Styling Jewelry For The Office: 5 Tips And Tricks

Office appropriate – it’s a nebulous category and one that’s especially challenging for women. While men can put on standard dress clothes and add a watch or tie clip, women need to navigate shifting fashion trends, jewelry, and hairstyles – this can be a professional minefield.

When it comes to jewelry, in particular, it’s best to abide by Coco Chanel’s standard rule: “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” Simplicity is the key to jewelry styling, whether you’re headed to the office, a dinner party, or the club.

Keep It Quiet

One of the most important things to consider when picking out office jewelry is the noise level. Whether it’s bangles banging against each other or even just a single large bracelet or ring hitting your desk and keyboard, your jewelry shouldn’t be loud. Stacking bracelets are fine if they’re quiet.  Think thin, fabric, or other form-fitting shapes – but a collection of clanking chains and charms won’t do.

Consider A Cuff

Cuffs are ideal for the office because, as the jewelry experts at CaratLane note, they can be adjusted so they sit tightly on the wrist. That means none of the distracting clinking mentioned above – plus, cuffs are on trend for 2018.

One of the other advantages of wearing a cuff is that they allow you to create the illusion of wearing multiple pieces of jewelry, while stabilizing the components. They also come in multiple styles, from metal to leather, offering flexibility depending on your workplace, outfit, and other specifics of your style.

Stick To The Classics

Just as you can’t go wrong with classic business looks like dark blazers and tailored pants, you’ll never go astray by pairing your work look with a conservative watch. Sans “bling,” a watch says that you’re punctual, professional, and take your responsibilities seriously. An elegant Swiss watch from your local jewelry store will complete your business look and it’s a timeless piece you’ll be able to pair with different looks.

Know Your Field

Obviously, appropriate professional accessories vary by field, so, what you choose should fit your niche. One finance professional recommends scarves and pins over other accessories for those interviewing in the field, while tech and retail jobs come with much more flexibility in terms of style and creativity. In fact, if you work in a creative field, showing that you have a little flair and aren’t overly stiff or buttoned up can be a real advantage, especially at the interview stage.

Accentuate The Appropriate

When fashion guru Tim Gunn talks about necklaces, he emphasizes that the length should match the neckline of your garment. This holds true for the workplace; of course, your neckline variation should be minimal in the office – nothing plunging or strapless.

For standard office attire like blouses, stick to delicate necklaces, pieces that are feminine and don’t draw attention to your bust or serve to distract. That means no giant conversation pieces or costume jewelry. A small, classy necklace that matches the majority of your outfits is all you need.

The goal with office-appropriate jewelry is to express yourself without standing out too much. Your work should be the thing that sets you apart, not your jewelry.