Twenty years ago, everything was simple: do not wear silver and gold items together; only two rings can be worn on the hand, one of which can be a wedding ring; the maximum number of jewelry pieces is five. But fashion has changed. Let’s find out how to style your look with jewelry to appear appropriate in the office.
Let’s start with the fact that there is no single dress code. It all depends on your profession and the rules established specifically in your office. For example, representatives of creative professions – designers, PR specialists, artists, fashion designers, directors, painters, and others – generally have more freedom in using jewelry and strive to emphasize creativity and an unconventional view of the world through their appearance.
For representatives of non-creative professions, companies usually establish a dress code. In some places, only the color scheme of clothing is regulated, while in others, a strict suit and specific makeup are required. There are also unwritten boundaries regarding appearance. Therefore, to avoid mistakes, use the universal recommendations provided below when creating an office look.
Number of Jewelry Pieces
It is still recommended to wear no more than five pieces of jewelry in the office. If the dress code is strict, it is better to limit yourself to three.
Standard Combinations:
- earrings + pendant + ring;
- earrings + ring + brooch;
- earrings + bracelet + ring.
It is not advisable to wear more than two rings in the office, one of which can be a wedding ring.
For men, a combination of a watch, cufflinks, a tie clip, and two rings, one of which can be a wedding ring, will be appropriate.
What Jewelry is Unacceptable in the Office
Jewelry that has a sexual connotation (hearts, sexual symbols, long dangling earrings, etc.) is better avoided in the office. Jewelry that jingles or rustles when moving, or clinks against the table or phone, is also unsuitable for a formal style.
Various religious and esoteric symbols (skulls, pentacles, crosses, letters, zodiac signs, etc.) can be misinterpreted by those around you and are not welcomed in a business style. Cuffs, tunnels, handmade items made of wood, wool, fur, and beads are also not suitable for the office.
Size and Color Matter
To create an office style, it is not advisable to use overly large and colorful jewelry. They attract too much attention, which is unacceptable.
Try to match the colors of metals. Rose and yellow gold in one look goes beyond the jewelry dress code. It is also undesirable to wear differently colored stones in the office.
For men, the material of the watch is important. Other jewelry should match the color of the watch case. Stone and leather items can be combined with any metal.
Message
Any piece of jewelry carries a certain message about you and the company to those around you. Therefore, wearing items in the office that cost more than your salary is inappropriate. It is also not advisable to wear expensive jewelry to avoid appearing more prestigious than your boss or client.
Jewelry should convey the main idea of the business you are part of. For example, classic jewelry with stones will speak of reliability. Designer models in a successful combination will emphasize creativity. Taste and affluence in premium niches will be highlighted by items from well-known brands and expensive large stones. If you represent a charitable foundation, choose a modest look without excesses that will convey the idea of ethics regarding money.
And a final tip: assemble two or three fail-safe universal sets of jewelry that will highlight your taste and consistency. The jewelry should be comfortable enough that throughout the workday you do not feel that you are wearing it.
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