sleek little black dress? Go for simple, contemporary pieces that shimmer without sidetracking attention from the dress itself.
Don't Over Do It
You know the overwhelming feeling you get when you step into a cluttered room? An overly accessorized outfit can make onlookers feel the same way. That’s why your jewelry should never overpower your look.
Step back and assess your ensemble in a full-sized mirror. Are there too many competing focal points? Does your gaze feel overwhelmed? These signs suggest it's time to rethink your accessory choices.
Limit your accessories to 3-5 pieces (even less if your outfit has multiple layers, elements, textures, or complex patterns).
Conclusion: Show Off Your Style with Jewelry from Cloud Haven
Are you searching for the most popular jewelry trends in 2023 that stand out and make a statement? Are you interested in contributing to a brand with a deeper purpose? Look no further than Cloud Haven!
When you opt for our handmade jewelry designs, you're not merely acquiring exquisite pieces but also championing jewelry for a cause. Your purchase plays a vital role in supporting shelter animals on their journey to finding forever homes filled with love and care.
Join us in making a difference. Browse our online collection today and be a part of something meaningful. Shop online today.