Some people believe the old adage that one is never truly dressed without putting on some jewelry. But in today’s fashion norms, that maxim no longer rings true. Jewelry isn’t the only thing you can wear to add panache to your favorite outfits, and you can certainly choose to wear just a few pieces or omit jewelry from your wardrobe altogether.  

Maybe you’re a minimalist when it comes to dressing up, or you’ve got a contact allergy to metals like gold and silver. Or perhaps you simply hesitate to wear jewelry because you’re prone to losing them or because they get in the way of your work. Whatever your reason may be, there are other ways to accessorize. Here are several suggestions for when you want to hold the ice and achieve looks that are stylish but not overly flashy or cumbersome:  

Wear Top Layers with Interesting Cuts, Fabrics, and Patterns

One thing you should remember when dressing yourself is that you don’t necessarily have to pile on jewelry or other fashion accessories to make your look “complete.” Add some oomph to an otherwise plain outfit by wearing top layers of varying cuts and lengths, and don’t hesitate to experiment with fabrics and patterns. 

Try finishing a classic plain-white-tee-and-jeans outfit with a structured cardigan or a jacket that has toggles or vintage metal buttons on it. If you’re wearing a solid-colored dress or button-down, make your outfit more visually interesting with a blazer or bolero in a bold and busy print. Mix and match items until you find a combination that looks well-balanced. 

Rock a Pair of Statement Bottoms

The same principle can be applied to your bottoms. If you’d rather take a more modest approach when it comes to styling the upper half of your body, you can incorporate interesting visual elements into the pants, shorts, or hosiery you’ll wear. 

Don’t be afraid to try out statement bottoms like distressed stonewashed jeans, animal print leggings, or a pair of fashion tights in sheer or fishnet patterns. Options like these demonstrate that you don’t necessarily have to wear jewelry to make your whole outfit stand out.  

Choose Fun Hats or Hair Accessories

It’s also possible to accessorize with headwear or hair accessories. These allow you to accentuate your facial features but without wearing earrings or putting on a necklace. Some cute barrettes or a beaded hair band might do the trick.  

If you anticipate being outdoors, going to the park or the gym for some exercise, or simply heading out to people-watch on the street, you can also sport an interesting hat. You can’t go wrong with a classic baseball cap, but you can also go for a ‘90s style bucket hat or even an artsy knitted bonnet or beret. 

Do you wear prescription eyeglasses, or do you live in a summery area that often requires you to shield your eyes from the sun? If the answer to either question is yes, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to accessorize your outfit with stylish eyewear. 

The next time you order frames for your eyeglasses, get cat-eye frames, brow-line frames, or other frames in trendy styles. You can also go for more audacious patterns or finishes on your frames, like a rose gold metallic finish or a tortoiseshell pattern. The same goes for the shades you’ll wear outdoors or while you’re driving; you can look beyond ordinary frame types and rock some wayfarer or aviator-style sunglasses. These will go a long way towards upgrading a jewelry-free look.  

Sport a Chic Fashion Scarf

It’s not a good idea to wear lots of jewelry when it’s cold and windy outside, as these fragile pieces can easily get damaged by the elements or get caught up in your hair or on the rest of your clothing. But bad weather shouldn’t stop you from accessorizing in other ways, like with a fashion scarf. 

Keep your neck protected against rain, sleet, or snow—and stay fashionable at the same time—by wearing a muffler, stole, or cowl with your top and jacket. For maximum stylishness, choose a pattern or fabric that creates an interesting contrast with the rest of your outfit. 

Make Your Bag a Part of Your Ensemble

Some people choose which bag to use as an afterthought. But if you’re going jewelry-free, it’s a great idea to accessorize with your bag and to match it with the rest of your clothing. You have a lot of chic bag styles to choose from, from the utilitarian messenger bag and cross-body bag to the clutch and black quilted bag. 

If you’re having a hard time choosing between different bag options, you can base your decision on the function the bag is supposed to serve. For example, if you’re going to a formal event, it’s best to bring a small statement bag like a beaded clutch. It would also be good to match your bag with other elements in your outfit so that you can achieve a more cohesive look. An outfit that incorporates a brown leather belt and brown brogues, ballet flats, or loafers is best finished with a leather bag of the same hue. 

Some Last Tips for Styling a Jewelry-Free Outfit

As you can see from the tips listed above, there are a lot of ways to switch out jewelry and still come up with an outfit that looks put-together. Below are some other suggestions for bringing more polish and character to your wardrobe without jewelry:

Bring Color and Texture to Your Outfit

When you want to remain fashionable but also sparse about your jewelry, color and texture are your best friends. See what happens when you leave your comfort zone and play around with louder colors and bolder textures. 

Add Sparkle to Your Clothing in Other Ways

Don’t forget that you can also add embellishments to your clothing, as these can evoke the luster or glamor of jewelry without your having to wear any. Look for clothes that have beads, sequins, or studs sewn on, or have a new pattern embroidered on one of your mainstay pieces.  

Try Highlighting One Central Element of Your Outfit

Whether you’re wearing jewelry or going without it, one fashion principle you can follow is to highlight one key part of your ensemble and style the rest of your apparel in a complementary manner. Configure your look to feature one statement piece or one standout fabric texture or pattern. This will imbue your outfit with effortless and understated elegance—something that’s possible even without extra adornments.  

You won’t be at a loss even if you choose to dress up without jewelry. Take inspiration from these style tips and get even more creative with the way you accessorize!

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Brighton Journal is an online publication covering the local events, music scene, nightlife and lifestyle of the city of Brighton as well as celebrating the people of Brighton.

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