Show you mean business!

If you work in a creative environment this may not be an issue for you but for many who work in an office environment where the ‘uniform’ can be fairly restrictive, often monochrome, your ‘out of office’ choice of accessories may not be appropriate. Maybe because of this you tend not to bother, or you just throw on something randomly just before you leave home but if you want to make an impression, look polished and sophisticated then jewellery really is worth taking seriously.  A few well chosen, quality pieces can set you apart, make you look more together, feel more confident and pull you out of a rut!

Organise your jewellery box

Just as you probably have one space in your wardrobe for your work clothes and one for your ‘weekend’ clothes, consider doing the same in your jewellery box/drawer.  Separating the workplace items from the more casual ones will make it easier to get dressed in the mornings – no more head scratching or delays while you rummage and you will be able to keep to the style guidelines with absolute ease even if, like me, you are always running late!    

Start to build your collection

Think strategically and start with essentials.  A white shirt, perfectly fitted skirt or trousers and an impeccably tailored blazer are the workplace basics – you need the equivalent in jewellery.  A pair of studs, a simple necklace or a discreet, yet elegant pendant and a delicate bracelet.  These will form the basis of your capsule workplace jewellery collection and from this you can branch out.  

Top:Penny Levi Studs, Rachel Jackson Sunday Bracelet
Lucky Eyes Chelsea Short Necklace, Muru Feather Pendant

Hone your own style

Just because this is for the office doesn’t mean you can’t have a signature style even if its very different to your weekend style.  Consider your hair.  If you have short hair or wear your long hair in a chignon or ponytail to keep it out of your way in the office, then consider slightly longer (albeit still discreet) earrings as a counter balance.   They’ll look really elegant!  If you are normally flamboyant and feel constrained by the work environment, try wearing a piece that’s slightly bolder or brighter but still understated. 

Top: Collette Waudby Leaf Drops,  Pearls of the Orient Tear Drop Pearls

Lucky Eyes Gold Pave Necklace, Rachel Jackson Serenity Necklace

Less is not always more

It may seem surprising but quantity in the area of corporate wear can mean style!  However I’m talking minimalist pieces here.  Making a subtle statement with quality matching/complementary jewellery items can be preferable to one ‘loud’ statement piece if you want to get noticed for the right reasons.  However choose your larger piece carefully and wear alone and you can look very chic!

Rachel Jackson Serenity Collection, Chris Lewis Geometric Necklace

When to step it up

Do you have a Board meeting the next day or a 1-2-1 with your boss or are you just going to be at your desk all day? Whatever the activity office jewellery can empower you.  Think strategically.  If, for instance, you are going to give a presentation, wear something with a stronger impact.  You know you’re going to have people looking at you so take advantage of the situation wearing something that will add some ‘shine’ without being overbearing.  Wear as large a necklace as your frame allows which can emanate a sense of power (many of the worlds most powerful women wear chunky necklaces);   choose a bold cuff over bangles that clink loudly as that will be distracting for your audience;  wearing a stunning pair of earrings will get people focussing on your face and therefore what you are saying;  if you will be using your hands to point at the screen/whiteboard, a statement ring will route attention to your hand adding weight to your gestures.  

Bcharmd Faye Black Sate and Abalone Shell Statement Necklace
Bill Skinner Bee & Honeycomb Cuff
Lucky Eyes Large Filigree Ring
Lucky Eyes Baroque Pearl Hoops

You spend a lot of time at work!

Cost per wear is an oft used term for deciding the value of items in your wardrobe – the same principle can apply to your jewellery and as we all spend a lot of time these days working,  the cost per wear can be great value indeed!  Buying good quality pieces will be a good investment.  I’m sure you’ve heard the saying ‘dress for the job you aspire to, not the one you’re doing’; well,  go for it – a few thoughtfully chosen pieces will mean you always look good, and look as if you mean business.  Carefully chosen jewellery can enhance your outfit,  your image and your confidence so whatever your style personality after hours or at weekends,  if your workplace is more conservative,  reigning it in, being clever in your choices will be well worth the effort.