The Jewelry Styling Lessons I Wish I’d Known 20 Years Ago
Twenty years ago, I thought I knew it all about jewelry. Turns out… I knew just enough to make some truly questionable choices. Let’s just say there were too many matchy-matchy sets, not enough statement pieces, and a disturbing lack of stainless steel in my life. I was most likely just wearing a little pair of pearls and a simple silver necklace, safe, sweet, and maybe just a tad boring. If I could hop in a time machine, I’d whisper a few style secrets to my younger self… and maybe hand her a bolder necklace for good measure.
Lesson 1 – Less Really Can Be More
What I Learned: Wearing every piece you own at once is not the same as “layering.”
Today’s Tip: Pick one or two focal pieces and let them shine—everything else should be the backup singers, not the lead vocalist.
Lesson 2 – Quality Over Quantity
What I Learned: Cheap earrings will betray you—usually mid-event.
Today’s Tip: Invest in stainless or gold stainless pieces (or like these that are silver stainless and gold stainless) that last, don’t tarnish, and don’t make your ears regret being born.
Lesson 3 – Matchy-Matchy Isn’t Always Magic
What I Learned: Wearing a perfectly matching necklace/earring/bracelet set every day made me look like a department store display.
Today’s Tip: Mix textures, metals, and styles for a more modern, relaxed look.
Lesson 4 – Jewelry Should Fit Your Life, Not the Other Way Around
What I Learned: There were years when I picked my outfit around my jewelry instead of the other way around. I’d choose a top just because it “worked” with a necklace—never mind if I even liked the top!
Today’s Tip: Let your day decide your jewelry. Running errands? Go with hoops or studs. Date night? Bring on the sparkle. Hosting friends? A fun statement piece that starts conversations is perfect.
Lesson 5 – Don’t Save the “Good Stuff” for Special Occasions
What I Learned: My best pieces sat in a jewelry box for years waiting for a ‘perfect’ moment that never came. I wish I’d worn the good pearls more often.
Today’s Tip: Life is the occasion! Wear the pearls to the grocery store. Wear the sparkle to lunch. Wear the bracelet that makes you feel fancy while you’re making spaghetti.
Lesson 6 – Know Your Necklines
What I Learned: Not every necklace works with every top (ask me about the time I wore a long pendant with a high-neck ruffled blouse… disaster).
Today’s Tip:
Off-shoulder? Statement earrings all the way.
Crew neck? Go bold and short.
V-neck? Try a pendant or layered chains.
Lesson 7 – Your Style Will Evolve… Let It
What I Learned: I clung to one style for too long—yep, the little pearls and silver necklace were practically my uniform.
Today’s Tip: Don’t be afraid to surprise yourself—sometimes the piece you swore wasn’t “you” becomes your new favorite.
If I’d known these lessons back then, I’d have saved myself from more than a few fashion flops. But honestly? I think the mistakes make the wins even sweeter. Jewelry is supposed to be fun, expressive, and just a little bit rebellious—so wear what makes you feel like you.
What’s one jewelry or style lesson YOU wish you’d learned sooner? Share it in the comments—I might just feature it in a future post!
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