In today’s workplace, where fashion meets professionalism, the question on everyone’s mind is: what jewelry to wear? For those fortunate enough to have a relaxed dress code, this dilemma is especially pressing. To help you make the most of your workwear, we’ve compiled a list of creative ways to style jewelry for the office. But first, let’s consider the long history of jewelry as a form of nonverbal communication.
From monarchs to high-ranking politicians, adornment has been used to convey power, status, and even values. It’s time for our generation to tap into this art form, using jewelry not just as a fashion statement, but as a means to express ourselves and connect with others in the workplace.
How to Choose Jewelry for Office?
While we’ve thoroughly explored the realm of professional attire in previous posts, it’s undeniable that accessories play a significant role in completing an outfit. In this exclusive piece, we’ll shift our focus to jewelry ideas suitable for the workplace. Before diving into the specific pieces, let’s begin with some fundamental guidelines for incorporating jewelry into your workwear.
Once we’ve established the basics, we’ll delve into an array of stunning and office-appropriate options that will elevate your daily look.
Tips for wearing jewelry to work:
When it comes to dressing for work, accessorizing with jewelry is all about balance. To create a harmonious look, consider matching your jewelry to the colors of your outfit. This will help your accessories blend seamlessly into your overall attire. If you’re struggling to find matching pieces, opt for timeless options like gold, silver, or rose-gold – just be sure they’re not too flashy. Limiting yourself to three pieces at a time is also key.
A watch, earrings, and thin chain necklace or bracelet are a great combination. This allows you to mix and match different jewelry items while still looking polished and put together. It’s also important to have a dedicated selection of work-only jewelry. Invest in versatile pieces like short earrings and thin necklaces that can be worn to the office without drawing attention away from your professional attire. Jewelry can also be used as a subtle way to express yourself.
Choose pieces that convey confidence, professionalism, or even femininity – whatever message you want to send. For instance, wearing a bold brooch on an important day can help grab attention and make a statement. However, there are some jewelry faux pas to avoid. Chokers, while trendy, should be saved for casual events rather than work. Pairing too many pieces together can also look unprofessional – aim for simplicity and restraint.
Finally, steer clear of jewelry that makes excessive noise or draws attention away from your hands and arms. You want to be able to use your hands confidently and not have distractions like clinking necklaces getting in the way.
19 – Wear Jewelry In A Matching Shape To The Print On Your Clothes
Adding a touch of jewelry to your outfit is a subtle yet effective way to elevate your look without drawing too much attention. The key lies in choosing thin chainlinks and fastenings, which will render the jewelry almost imperceptible from afar. Additionally, selecting pieces that mimic the shapes or patterns on your clothing can create a clever disguise effect. This approach allows you to incorporate jewelry into your outfit without making it the focal point.
Start with this technique if you’re concerned about wearing jewelry to work and want to blend in seamlessly.
18 – Complete A Monochrome Look To Hide Your Jewelry
When dressing in a single-color scheme, the individual pieces tend to blend seamlessly together. This concept applies equally well to jewelry, where a monochromatic approach can create a harmonious visual effect. This technique is particularly beneficial for those transitioning to wearing jewelry to work, seeking to ease into the habit.
Alternatively, it’s also ideal for individuals who own statement pieces, such as chunky earrings or bold bracelets, and wish to subtly integrate them into their everyday attire, rather than having them dominate the overall look.
17 – Wear Earrings That Match The Color Of The Hardware of Your Belt
To make your jewelry more work-appropriate, consider wearing small amounts of it at a time. Start by selecting one piece you’re particularly fond of, such as earrings. When choosing the perfect accessory, aim to match its color to any hardware present in your outfit, like buttons or buckles on your clothes, shoes, or belt. If you have short hair, take a look at our article “Stunning Ideas To Wear Earrings With Short Hair” for more inspiration.
For example, pairing small silver earrings with a silver buckle belt and large silver earrings is a chic combination that can elevate your overall look.
16 – Go For A Simple Watch And Bracelet Pairing
Incorporating formal and professional elements into one’s work attire is crucial, and a watch can be an exemplary accessory item that serves this purpose. By pairing your preferred timepiece with complementary jewelry pieces, such as a matching bracelet, you can effortlessly elevate your overall style.
This combination proves particularly beneficial for individuals working in more conservative environments, where the unification of functional and decorative elements creates a cohesive and polished look.
15 – Choose A Necklace With A Natural Stone To Get A Seemless Look
If you’re looking for an alternative to masking your jewelry, consider opting for a piece that blends seamlessly with its surroundings. This approach eliminates the need for masking altogether and instead chooses items that are naturally understated. A great example is a necklace featuring a natural square stone – its subtle elegance makes it suitable for any setting, including an office environment.
For instance, you could pair this necklace with two other understated yet stylish pieces: a Natural Stone Necklace ($19.50) or Thick Silver Hoop Earrings ($21.99).
14 – Choose Earrings In The Same Color As Your Top
Emphasize cohesion without going all-in on a monochromatic look by matching your accessories to a single article of clothing. This approach still creates visual harmony while simplifying the process. By syncing one element, you can maintain neutrality and add depth to your overall aesthetic.
13 – Wear A Patterned Headband To Enhance Your Work Look
Beyond jewelry, there are numerous options to elevate your workplace style with accessories that serve both form and function. One such example is headbands, which can be a practical choice for the office setting. While some might perceive them as childish, a well-chosen headband can add a touch of sophistication to your overall look.
If you’re looking for inspiration on how to incorporate headbands into your work attire, our article on Different Ways To Wear Padded Headbands offers a wealth of ideas. In terms of specific recommendations, the Black And Beige Striped Headband ($19.56) is an excellent option to consider.
12 – Layer Two Thin Necklaces For A Subtle Sparkle
To break up the monotony of neutral-hued work outfits, which often feature grey, brown, and black tones, consider adding some visual interest with metallic accents. A trio of small necklaces can be an effective way to introduce subtle shine and create a noticeable difference in your typical office attire. This simple trick can breathe new life into your wardrobe staples and add a touch of sophistication to your daily look.
11 – Pair A Brooch To The Buttons On Your Favorite Jacket
To add a bold jewelry piece like a brooch to your professional attire, consider the concept of masking. This involves pairing the brooch with another prominent feature in your outfit, such as matching it to the color of the buttons on your jacket or blouse. By placing the brooch near these accent pieces, you can create a striking yet understated look that showcases your jewelry without overpowering your overall ensemble. For instance, pair a brown blazer with gold buttons ($45.
99) and a large gold brooch ($46.00). This harmonious combination will add a touch of sophistication to your outfit.
10 – Contrast A Toned Down Look With A Pair Of Large Golden Hoops
Work attire often takes a more understated approach, featuring neutral tones that provide ample opportunities for jewelry to take center stage. A bold move in contrast, pairing large gold hoop earrings with a classic blouse and pants ensemble can add a touch of sophistication to an otherwise straightforward outfit.
The juxtaposition of the elegant yet provocative earring style creates a striking visual balance that’s perfect for everyday wear, even if it would be more commonly associated with a night out on the town.
9 – Try Out A Very Unique Way To Wear Accessories To Diversify Your Work Look
While jewelry items are often coveted for their vibrant colors or dazzling sparkle, there’s another way accessories can make a statement: their strategic placement. A subtle touch of glamour on the sleeve of an otherwise classic office blouse can be a surprisingly stylish and effective way to add some visual interest. This understated yet eye-catching approach is perfect for making a fashionably modest impression at the office.
8 – Match Your White Blouse To Your White Earrings
When it comes to elevating a classic white blouse, one of the most effective ways is by combining it with a statement piece earring set that shares the same color tone. This approach creates a cohesive and stylish look that’s sure to turn heads. To take this pairing to the next level, opt for long and bulky earrings that draw attention to the intentional combination.
For example, consider pairing the white blouse with white acrylic earrings, a perfect match that can be found at [insert price] or similar.
7 – Complete A Black And White Look With A White Brooch
When your go-to black and white outfit starts to feel stale, inject some visual interest by pairing it with a bold white accessory. The bigger the better, as this will likely be a staple in your wardrobe. A striking brooch is an excellent choice, and its colors can complement those in your ensemble perfectly, giving you a fresh look.
6 – Finish Off Your Look With A Short Silver Necklace
When it comes to selecting a necklace for a work outfit, a short and understated piece is often the best choice. Not only does it exude professionalism, but it also adds a touch of elegance to your overall look. The versatility of a silver or gold-colored necklace means it will complement most of your office attire, making it a great investment for any working professional.
5 – Stack Pins/Brooches On Your Work Sweater
Elevating your professional wardrobe is often achieved by incorporating patterned clothing into your outfit. But did you know you can also create patterns with your accessories? One creative way to do this is by stacking multiple brooches in the same style on a sweater or blouse. This adds visual interest and creates a cohesive look, all while showcasing your personal sense of style.
4 – Opt For Hardware Metal Jewelry To Make Your Outfit Unique
When it comes to incorporating grunge-inspired jewelry into your everyday look, it’s often surprising how a small or medium-sized piece can make a big impact. One way to start is by selecting a statement-making accessory that adds an edgy touch without overpowering your outfit. For instance, opting for thick silver hardware or a bold black catsuit-style necklace can be a great starting point.
3 – Pair A Clear Brooch With Your Colorful Suit
If you’re fortunate enough to own a stunning gem-colored suit, don’t be afraid to add a touch of understated elegance with a clear faux crystal brooch. This transparent accessory will enhance the overall design without overpowering the vibrant hue of the suit. By choosing a piece that’s more about subtlety than statement-making, you’ll create a harmonious balance between the bold color and the delicate jewelry.
2 – Get An All Gold Jewelry Set
When it comes to styling jewelry, a classic approach is to opt for uniformity in color. But taking it a step further by ensuring the hue aligns with the hardware on your belt can elevate the look to new heights of polish and sophistication. Case in point: pair a sleek black belt with a gold buckle and complement it with a double-layered gold necklace – a chic combination that’s sure to turn heads, with prices starting at just $12.50 for the necklace and $25.99 for the belt.
1 – Pair A Bulky Brooch With A Thin Necklace
To seamlessly incorporate accessories into your work attire, consider using them to serve a dual purpose. This approach is particularly useful in conservative workplaces where bold statements may not be tolerated. One effective way to do this is by wearing a brooch that not only adds visual interest but also serves as a functional fastener for your cardigan or blazer. This versatile accessory can also be paired with other delicate pieces of jewelry, such as a thin gold flat necklace ($19.
54), to create a polished and professional look. For instance, the Bedazzled Brooch ($11.99) can add a touch of elegance while keeping your cardigan securely in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the best jewlery to wear to work?
When it comes to choosing jewelry for a professional setting, a clean and polished look is essential. To achieve this, we suggest sticking to timeless pieces featuring classic gold or silver plating. Avoid statement jewelry with multiple colors, as it can give the impression of being overly flashy. Similarly, steer clear of jewelry adorned with symbols, as they may be perceived as immature or unprofessional.
By opting for understated yet elegant pieces, you’ll be able to present yourself in a more mature and professional light within your work environment.
Q. How to accessorise your business casual looks?
When it comes to accessorizing your business casual style, there are certain guidelines to follow to ensure you’re making a professional impression. Firstly, opt for jewelry that exudes professionalism – watches and brooches are excellent choices, as they have been associated with female politicians and monarchs throughout history. Additionally, when it comes to layering jewelry, less is often more.
Consider finding a set that includes a bracelet, earrings, and ring, all in the same color scheme (neutral options like gold or silver are always safe bets).
