Jewels For Every Work Wardrobe
Photo credit: @anissakermiche
Because weekday accessorizing should be easy
The holidays are upon us. How can we slow down the busyness to enjoy it while it lasts? By Marie Kondo-ing our everyday jewelry. MTJ tapped me to curate a few simple, work-ready jewelry capsules to help make weekday accessorizing a breeze amid all the holiday hustling and bustling.
Whether you’re a full-time commuter, travel a couple of days a week, or are fully remote, the last thing you need to stress about when getting dressed is which earrings to wear with what necklace. To this end, I've organized mini collections by bling type: gold, silver, pearl, and gemstone. Each one features a necklace, bracelet, ring, and earrings—all meant to work together. Cool?
Gold Stars
When it comes to Midas' favorite precious metal, you really can't go wrong. Keeping things work-appropriate is a cinch, as gold jewelry is truly timeless. The key, however, is to keep from drifting into bor-ing territory. Mixing dainty and bold pieces in different styles, textures, and weights do the trick. Whether you're a buttoned-up business type or fashion-first creative, you'll set the bar high when you go gold.
Something About Silver
It's elegant and easygoing, polished and playful. Big silver fan here. One of my go-to looks whenever I need a boost of confidence for a big meeting involves classic silver hoops, plus a crisp white blouse. For other silver office matters, put sophisticated links and sleek/sculptural pieces on the agenda. (Reserve the overtly '70s, hippie-dippie showstoppers for après work and festivals.) As always, balance is everything: i.e., pair chunky ring stacks with barely-there studs, a delicate bangle with a hefty pendant. And don't ever hesitate to mix your silvers: shiny, matte, and oxidized.
Pearls of Wisdom
Are you a girl with a pearl earring, or two? If not, let's change that. Pearls are plain ol' pretty. And no matter what form (natural or cultured) or color they take, they always class up the joint, err, outfit. Traditional studs and strands for necks and wrists are spot-on for those in ultra-corporate fields. But ladies with more fashion freedom in the workplace, did you know classic pearls make brilliant foils to creative looks? My fave: a double-strand choker with a graphic tee-blazer-denim combo. Also, while pearls lean preppy, there are plenty of modern designs out there, including a few that would make Barbara Bush blush.
True Gems
Diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and amethysts. Gemstones always do an outfit good. Yes, even at work, with the (obvious) caveat that none of your bling should give Elizabeth Taylor's gems a run for their money. That said, don't be shy about sporting statement-makers like a ring with a supersized shimmering stone or sunburst earrings with all the gems of the rainbow. If you go this route, keep your other jewelry low-key. Or, don't wear any other accessories at all. Let the star of the show do its thing.
Editor: Samantha Durbin
Wordsmith: Gail Goldberg
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