How to Mix & Match Jewelry to Elevate Your Style

steel and silver circle stud matching earrings and necklace

 

Do you have multiple styles and types of jewelry but don’t know what to wear together? Learning how to mix and match jewelry can take some practice. Whether you’re looking for how to match jewelry with your outfit, wearing matching jewelry sets, or looking for ways to combine multiple pieces of jewelry, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore the secrets to creating captivating combinations that will make your style unique. 

Styling Jewelry to Match Your Style

Before you start mixing your jewelry, it’s crucial to define your personal style. Identifying your overall style will enable you to determine what type of jewelry is best to wear, be it as standalone pieces or in combination with other accessories. Your clothing choice should align with your jewelry style, ensuring a complementary overall look. Contrasting styles make you look disheveled. Wearing mismatched styles creates an appearance of disarray you likely don’t want to convey.

The Classics

Timeless styles embody their name: classic. They transcend generations, remaining enduringly fashionable. From understated stud earrings to a strand of pearls to bangle bracelets, the classics never go out of style. These elegant accessories complement business attire, preppy fashion, or a sophisticated evening dress. When matching classic jewelry, it’s advisable to keep it simple by opting for consistent metals and gems between necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. 

Boho Style

Bohemian fashion embraces a laid-back, carefree vibe with its flowing garments, artistic patterns, and vintage pieces. If you identify with a free-spirited outlook and prioritize comfort above all, you likely embody a bohemian style. While this style itself rebels against convention, you have a bit more flexibility when mixing jewelry. Layered necklaces, bold statement rings, and stacked bracelets go great with boho aesthetics. Natural colored gemstones enhance the artistic flare that embodies this style, With many styles adhering to the “less is more” principle, feel free to unleash your creativity and go wild when your style leans towards bohemian.

Modern Trends

Are you up on the latest fashion trends and always in style? With modern styles — whether you’re into modern streetwear or designer fashions — you must stay ahead of the curve. Modern fashion often incorporates sleek lines, minimalist designs, and contemporary aesthetics. Modern industrial designs can be a trendy choice to stand out from the crowd. Delicate geometric earrings and sleek pendant necklaces can effortlessly enhance your modern look. Remember, finding jewelry that aligns with your modern style will accentuate your fashion-forward sensibilities and create a cohesive and polished appearance.


Read our Sizzling Summer Jewelry Trends for 2023 for tips on modern styles.

geometric black diamond shapes earrings and necklace combination

Other Style Considerations

Regardless of your personal style, investing in high-quality, timeless pieces of jewelry can be the foundation for mixing and matching accessories. Permanent chain jewelry, for instance, can serve as a versatile base for layering other pieces. Understanding your overall style can enable you to select a few everyday jewelry essentials while also having a range of additional accessories to mix and match for your distinctive look. By taking your clothing style into account, you can create a cohesive look that reflects your thoughtful approach to fashion. 

Matching Different Jewelry Pieces

Whether you’re matching a necklace and bracelet, earrings and a necklace, or a combination of various accessories, it's important to strike a balance and avoid going overboard. Too many large or overpowering pieces may overwhelm your look. Opting for a single statement piece alongside simple complimentary jewelry can make a dramatic effect. Alternatively, for a more refined and curated appearance, you may consider selecting matching jewelry sets.

While there are no strict rules regarding the number of pieces to wear, focusing on a central focal point can serve as a helpful starting point. Whether you decide to layer multiple necklaces or showcase bold earrings, pick one main piece and build around it. Simple stud earrings and a modest ring can complement chunky necklaces. While a long chain necklace paired with a bangle bracelet in the same metal, finish, and thickness offers a standout option.

Matching Jewelry Sets

steel diamond silver shapes necklace and earrings matching jewelry set

Whether you opt for matching jewelry sets or choose pieces in the same collection, matching jewelry offers a seamless styling solution. Sets often incorporate consistent metals, shapes, and colors, resulting in a cohesive look. Matching jewelry sets are well-suited for formal occasions or a night on the town. Sets typically consist of two jewelry pieces, such as matching earrings and a necklace or a coordinating necklace and bracelet. Sets can encompass various combinations of matching jewelry — for example, earrings, a necklace, and a ring crafted from the same metal and featuring identical gemstone colors.

 

 

Mixing Metals

mixed metals single steel and silver circle necklace It can be safe to stick to either silver or gold jewelry for all your accessories. Alternatively, an impactful way to create a distinctive look is to embrace jewelry that combines different metals. The trend of mixed metals jewelry allows for a fashion-forward approach and offers a unique style statement. Whether it's pairing steel and silver pieces together or layering items in gold and silver, incorporating mixed metals into your ensemble can result in a trendy and eye-catching choice.

 

 

Layering & Stacking

three gemstone necklaces from Zink Metals color collection for a layered jewelry effect

Layering necklaces, wearing multiple earrings in each ear, and stacking bangle bracelets all create a dramatic visual impact. Although these techniques are commonly associated with bohemian or hipster styles, wearing multiple pieces of the same jewelry type can be suitable for various fashion ensembles.

When layering multiple necklaces, choosing varying lengths and complimentary chains can create an eye-catching look. For instance, a single long pendant with a shorter bar necklace and a thicker chain necklace layers well. And doubling or even tripling an extra-long, thick chain necklace can make a bold statement when worn with a basic tank top or camisole. Layering multiple chain bracelets with a bangle or bracelets of different colors are also great options.

Make Your Own Style Rules

While it can help to follow some fundamental styling guidelines, it’s important to embrace and personalize your own unique style. When it comes to mixing and matching jewelry, trust your instincts and select pieces that resonate with you and bring you joy. Explore the diverse collection of Zink Metals jewelry, allowing you the freedom to mix and match to your heart's delight!