Our appearance often speaks for us before we can open our mouths. While this doesn’t matter so much when you’re ordering a coffee or meeting close friends, in the workplace, it can make a real difference to your future. You want your workplace attire to hint at your best qualities, and when it’s used wisely, jewellery is a great tool to help you do that. These are some simple rules you can follow to use jewellery effectively at work.
1. Do: Keep Your Jewellery Simple
There are many different varieties of womens jewellery, some of which lean towards plainness and simplicity, and some of which are designed to be eye-catching and glamorous. It’s obvious that the latter should be worn at special occasions like weddings and dinners, while the former suits casual outfits better. But where does that leave you at work? You’re not exactly aiming to look glamorous, but you also don’t want to look too casual.
The answer is that your workplace jewellery should be simple. Less is more, so stick to stud earrings and delicate chains. You can do this and not look too casual by sticking to clean, classic styles in luxurious neutral colours like gold and silver. If you want to add a bit more personality, try layering a few simple styles rather than trying to dazzle those you meet with chunky stones.
2. Don’t: Wear Noisy Jewellery
We tend to focus on how jewellery looks, but something else we should keep in mind when buying it or choosing it for the workplace is how it sounds. At the end of the day, your workplace is meant to be a productive environment, and constant clinking, jangling, and rattling from your jewellery could distract your colleagues.
Also, because virtual collaborations are a lot more common today, we are using microphones much more. These are often very sensitive to the sounds made by jewellery, even if they seem quiet to us when we hear them in person. Choose jewellery that stays in place and doesn’t swing or hit other pieces. Pay attention to the sounds your outfit makes when you are getting ready in the morning.
3. Do: Match Jewellery and Culture
While we did say that keeping things simple and conservative is better, there is a caveat to this. The rule is a good one to follow when there is some uncertainty about the type of jewellery that would be acceptable, but not if your workplace clearly embraces bold fashion statements. If yours is somewhere that does that, then choosing pieces that reflect that culture is a better thing to do.
Startups and firms in creative businesses like media, arts, and tech tend to be a bit more open to experimental styles of dress. If you are somebody who feels more comfortable in conservative styles, then opting for bolder jewellery can be a good way to align yourself with the company culture while maintaining your confidence.
4. Don’t: Overdo Statement Pieces
If you are somebody who is happy to embrace statement pieces, and your workplace allows them, you should still be careful not to overdo it. A good limit is to stick to one bold piece of jewellery per outfit. This creates a balanced outfit with a clear focal point. It looks intentional and shows that you are someone who pays attention to both the details and the whole picture.
Any more than one statement piece, and things start to look less professional. For example, if you’re wearing oversized earrings, a chunky necklace, and a large cocktail ring, then it will look like you’re ready for a glamorous party, not work. It doesn’t matter how liberal your workplace is when it comes to fashion, at the bare minimum you still need to give the impression that you’re there to work.
5. Do: Invest in Timeless Essentials
If you’re just starting your jewellery collection, the best thing you can do is spend on a few simple, timeless pieces to begin with. Some pearl and stud earrings, along with slim necklaces and bracelets, will provide a solid foundation that you can use both in and out of the workplace. These styles have been popular for years or even centuries, so they’re unlikely to fall out of fashion anytime soon.
However, don’t forget to keep your jewellery clean and well-maintained. No matter how carefully chosen your pieces, dirt and grime on the surface will not create the impression you want.
Conclusion
Your jewellery’s job in the office is to subtly make you look better while you do yours, not to draw attention away from you and your work. With these simple rules, you should be able to find the right balance while still wearing pieces that suit your personality.
