The Not-So-Simple Guide to Stylish Jewelry for Men
Fella’s guess what? Gone are the days where a man’s jewelry selection is limited to a single wedding band, a watch and nothing more. What’s considered acceptable and tasteful jewelry options for men has evolved over time. Thankfully, more men are embracing bracelets, necklaces, and multiple rings. I love it!
Now to be clear, there still rules you should know. You can’t step out on the scene looking like Lil’ Wayne or 2 Chainz and think you’re killing it. For starters pick your battles, if you work in the corporate sector do not show up to the office with a herringbone chain and a cup chain bracelet. Now this will come as no surprise to anyone who knows me…. I’ve love me some quality jewelry. From chains and necklaces (there is a difference), to rings, bracelets, lapel pins, tie clips and cuff links. Now let’s talk about adding jewelry to your style.
First off determine how you would describe your style. Does your look lean more towards the preppy country club guy? Are you more on the Rocker/Emo side? Or are you forever in sweats or street wear? Knowing this will impact where you focus investments in your wardrobe. Let’s be honest, if your style leans more towards the preppy side you wouldn’t add a stainless-steel skull metal choker to your outfit. Please note if you do think this is good look then you should know you’ve failed in life, and I can’t help you.
Be intentional with what you choose to wear. Try this out a pair of jeans, fresh sneakers and a crisp white t-shirt paired with an understated necklace. Wearing some jewelry around your neck will help to draw people’s eye to the overall look. By adding some subtle jewelry, it draws the eye into taking in the whole outfit. And please, PLEASE keep it proportional to your size. If you are 5’5 and 110 lbs. you should not be wearing a 40” Cuban link chain. You’ll look you are trying way too hard. Jewelry is like icing on a fine cake, don’t overindulge.
Now, let’s get into Bling 101. Hopefully, this will serve you well.
Necklace vs. Chain
First of all there is a difference people s if you retain anything please remember this a necklace is thinner and often has a pendent as the focal point. A chain is thinker in diameter and doesn’t require a pendent. The chain is its own statement.
Aim to buy a necklace between 18 to 24 inches. A necklace, especially one meant as a fashion piece and not as a personal memento should fall in the centre of your chest. Anything shorter than will come across as a “struggle chain” a.k.a something that’s too small for you.
Chokers are a trendy piece this year and when paired right I think it can look pretty good. Treat a chocker the same way you would a chain, the diameter should be wide, and the entire thing should be a statement. Whether it’s the style or the metal find something that truly compliments your style.
It’s okay – scratch that. It’s encouraged to layer a chain and a necklace these days and I’m for it. Layering as some depth and dimension to a minimal look.
Bracelets
The unofficial rule is to keep it between 1 to 2 bracelets, anything more reads as tacky. I think it great advice to anyone starting out with jewelry I encourage it. If you’re dabbling in bracelets, please don’t invest in those f$@king ugly leather cuffs. It’s dated, and they look like it’s competing with for the same position as a watch on the other wrist.
Invest in a bracelet that will compliment your choice of watch. Keep the same aesthetic if your watch is silver get a bracelet with silver or onyx in the colouring. Doing so will make it an effortless piece that won’t require any overthinking.
Try to avoid anything too delicate like a fine rope chain, consider a metal beaded bracelet, woven leather, or a thin bangle.
Watches
Get one! A watch is considered a staple in men’s accessories, I think it should be treated as an investment piece.
Invest in a clean and classic look. If you are investing in your first watch, find something that can be dressed up or dressed down. Don’t get something too elaborate for your first piece. It can have the opposite affect and become an eye sore.
Personally, speaking I can’t stand a smart watch, like the iWatch. Is it necessary to be “plugged” in all the time?! These watches are impossible to elevate, and your wrist will stay lit up. Literally, it’ll be flashing bright lights all the time.
Rings
This is where it gets tricky, don’t force it if you’re not comfortable. If a chain and watch work well for you that’s okay.
The major fashion outlets will say one ring per hand is best, and if you work in a more business professional space like a bank or law firm than I agree. Your best options would be a wedding ring, class ring or a signet ring. But if you work in a more creative or relaxed space than f$@k that! Make it interesting.
I own a double finger ring and I’ll wear it on one hand and on the other I’ll wear a single split ring or a 3-tier stack. But I’m bold like that.
No thumb rings! It’s not 1995 and you’re not auditioning for a spot on A Different World.
There are so many more jewelry options I could get into but I’m treating this as an introductory guide. I will expand on these tips in a part 2 post.
Let me bless you with some final thoughts on how to affectively navigate through the jewelry game. Do not mix your metals unless you must. I think it’s tacky as hell I it irks the hell out of me. If you have a gold watch on why in the hell are you wearing a silver chain with a rose gold bracelet and onyx ring? Make it make sense!
If you happen to have a 2 tone watch like the one pictured below than there are ways to mix metals and make it work. Pair a 2 tone watch with a silver ring and a gold ring preferably thin bands nothing too elaborate. Being VERY understated is important when accessorizing with a watch like that. Here’s another tip Onyx it goes great with everything, never sleep on onyx.
Lastly, it’s important to know your metals and what looks good on you. Some guys look great in gold. I hate it! I’ve never been a gold kind of guy; I live in silver because I like how it looks on me. Below is a breakdown of the various types of metal you can consider:
Aluminum – cool – new, durable, modern
Brass – warm – rich, durable
Bronze – warm – rich, old, solid
Chrome – cool – hard, durable, sparkly
Gold – warm – rich, classy
Silver – cool – rich, mellow
I hope this post has not overwhelmed you. Let me end by hopefully pointing you in the right direction. I put together a list of some of my favourite places to get jewelry from. I encourage you to check them out. The list represents different price points to be more accessible.
Drop a comment and let me know your thoughts. Are you inspired to try some pieces out or has this reaffirmed that you’re on the right track?