The Do's and Don'ts of Wearing Jewelry at Work
Keyword(s): wearing jewelry
First impressions matter and may define how people look at us for years after. There's just one problem with first impressions: people form them subconsciously, and much faster than you may realize. It only takes someone about seven seconds to decide how they feel about you.
Aside from behavior, our looks can be a powerful influence on others. Being clean, well-groomed, and dressed stylishly all carry weight in the first impression we leave. And just as important is how we are wearing jewelry.
Jewelry in the workplace is an excellent way to make yourself stand out--assuming you don't overdo it. So in this guide, we'll discuss all the do's and don'ts of wearing jewelry while you are on the clock.
DO: Focus on Wearing Jewelry That Complements Your Body
Even simple jewelry controls where the eye roams. It works like a lodestone, drawing attention to wherever you place it. Even small jewelry on your wrists will become a focal point for those you interact with.
As such, you want jewelry that works with your figure and attracts the right kind of attention. For example, a long pendant necklace makes your neck look lengthier than it really is. However, it also tends to bring attention to your chest and cleavage.
Or, you may have a pair of drop earrings that help you to achieve that slim face look. But earrings have the tendency to swing around a lot, turning into a distraction during important meetings. They also have the unfortunate side effect of taking necessary attention away from your eyes.
Instead, choose jewelry that sends the right message about your body. Dainty jewelry like bracelets add a ton to your outfit and invite the right sort of attention.
DON'T: Wear Gaudy, Sparkly Jewelry
Sparkle has to be at least part of the allure of most jewelry trends. We humans love sparkly things because they remind us of precious gemstones and metals. So it may be tempting to flaunt your gold jewelry at work.
However, tap the brakes a bit on the glamor. Have a piece that does include some glitter, sure. But the last thing you want is to be the person whose jewelry is like a disco ball in the sunlight.
Even when expensive, overdoing the jewelry can look tacky. It could give people the wrong impression about you. Plus, it doesn't look professional if you have more watches and bangles than Lil Wayne.
Instead, choose pieces that have a less reflective texture. If you include gemstones, consider ones that go easy on the polish. You can still get some incredible pieces that won't shine like the Chrysler building.
DO: Put a Hard Limit on Any Statement Pieces
Statement jewelry refers to those showstopper pieces that you may have. They are the items that get the most questions when you wear them. If you have any statement jewelry in your outfit, it will be the first thing that people see.
A good statement piece can take your overall look to new levels. Unfortunately, statement pieces suffer from the previous issue when you have too many of them. They can give the wrong impression and make you look tacky.
Instead, use statement pieces for their true purpose: being the central focus of your outfit. In fact, build your outfit around a single statement piece. Having a second or third piece can conflict with your overall look and appear less refined.
DON'T: Wear Jewelry That Makes a Ton of Noise
We've all seen that person before: the lady that has more bracelets than a soldier looting a war zone. She sounds like a Mariachi band armed with maracas marching through the office. It may look good, but make no mistake that everyone in the office will hate her.
Your workplace is very different from the club. No one cares if you're bracelets are clinking where the music is pumping. But when everyone is trying to get work done, that sort of noise is like nails on a chalkboard.
Many times, you don't intend for your jewelry to be noisy. You layer necklaces or bracelets that look cute together. Shake around a bit before you head to work just to make sure your jewelry won't sound like a minesweeper.
Luckily, this is an easy fix if you don't realize that it's a problem until later. Take off the offending piece and go on with your day.
DO: Buy Multipurpose Pieces
When purchasing jewelry, your first thought is usually just if it looks good. But as you are contemplating jewelry ideas, you should consider how versatile a piece may be. A brooch will look great for a dinner party, but not so much when meeting with a client.
Find jewelry that can fit all occasions and seasons. Whether they are statement pieces or complements, they should fit with a wide variety of outfits. The jewelry that works best tends to have a bit less shine and is less complex in design.
This is an excellent way to save your wallet as well. If you buy jewelry that only fits certain occasions, you will have to buy more. Instead, you can invest more in multipurpose pieces that you will use more frequently.
Get the help of friends to decide on these pieces. Try to see how they look with your different outfit types. It won't take long to discover which item is the winner.
DON'T: Overdo the Jewelry
They say that before going out, you should take a hard look in the mirror and remove one item. If you love jewelry, it's totally understandable that you want to display as much of your collection as possible. But don't wear so much that you would set off metal detectors within a mile radius.
Limit yourself to a handful of key pieces. A necklace, earrings, and a bracelet or two. Anything extra deserves a bit more contemplation on how you'll wear it.
Further, take note of your office's attire policy. Most offices have a relatively conservative policy on attire. You wouldn't want to deal with the embarrassment of HR asking you to remove a few things.
DO: Keep Your Job in Mind
Some gals work in an office environment with hazards. There may be dangerous machinery or plentiful opportunities for an earring to get snagged. Whatever the case, consider your work environment.
For example, you may be an office worker with an adjoining warehouse. While you may not work in the warehouse, you sometimes have to go in there to collaborate with warehouse staff. While the office may be safe for any jewelry, the warehouse presents unique risks.
Wearing the wrong jewelry in the wrong place can lead to some painful lessons, such as an earring being ripped out. Carefully consider whether it is safe to have that type of material.
DON'T: Forget the Classics
Classics are classics, and they will never go out of style, no matter what anyone says. Keeping up with current jewelry trends can quickly get expensive. But like muscle cars and luxury watches, some things never lose their luster.
An example is pearl necklaces. These aren't just for your grandmother, who lived through the Great Depression and a World War. They're coming back into style because they have only gotten better with time.
If you are not sure what signifies a classic piece, then use a simple test. Can you imagine yourself and two previous generations wearing it? If yes, then it's likely a classic.
DO: Have Useful Jewelry
Jewelry looks great and can really make your outfit pop. But at the end of the day, it's usually just a decoration. It serves no other purpose than to make you look good.
Of course, there's nothing wrong with jewelry existing just for the aesthetic. But if possible, you should include some jewelry that has an added purpose.
An excellent example of this is a watch. Good watches can be quite expensive, costing several thousands of dollars. But at the same time, they add a highly accurate timepiece to your jewelry inventory.
This way, your jewelry is pulling a bit more weight. Since cell phones are often not allowed in offices these days, you can still keep track of time.
Upgrade Your Jewelry Game with Roma
Wearing jewelry at work can add some needed flair to your existing outfits. However, you shouldn't slap on whatever you first see in your jewelry box. Take into consideration what works best in a professional setting before you head out to your 9-to-5.
At Roma, we make high-quality designer jewelry that fits in any collection. Take a look at our gift sets and see the difference it makes in your fashion statement.
