Through the cold, the wind, and the snowmageddon of it all, here recently, you may just want to wear whatever is warm and comfy. I have found myself reaching for the same grey sweater dress and fleece-lined black leggings at least once a week, or a white tee, black pants, and oversized cardigan for the few days that I’ve been able to leave the house. We all have our go-tos when it comes to surviving the elements. So, if, like me, you’re feeling that your minimalist weather-dictated daily uniform is a bit drab and uninspired, you don’t have to wait for warmer days to put together a stylish look. Instead, elevate your current winter wear with jewelry, which can transform clothes into outfits. Now is a great time to take a hard look at your jewelry box to pick out pieces that inspire you and feel intentional. Here’s a rundown of some jewelry inspiration to see you through the season, even if you’re just riding out this winter in sweats.
First up, mixed metals. For most of my stylish life, I’ve kept my metals separate, only wearing gold with gold, silver with silver, or bronze with bronze. However, there are far crazier things going on in this world than mixing and matching metals, so why not go for it? The trick is finding the shade and level of shine that balance each piece, or finding jewelry with more than one metal. I think this works best in earring form, particularly what’s on offer at Revolve. Their Heaven Mayhem Baby Knot Earrings feature both gold- and silver-toned interlocking loops, small enough to fit under a beanie but also vibrant enough to add some shine to a layered look of a button-down, sweater, and joggers. Revolve also offers Shashi’s Two-Toned Ford Huggie earrings, again in gold and silver with doubled metal hoops for more of a statement earring.
From metal to crystal with colored gemstones. Brightly colored stones can be mood enhancers, bringing a bit of sass and energy to your look. I like the idea of bright gems in ring form, even though rings can be tough to wear with gloves. I’m not opposed to popping on a cocktail ring after my hands have warmed up from the outside. If you’re wearing something simple and monotone, like a brown sweater dress with brown tights and an olive-green puffy vest, then a piece like Kenneth Jay Lane’s Gold with Center Oval Flaw Ruby Ring, available at shopbop, brings a bit of elegance to a standard day look. For something a bit more eclectic, check out the site’s Luv Aj Amber Honey Resin Stud Ring, which features two vibrantly colored stones to complement straight-leg jeans and a cozy polo-style sweater. If the standard gemstones seem a bit flashy to you, then consider moody options like tiger’s eye, onyx, or jasper.
Speaking of moody, nothing quite sets a vibe like earthy materials such as resin and wood. Wooden bangles are becoming popular. Forget the plastic bracelets of the 80’s, wood bangles can be very chic while also feeling more authentic. Temple Ro’s Wooden Stacking Bangles can be worn as a group of three or mixed in as a neutral with a more eclectic wrist stack. For something more substantial to be worn on its own, there’s Urban Outfitters’ Forest Walk Chunky Wooden Bangle Bracelet to layer over the cuff of a longer sleeve shirt to provide your overall look with some zhuzhing.
For resin options, there’s Mickey’s Girl Alba Resin Bangle, currently on sale as of this writing, with a neutral palette crafted for seamless stacking and works with either gold or silver pieces, or both. Anthropologie has a set of 3 Round Bangle Bracelets rendered in resin. Each set provides complementary tone-on-tone shades in trios of pink, blue, and terracotta that will add a punch, not just a pop of color, to an otherwise dreary winter uniform.
Beaded jewelry is really having a moment, especially for casual settings, to add some color and texture to a look of basics. Bauble Bar’s Isla Layered Beaded Necklace features three strands of rainbow-colored beads that will draw the eye upward when worn with a monochromatic outfit of navy pull-on pants and a matching V-neck sweater. For something a little less attention-seeking, but just as chic, there’s Shashi’s Joe Smooth Gemstone Bracelet made of multicolored muted tone beads that features a magnetic clasp for easy on and off. You can pop this on with just about any look for some understated elegance and earthy texture.
Lastly, necklaces. I find that longer layered necklace(s) are ideal when paired with a turtleneck or mock neck. Whether it’s fitted or oversized, a solid-tone high-neck top is the perfect background for multi-layered chains and pendants. Zara has a Pack of 3 Necklaces with Stones and Charms for a gothic take on the multi-faceted necklace. Tassels are also a fun option; you can find a refined version with J.Crew’s Tassel Necklaces Set-of-Two in gold and black. For a more boho necklace stack, there’s Three Bird Nest’s Lucid Love Layered Necklace featuring moon, star, and bead charms that would fit right in with a solid-colored tunic, crochet cardigan, and leggings look.
Of course, as you make an itinerary of your current jewelry collection, because what else is there to do on a cold winter’s night, you may already have versions of all of these pieces. Great! If not, hopefully you can take some inspiration from these suggestions, have a look online, then hit up a thrift store for second-hand options. Or slip some hints/links to your Valentine this year for gift ideas.
