There are many elements of an outfit which can constitute the difference between make or break. A pair of shoes, when done right, can elevate you ten feet taller. When wrong, they’ll likely send you down. The perfect jeans, if worn with confidence, will have you strutting your stuff. But when put on with apprehension, you’ll be stumbling.
Of course, the same rules apply to jewellery; a fine balancing act between bling and subtly is the watchword here. Today, we’re talking about wrist candy, and if you’re in the market for some currently, you’d do worse than to read these; our 5 IDEAL tips for choosing and wearing a bracelet.
START WITH SIZE
The primary element to consider when choosing a bracelet is proportion. That is, between the size of your hand and forearm, and that of the bracelet. In simple terms, for stronger, wider wrists you’ll need larger bracelets, while for thinner wrists a subtler design, both in size and colour, is more appropriate.
The ‘right’ size for a bracelet requires some space between the wrist and the bracelet itself while also taking care not to exaggerate that distance and encourage an unwelcome sliding of the item way down the forearm. This implies a rushed purchase or ill thought out design; neither of which are stylistic notions you want to convey. On the flipside, if your bracelet is too tight, it’s going to restrict movement; waving, elevating a thumb (or middle finger) up, yawning…they’re all likely to suffer.
As a general rule, you should be able to slide a finger between bracelet and wrist. As the team at Relentless Rebels, who run an online shop for Viking bracelets, tell us, it’s always best to try before you buy or refer to the size guide, but as a general rule, men should opt for something between 8-10 inches in length.
STYLISTIC SYNERGY
Brace yourself for the sheer variety and scope of bracelet styles. From cuffs and bangles to charm bracelets, beaded numbers to tennis bracelets, gemstone embellished items and even watches which favour fashion over function, there’s a myriad of styles going on out there.
Your bracelet choice should match your overall sense of style, both in general and on any particular day. Tough, we know, but also vital if you’re to evoke that stylistic synergy so valued of fashion fans.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO STACK
While many say the key to wearing a bracelet is simplicity, we politely suggest you throw those old fashioned jewellery rules out the window, especially when it comes to bracelets. Don’t let anyone ever tell you that ‘only gold suits your skin tone’ and not to mix and match your metals. Indeed, mixing metals and stacking different pieces is a really fun way to create visual intrigue when it comes to wearing a bracelet. It looks effortless yet elegant and is the ideal way to create a unique look that feels really personal. While there is always the danger of overloading your wrists, both physically and metaphorically, just remember, it’s your own style you’re trying to show off, and when it comes to stacking, trust your own judgement.
COMFORT IS KING
It might sound a little over the top, but the wrist is a tender, sometimes erogenous zone, and as such, we wouldn’t recommend anything which is overly restrictive, heavy or uncomfortable. Your hands do a lot of moving and grooving, whether at the office or on the dance floor, and any bracelet which wreaks havoc on your comfort levels is going to impede your confidence in equal measure. So, prioritise its wearability if your investment is going to be a worthwhile one.
CUSTOMISE IT YOURSELF
Jewellery is a statement of your own unique style and reflects your personality, and what could represent you more than a piece you design or customise yourself? Indeed, if you aren’t able to find a bracelet that adequately captures your own unique brand, then think about having one custom designed so you can mix and match stones, tones and precious metals to suit your taste. Thanks to online shops offering online design tools like Nomination’s custom bracelets, you can create a one-of-a-kind piece that is all about you, expressing your individuality and style.
