A Guide to Dressing Up and Dressing Down With Jewelry
A carefully chosen piece of jewelry has the power to transform any ensemble, making it look notably more upscale or casual. The key to effectively dressing up or dressing down your look with jewelry is to recognize what style element your jewelry brings. Then, you must also understand how you can use that element strategically to transform your attire.
To explore this concept further, we’re examining the styling possibilities of four of our favorite classic jewelry designs. Read on to see our guide to dressing up and dressing down your look using hoop earrings, stackable rings, dainty necklaces, and classic bracelets.
1. Styling With Hoop Earrings
One of the most effortless ways to transform a look is by adding a pair of earrings. Within the earring category, hoop earrings are our top choice for dressing a look up or down, as they are so versatile. Hoop earrings come in a vast range of styles, most of which can be worn in multiple ways, making the hoop a wonderful choice for transformation.
Dressing Up With Hoops
White Gold Premier Medium Inside Out Round Hoops
Any size of hoop can elevate an outfit, but certain design details are better for high end looks. Small hoops that are set with large diamonds can give an upscale elegance to an ensemble, while large diamond hoops can make even the simplest outfit look undoubtedly glamorous and bold. Then, all types of medium and large hoops, whether they’re set with gemstones or crafted from pure gold, will add a decidedly stylish and dressed up air to any look.
Dressing Down With Hoops
Yellow Gold Forevermark Diamond Bezel 1/2 Inch Hoops
Smaller diamond hoops can be the perfect complement to casual looks. The key to wearing hoops with more casual, dressed down outfits is to make sure you don’t go too large in size or shimmer. You can wear a pair of huggie hoops, a set of hoops with unusual shapes or design details, or even many pairs of hoops at once. As long as you don’t go too large or luxe, your hoops will be appropriate for casual or business-casual occasions.
2. Styling With Stackable Rings
Donning stackable rings is a fashion-forward way to enhance your style. However, whether you’re using stackable rings to dress up or down, make sure you ease off of other jewelry, lest you start looking overdone.
Dressing Up With Stackable Rings
White Gold Concave Pave Diamond Ring
To create more upscale stackable ring looks, go bold with proportions and lean into large diamonds. Even one sizable diamond ring can add a stunning element to special occasion attire, so wearing a few is sure to turn heads. Complement your larger rings with a few delicate rings in a matching metal and you’ll create a look that’s both elevated and elegant.
Dressing Down With Stackable Rings
Rose Gold Staggered Diamond Stackable Band
For a more casual stacked ring look, avoid large diamonds and large scale pieces in general. Limit yourself to one or fewer large rings, since adding multiple large rings will start looking glamorous quickly. Instead of wearing large rings, opt for intricate and delicate designs. To keep your look visually light and stylish, make sure you leave some skin showing between your rings. Wearing numerous tightly placed rings can look too formal or traditional for casual attire.
Note that for casual stacked looks, mixed metals are a wonderful choice. However, to keep a mixed metal ring stack cohesive, we recommend choosing one dominant metal, then simply accenting with pieces in your second metal.
3. Styling With Dainty Necklaces
Necklaces are among the most loved of all accessories. The right necklace can truly pull an outfit together, making it look polished, stylish, and cohesive. Whatever style you’re going for, remember to consider how your necklace choice will pair with your neckline. Think about how it will pair with not only base necklines, like the one on your t-shirt or sundress, but also with any outerwear necklines, such as the neckline of your blazer or cardigan. Paying attention to these proportions can make the difference between creating a stylish outfit rather than a messy one.
Dressing Up With Dainty Necklaces
White Gold Forevermark Convertible Diamonds By the Yard Necklace
When it comes to necklaces, wearing fewer pieces tends to look more upscale. For example, a single choker that features an array of gorgeous diamonds is a statement necklace that will make any ensemble look decadent. Or, if you want to go more elegant with your outfit elevation, a single long diamond station necklace or lariat necklace will look utterly sophisticated no matter what they’re paired with.
Dressing Down With Dainty Necklaces
Yellow Gold Chain Petite Star Necklace
A dainty pendant necklace will always work well with more casual looks. However, if you want to experiment with more intricate or bold casual styles, consider necklace layering. By layering 3 to 5 necklaces of different lengths, you can create a detailed modern look that’s casual, yet still quite stylish. You can also easily infuse your personality into a simple outfit using the layering technique. For example, you could keep things delicate and matched, go bold with mixed metals and textures, wear pieces with personal meaning to you, and so on.
4. Styling With Bracelets and Bangles
A thoughtfully chosen bracelet can easily dress up a look or add a unique element of personal style, as can multiple well-chosen bracelets. If you decide to stack your bracelets, know that a general rule of thumb is to wear a maximum of 3 to 4 bracelets, all of which should share similar traits. Bracelets are one type of jewelry that can look chaotic quickly, so remember that less is often more when you accessorize with them.
Dressing Up With Bracelets
To add sophistication to an upscale ensemble, select luxe bracelets that feature classic design details. A timeless diamond bangle bracelet is an ideal choice for complementing black tie attire. Furthermore, it will elevate any look. Bracelets that feature halo set diamonds are also a wonderful option if you’re going for a more glamorous look.
Dress Down With Bracelets
Rose Gold Dainty Star Charm Bracelet
If you want a casual bracelet look, consider going one of two ways with your bracelet choices: simple or graphic. Simple bracelets, like white gold bangles or bar bracelets, are a great way to round out a casual outfit without going overboard. Then, more graphic bracelets that feature charms or motifs can add quite a bit of fun and personality to an ensemble. Of course, you don’t necessarily have to choose between simple and graphic bracelets, as you could also mix and match. As long as you don’t select bracelets with large diamonds and gemstones, your look should stay perfectly appropriate for casual events.
