How to pair jewellery with work wear 

How to pair jewellery with work wear 

The right jewellery pieces can elevate your professional look, adding a touch of personal style while maintaining a sophisticated appearance. But opt for something ‘too much’ and it will no longer be work-place appropriate. Read on for our guide to pairing jewellery with work wear. 

1. Keep it simple 

When it comes to work wear, simplicity is key. Opt for pieces that are elegant and understated – nothing too flashy. 

• Stud earrings: Simple stud earrings are a versatile choice that complement any outfit without overwhelming it.  
• Delicate pendant necklaces: A thin chain with a little charm adds a touch of personalisation to your outfit – opt for a small, diamond initial pendant. 

2. Match metals to your outfit 

Coordinate the metal of your jewellery with your outfit, for a cohesive and polished look. 

• Silver and white gold: These metals pair well with cool-toned clothing, such as blues, greys, and blacks. 
• Yellow gold: Yellow gold complements warm tones, including browns, beiges, and earthy hues. 

3. Balance is key 

Balance your jewellery to ensure it enhances rather than overwhelms your look. If you’re wearing a statement piece, keep the rest of your jewellery minimal. 

• Statement necklace: If you opt for a bold necklace, pair it with simple stud earrings and no other necklaces, to avoid ‘cluttering’ your look. 
• Bold earrings: Larger earrings should be balanced with a delicate necklace or no necklace at all. Opt for a simple top, too. 
• Stacked bracelets: If you want to stack up your bracelets, keep your other accessories simple to avoid it looking unprofessional. 

4. Consider the neckline 

The neckline of your outfit plays a crucial role in determining the type of necklace to wear. Your jewellery and your outfit are a bit of a ‘chicken and egg’ situation. 

• High necklines: For high necklines, opt for longer necklaces that add length and elegance. Avoid chokers or short necklaces that can make your neck look too busy. 
• V-necklines: V-neck tops pair well with necklaces that follow the shape of the neckline. A simple pendant or a layered necklace works beautifully and attracts attention to the area without being unprofessional. 
• Collared shirts: With collared shirts, choose a short necklace that sits above the collar. 

5. Go with your work’s flow 

Different work environments call for different jewellery choices.  

• Corporate: In a corporate setting, stick to classic and conservative pieces. Think pearl earrings, simple gold or silver chains, and understated bracelets. If you work in a medical field, it might be best to forgo jewellery altogether – just wear it on the weekends! 
• Creative: Creative workplaces often allow for more personal expression. Feel free to experiment with unique designs, colourful gemstones, and trend-led pieces. 

6. Quality over quantity 

A good rule of thumb for jewellery in the workplace is to opt for quality over quantity. A few pieces of well-chosen, quality pieces will rarely look inappropriate in a professional setting. Save the fashion jewellery for your annual leave! 

Have any more styling questions?

Whether it be a question about styling, gifting, or anything really – feel free to get in touch with our jewellery experts who would love to help you.