“The Business Fashionista” is AZ Big Media’s fashion blog for the business-minded. It examines the dos, don’ts and musts of the modern fashionista who wants to stay in step with the latest trends in the workplace.
Bangles, bracelets, necklaces, wedding rings, midi rings, toe rings, studs, hoops and cuff earrings. Just admit it ― when it comes to jewelry, you love it all.
Jewelry is probably one of the easiest ways to personalize your outfit. Each piece you select has a reason behind it. Some women are the queens of jewelry and always have on at least three rings, two necklaces and a pair of earrings. Other women are more simple.
No matter which side of the jewelry spectrum you’re on, all business fashionistas need to know the guidelines for office-appropriate jewelry. While you may be thinking the obvious, “I know how to wear jewelry,” everything you wear to the office should be carefully considered.
It may not be as difficult for you to pick out a necklace as it is picking out what top you should pair with that pencil skirt, but there are problems jewelry can present in the office. For example, we all know that one girl at the office who sounds like a ring full of keychains every time she moves her arms stacked with silver bracelets.
Rule No. 1: Your jewelry shouldn’t distract or disturb others.
A great test to see if your jewelry is office appropriate is to move around. If it makes a lot of sound, don’t wear it. Or, just look in the mirror. In the words of Coco Chanel, “Before you leave the house, take a look in the mirror and take one thing off.”
Rule No. 2: Sometimes less is more.
You want your jewelry to complement your outfit, not mask it. The smartest business fashionistas embrace the signature piece of jewelry. A signature piece is something you wear almost daily, and it could be just to work or all day anywhere. Often, a simple necklace or ring with your initial on it looks much better by itself. Not only is personalized jewelry fun, but it’s also an easier way to incorporate jewelry into your outfit if you skew toward the simpler. Watches are perfect, too, by themselves. Keep in mind to mix function and fashion. It can be annoying if all your decorative watch does is sit on your wrist and look pretty, as opposed to giving you the time.
Rule No. 3: Don’t go too crazy with the bedazzled, bling-y, rhinestone adorned jewelry.
This rule goes along with the first rule. You may not realize it, but your favorite bedazzled necklace can be distracting for your coworkers. The purpose of rhinestones is to attract attention to an object, but this is not the attention you necessarily want when giving a presentation at a meeting. Instead of focusing on you, everyone is looking at your bling-y jewelry.
Rule No. 4: Size does matter
The theory of the bigger the better doesn’t always apply to the jewelry you wear to the office. Tone it down a few notches. Huge hoop earrings might not be appropriate for the office. Unless you’re flawless like Beyoncé with an 18-carat diamond wedding ring, wear practical jewelry.
