Accessorising 101 - How To Mix and Match Your Jewellery Like a Pro

Jewellery and accessories are the perfect way to express your personal style and elevate any outfit. But with so many options, how do you pull together a cohesive look? Follow this accessorizing 101 guide to learn pro tips for effortlessly mixing and matching jewellery like a fashionista.

Start With a Focal Point

The key to great accessorizing is choosing a statement piece that serves as a focal point. This eye-catching item will anchor your look and help guide the rest of your choices.

• For daytime, go for a bold cocktail ring, chandelier earrings, or an interesting cuff bracelet.
• At night, make a sparkling statement necklace or glamorous earrings your focal point.

Whichever route you choose, keep the rest of your jewellery minimal so as not to compete with your starring accessory.

Pair Complementary Metals

Sticking to the same metal finishes creates a polished, pulled-together look. Some chic combinations to try:

• Gold with gold
• Silver with silver
• Rose gold with rose gold

If you want to mix metals, just make sure they have a similar tone. For example, pair yellow gold with rose gold or silver with white gold.

Pro tip: If mixing metals, choose one to be dominant and use the other as an accent.

Mind the Scale

When combining multiple jewellery pieces, think about their scale or size. The goal is balance.

• Small earrings look best with a medium or large necklace.
• A tiny necklace pairs well with medium or large earrings.
• Bracelets and rings work well together since they're the same scale.

Avoid wearing all tiny or all oversized pieces at once. The proportions will be off.

Follow the 3-Piece Rule

Resist the urge to wear all of your jewellery at once! Too many accessories compete for attention and look messy.

A good guideline is a 3-piece rule: Pick a focal point, then choose no more than two other jewellery pieces. For example:

• Statement necklace + stud earrings + several rings
• Chandelier earrings + bangles + simple necklace
• Cocktail ring + cuff bracelet + long pendant necklace

Three thoughtfully coordinated pieces let each shine.

Consider Layers

One way to incorporate multiple jewellery items is by layering necklaces and bracelets. This creates visual interest while avoiding a cluttered look.

Some layering ideas:

• Long pendant + lariat + choker
• Charm necklace + gemstone strand + paperclip chain
• Diamond tennis bracelet + charm bracelet
• Stack of bangle bracelets in mixed metals and textures

When layering, vary the lengths and thickness of each piece. Feel free to mix different metals and materials like leather cords or beads too.

Be Creative with Ear Piercings

If you have multiple ear piercings, have fun mixing and matching your earrings. Some chic pairings:

• Studs in first holes + hoops in seconds + chandeliers in thirds
• Small pearls + statement dangles
• Mismatched studs + cuffs
• One sparkly + one sleek

You can also wear a climber or crawler earring to incorporate several piercings into one statement.

Don't Forget the Wrists

Easily overlooked, bracelets offer the perfect chance to show off your personal flair. Adorn your wrists with:

• Stacks of bangles in different finishes
• Textured cuffs
• Beaded bracelets
• Braided leather wraps
• Tennis bracelets or bold bands

Wear bracelets in the same metal and mix up the textures for a coordinated yet eclectic feel.

Pick Playful Rings

Rings attract attention to your manicure and hands. Decorate your digits with:

• Stacking rings with birthstones or initials
• Cocktail rings with colourful stones
• Textured bands with engraving
• Vintage signet rings with monogram
• Kitschy right-hand rings with animals or other charms

Have fun mixing metals, shapes and designs. No need to stick to just one ring per hand either.

Double Up Your Favorites

Don't adhere too strictly to the rules. It's totally fine to wear multiple of your favourite accessories.

• Pile on a few dainty necklaces of varying lengths.
• Stack sets of bangle bracelets on both wrists.
• Try the same earrings in each ear for symmetry.

Doubling up on key pieces creates visual impact. It also ups your chances of drawing compliments!

Consider Your Clothing

The best accessory pairings complement your clothing, not compete with it. Evaluate necklines, patterns, textures and accessories built into your outfit.

For example:

• Avoid a chunky necklace with a high-necked blouse. Opt for stud earrings instead.
• Skip the elaborate brooch and neck scarf with a bold print dress. Simple bangles work better.
• A strapless dress calls for statement earrings.
• Let an intricate bag be the star and keep jewellery minimal.

Thinking about your full look ensures everything works in harmony.

Know When to Pare Down

While more is often more with accessories, there are certain situations that call for toned-down jewellery:

• Job interviews - lose the funky pieces and stick to simple studs and a thin bracelet or necklace.
• Black-tie events - let your gown take centre stage and accent with just diamond studs and a tennis bracelet.
• Beach and poolside - keep jewellery to a minimum since pieces can easily get lost or damaged around water.
• Working out - remove everything except small studs.

Use common sense when deciding if it's best to skip the accessories altogether.

Care for Your Treasured Jewels

A beautiful jewellery collection deserves proper care. Follow these tips:

• Store pieces safely in a jewellery box, preferably one with compartments. Tangle-free storage prevents damage.
• Clean regularly with a jewellery polishing cloth. This removes dirt and restores shine.
• Take fine jewellery to the jeweller for periodic check-ups and cleanings.
• Always remove jewellery before showering, swimming, exercising or sleeping.
• Handle with care since dings, scratches and warped metals are hard to repair.

Caring for your jewellery well keeps it looking it's sparkling best for years to come!

Shop Smart

Quality jewellery lasts for decades, so invest wisely:

• Opt for solid gold over plating, which fades. The higher the karat, the better.
• With gemstones, pay attention to the 4 Cs: cut, clarity, carat and colour. The better the specs, the more brilliance.
• Consider your lifestyle. Opt for hardy pieces if you're rough on jewellery. Delicate doesn't mean disposable though.
• Know your tastes. Classic, timeless pieces offer great cost per wear. Trendy styles come and go.
• Seek sales. Jewellery is marked up tremendously. You can find great deals at department store sales, estate sales and vintage shops.
• Comparison shop. Get quotes from multiple jewellers to ensure you get the best price.

With proper care and smart shopping, your jewellery purchases can become instant heirlooms.

Inspiration All Around

Keep an eye out everywhere for accessorizing inspiration:

• Lookbook sites like Pinterest
• Fashion magazines and blogs
• Celebrities on the red carpet
• Window displays at high-end boutiques
• Jewellery ads and catalogues
• What stylish friends and acquaintances are wearing
• Historical periods like the Art Deco and Victorian eras

Seeing how fashion icons expertly pair jewellery gives you fresh ideas to emulate and put your own spin on.

Accessorizing Should Be Fun!

The most important rule when it comes to accessorizing is that there are no hard-and-fast rules! The tips above are helpful guidelines, but don't be afraid to break out of the box. Jewellery is the perfect place to express your individuality.

• Embrace eclectic mixes of styles, metals and materials.
• Let your mood and outfit dictate.
• Stack and layer in unexpected ways.
• Maximize every piercing.
• Choose conversation-starting statement pieces.

Accessories let you experiment with your look. So enjoy the freedom to get creative, try new combinations and relish compliments on your unique jewellery style!