Breaking the Rules by Mixing Metals
Image Courtesy: Strike Magazine Tallahassee
It feels like today’s fashion trends are breaking societal expectations and emphasizing personal expression through bold and daring looks. From the revival of the Juicy Couture tracksuits to denim maxi skirts and ballet flats, there seems to be no fashion statement too big or small these days.
Image Courtesy: Emily Pegg via Pinterest (@epegg)
Mixing metals was once considered a faux pas and tacky because of the difficulty some had in pulling the look off, but it has now subtly become a standard practice for many who want to add that extra bit of personality to an everyday outfit. So, do you want to know how to mix metals? Well, here are four things to consider if you partake in this upcoming trend.
Tip #1: Consider the Placement
The first thing to consider when mixing metals is where your jewelry will look best, which will depend on your clothes. For example, if you wear something with a higher neckline, focusing on necklaces might not be as necessary to the look as focusing on bracelets and rings would be. While the step depends on your style and the look you're trying to achieve, remember that the goal of your jewelry is to accessorize and create balance throughout the look. Cohesion and balance are critical, so spread out your jewelry.
Tip #2: Choose Your Jewelry Beforehand
The second thing to do when mixing metals is to plan out, at least, the main pieces you want to wear, which involves understanding your skin tone; warm, cool, or neutral. To understand your skin tone, look at your wrist in natural lighting. If your veins appear blue or purple, you have a cool skin tone; if it appears green or green-blue, you are warm. You most likely have a neutral tone if you cannot tell what color your veins are. Determining your undertones is essential in choosing jewelry that compliments your outfit and your complexion.
When determining the pieces you want to wear beforehand, you will also want to set a tone for the pieces you choose. In other words, mixing dainty with gemstone necklaces can help an outfit feel feminine and soft, whereas choosing clunky and bold pieces can give an outfit a bit of edge if that's something you're looking for. While this tip might give you flashbacks to picking out your outfit for school the night before, choosing pieces in advance will help your mixed metal look feel more cohesive and purposeful.
Tip #3: Layer, Layer, Layer!
Probably the most fun part about mixing metals is the layering or the actual mixing of the metals. Personally, I like to layer at least two or three necklaces, rings, or bracelets of different lengths, thicknesses, and even gemstones for texture. While this following primarily applies to necklaces, it is fundamental to know that when layering, your shortest piece is the foundation on which you build your other pieces on top; keep that in mind when you begin your layering process. However, layering is not only a fun way to infuse personality into your daily outfits but also a way to create visual interest, allowing the metals to work together.
Image Courtesy: Claudia via Pinterest (@twiggymeister)
Tip #4: Consider a Mixed Metal Piece
Now, if you've come to the point where you hate everything, your jewelry isn't playing nice with one another, or you feel like there's just one thing missing, it might be because you don't have a blender. A blender piece "naturally incorporates two or more metals," such as a watch with a gold and silver patterned strap or a ring with a gold band and colorful embedded jewels. This blending piece could be just what you need to create cohesion and combine the metals in your other jewelry.
Image Courtesy: Olive & Chain via Pinterest (@olivejewelry)
It's hard to believe that mixing metals was ever considered tacky with the way it is becoming a standard practice in our fashion today. Yet, that's the beauty of fashion and trends, to explore creativity and give what was considered old or outdated a new perspective. Fashion is about expression and exploration, allowing many to discover themselves through what they wear. So, play around with trends, mix metals, and do whatever makes you most confident; nothing is off-limits!
Strike Out,
Writer: Lauren Hamilton
Editor: Racquel Gluckstern
Graphic Designer: Ashley DeCardenas
Tallahassee