We feel you, we love silver jewelry too. But how to style it? Should you mix it with gold jewelry or just make it all about the shining silver look?
Over the years, silver pieces of jewelry became part of the wardrobes of so many of us.
Sterling silver jewelry gives an outfit a unique final touch, offers elegance and timeless classic details. And even though gold is rarer and thus more valuable, silver jewelry is becoming more popular in comparison.
The problem for some silver jewelry lovers is not knowing how to style these pieces. Does it happen to you too?
If so, here are 10 tips for styling your silver jewelry:
1. Create layers
We often hear that less is more. However, sometimes less is just boring, and you need more than one piece to bring your outfit together. This doesn’t mean you should throw on every single piece of jewelry you own. While creating layers, you can either aim for the same type and similar aesthetic or pair contrasting styles. You can layer different necklaces, bracelets, or rings. You can even try layering multiple earrings if you have multiple ear piercings. Have fun mixing different types and colors. According to Hollywood style experts, the most important tip is to just “pile it one”, which means you should do as you please and add the number of accessories you see fit.
2. Pick your necklace according to your neckline
Go for a sterling silver necklace that’s either shorter than your neckline or way longer. It shouldn't be camouflaged or hidden under your shirt unless that’s your purpose.
If your mood or the weather is asking for a turtleneck, choose long silver chains or pendants. A locket is also a great option.
On the other hand, with a V-neck shirt, a silver pendant sitting in the V, just above your cleavage, is the perfect fit. If the pendant is also V-shaped, even better. It will make your look so much more harmonious.
3. Evaluate the occasion
You could never properly decide on an outfit without knowing the occasion. That also involves deciding on accessories like jewelry.
If you’ve found your own style stick to it on every occasion. Otherwise, if you want to stick to basic jewelry rules, consider the place, the spirit, the feel, and the mood.
Simple jewelry, like a small necklace, is a perfectly suitable choice for a workday. Of course, it all comes down to the job and office environment.
When it comes to a night out with your girlfriends, pick statement pieces and create layers. Your little black dress and high heels will look even better with a piece of sterling silver jewelry. Pick a pair of statement earrings or an outstanding necklace. Let your shiny pieces stand out and make them the focal point of your look.
4. Consider your earrings carefully
Your earrings are one of the most important jewelry pieces to consider. They completely fall in the field of vision of anyone who is looking or talking to you.
You can choose the earrings according to your skin and hair tone. Fortunately, silver jewelry looks amazing whatever the case. You only have to consider the design. Go for small or medium-sized earrings if you have short hair, and pick long silver earrings if you have long hair.
Regardless of your choice, don’t forget to change them. We all have that pair of studs that are too easy to forget about, and so we just keep wearing them days or weeks in a row. However, remember the importance of caring for sterling silver jewelry to avoid tarnishing. Check out “5 tips to help you clean and care for silver jewelry”.
5. Choose the best colors
Have you ever heard that silver is the new black? Silver goes well with everything, however, it’s still important to pick the right colors if you want your pieces to stand out.
The most obvious color that best goes with silver is black. The contrast is just breathtaking. Dark navy, royal blue, white, cream, and burgundy also compliment silver exquisitely.
You should avoid wearing silver jewelry with pastel colors, such as lilac, light greens, yellows, and pinks. Your pieces will definitely lose their visibility.
6. Go for simple patterns
You might not want your pieces to clash with your outfit.
Styling your sterling silver jewelry can be tricky, but if you want them to stand out, stick to simple patterns. This way, your accessories can be the focal point of your outfit, without any distractions.
In other words, when choosing your clothes try to stay away from busy, flowery, colorful patterns. That’s the kind of distraction you don’t want your jewels mixed with.
7. Decide the focal point
“Art needs a focal point, so does an outfit”, said the artist Paola Minekov. That’s absolutely true. Even if you’re in a hurry to get to that date or appointment you must decide: dress or jewelry? According to that, you can either go for statement pieces to brighten up a simple dress, or a bold outfit paired with a simple set of silver jewelry.
Styling your sterling silver pieces doesn’t have to be something complex.
You might want to wear all your pieces at once, but don’t overdo it. It’s also important to decide where you want people to look first. Is it your neck, ears, or hands?
If you settle for the neck and pick a bold silver necklace, then choose more subtle earrings, bracelets, and rings. By doing so, you’ll not only be deciding the focal point but also creating a more balanced look.
8. Don’t be afraid to mix metals
Even though sterling silver jewelry is totally enough for a glamorous and fashionable look, you can mix different colors of metals.
In fact, there was a time when mixing metals was almost a fashion sin, but now it’s a must-do.
Mix different color tones of rose gold, silver, and yellow gold to add a vibrant interest to your outfit. By mixing metals you’ll be tying the classic with the modern and that’s the ultimate statement. A plain white shirt is an amazing canvas on which you can start creating your art by mixing warm and cool tones. Don’t be afraid to be creative.
9. Stack rings
Mix up different textures and stack your rings. You’ll be creating the perfect layered look.
For a simple everyday look, you can choose between wearing just one or two simple stacked silver rings. If you feel like dressing up and decide the focal point should be your fingers, then go over the edge. You can either match rings or mix colors and textures. Stack silver rings on both hands, or on just one of them. You make the rules.
10. Don’t stick to trends only
Trends influence our choices, that’s why they exist. However, if you only stick to trends you might end up losing yourself. Fashion is more than a trend. It’s an expression or reflection of your taste and personality.
Try to find what suits you better and use your sterling silver pieces accordingly. The most important thing is your comfort and confidence. Break all the rules, just do you and be you.
Let’s hope that next time you open your jewelry box to get ready, you won’t be so overwhelmed. You’ll know exactly what will rock that outfit. Even more important than that, you’ll know that any accessory is a great vehicle to express your individuality. If you haven’t yet noticed how versatile and unique sterling silver really is, then you can check out “8 reasons to start wearing sterling silver jewelry”.
Remember that dressing up is supposed to be fun and personal. Don’t overthink it. Experiment with what looks best for you and if you are still not sure, follow Coco Chanel’s suggestion: "Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory".