So many bracelets, so many occasions, only two wrists — what to do? Here is some help deciding what bracelets to wear and when.
Of all the types of jewelry that can dress up your look, add some dazzle to any day of the week, and really help you express your style, bracelets are right up there. What’s more fun than a jangling armful of bangles or one delicately pretty chain with a subtle diamond?
Because of the sheer number of bracelet styles out there, picking the right one can be daunting. Chains, bangles, charms, leather, cord, gemstones, cuffs and cultured pearls. What bracelets are appropriate when? Can you mix metals? What about stacking?
When shopping for bracelets there are many things to consider, including when you’ll wear them, where, with what clothing, and what you’ll be doing. It’s important to have a wide range of bracelet styles in your jewelry wardrobe so you’ll be set for any eventuality.
Day to day
For most of us, the jewelry we wear during the ol’ nine-to-five is what we wear most often. If you have a traditional office job or are climbing your way up the career ladder, it’s important to you to look polished and put together Monday through Friday.
Whether you wear a full suit and heels or something closer to business casual, not only do you want your outfit to be fashionable and classic, you want all of your accessories to look that way too. For the most conservative office looks, keep your bracelets to a basic minimum — perhaps a single bangle or thin chain with a gemstone or even a diamond tennis bracelet if it fits the style of your office. If you must, combining two bracelets of the same metal on one wrist can look nice if done in a subtle way. If your office has a more casual environment, a simple cuff in a precious metal can be a stylish addition to your work wardrobe. When choosing bracelets for work, consider your daily activities, such as using a keyboard or working with medical instruments, and pick styles that won’t get in the way.
Wow them on the weekend
Daytime dressing on the weekend means you can bring a fun flair and loads of personality to whatever Saturday and Sunday have in store for you. Shopping with the girls? Really let your style show and stack all your favorite bracelets together.
Just keep a few things in mind: When creating a stack, vary the shapes and weights of the bracelets, but keep metal color as a unifying theme. Too much variety can just look messy. If you are simply running around doing errands, bracelets can really dress up a casual weekend look — there is no reason boring chores require a boring look. If jeans are your jam on weekends, a stack of bangles or a few chains on your wrist can take a look from blah to brunch-worthy. Spending time with family? A charm bracelet is great because not only is it traditional, it can bring back great memories when you look at all the charms that commemorate all the good times.
Date-night drama
A weekend date is a great occasion to really bring the excitement to your bracelet game. Now is the time to mix it up: combine styles, metals, gemstones, leather wraps, you name it. If you are hitting the dance floor, then make sure you amp up the glitz and glam — you’ll really want to shine. Diamonds in more modern settings, gemstones and faceted metals are all great for boogieing down. If you’re checking out the newest French bistro in town, keep your look classic with a twist. Try a diamond tennis bracelet with jeans and a silk blouse or a collection of charm bracelets piled on one wrist. Quirky and cute are the watchwords.
Special occasion
A really special evening is a wonderful time to focus on a statement look: a glamorous cuff with a large color gemstone, a stack of tennis bracelets on one wrist or a string of pearls wrapped round and round. Antique looks are an original way to dress up your night too. Filigree, Victorian styles and burnished metals all look great with luxurious evening fabrics like silk, velvet and satin.
