Jewelry is almost always associated with women. Just the thought of it probably conjures up images of your wife or girlfriend’s diamonds and pearls. And, unless you regularly rummage through your mom’s jewelry box, we honestly wouldn’t blame you.
But gents, welcome to 2018. If you’re not rocking some bling of your own, you are truly missing out on some fantastic and highly fashionable styles. We’re talking about more than a diamond bezel Breitling or suave Patek Philippe (though we highly recommend both if you have the means). But if you’re going to get on board with this, it might not be as easy as you think. Women tend to follow various guidelines when choosing jewelry pieces, and the same rules applies for men. When it comes to getting dressed – be it for the gym, the office, or a night out with the crew – less is generally best, and there are a few tips you’ll want to stick to pull it off successfully.
Without further ado, here’s your 2018 guide for wearing jewelry like a real man.
(Not covered – Watches, because we could pretty much write an entire book on that).
Earrings
For a man, earrings are quite visible. That’s why many men working in corporate environments tend to shy away from them. Generally speaking, that’s what we recommend. If you have a corporate job in finance, legal, or the likes, your best bet is to leave your diamond studs at home. But for those of us working in tech, fashion, the startup world, etc. (note – anything a bit more laid back), you should feel free to wear your earrings to work.
Start out slow, wearing small gemstones framed in dark, solid, neutral colors. White-colored diamonds work well, but don’t be afraid to experiment with alternative colors if you have the finances; yellow and black look great. Whatever you do, though, stick with studs. Very few can pull off hoops, so its recommended that you avoid them (generally speaking).
Necklaces
Unless you’re Flo Rida, leave the super-flashy stuff to the entertainment industry. For a simple jeans and t-shirt day, go with a silver or gold chain of medium length and thickness. In low-key settings, try to keep your necklaces to a minimum. A stainless-steel cable chain is not only classic, but it’s quite masculine as well.
Again, don’t be afraid to try out new materials. Many jewelry companies are doing some awesome things with leather and twine. The Pearl Source and Laguna Pearl, two of the largest online pearl retailers in the U.S., both sell men’s jewelry. The leather and black pearl combo is killer with a sleek watch. Trust us, you won’t regret it.
Clips and Tie Bars
A tie clip is a simple way to keep a man’s tie anchored down. Tie bars are horizontal clips the simply side over the top of the tie, then anchors below your shirt. Both help keep your tie from flying in your face and everywhere else.
This is a small piece of men’s jewelry that serves an actual purpose. Choose a sophisticated, classic option for business days and dressier affairs. Or, you can go with a fun clip with a cool message like a sports logo or quirky animal pattern. You can choose a fun tie bar or clip and still look professional. Just be sure to choose your colors wisely so they match your entire outfit.
Practical, meet bad ass. We think you’ll like one another. Check out a few of our top picks.
Bracelets
Women’s bracelets differ significantly from those created for men. A man’s bracelet should be simple and not too large. Your bracelet should complement your look as an extra accessory, not overpower it altogether.
Men’s bracelets are appropriate for any look, from a suit to a tee-shirt. From a tough leather to a metal bangle, from a single band to a double wrap bracelet, you can pair bracelets with just about any type of attire. You’ll successfully add a simple touch to your gear, with the perfect amount of edge.
Cufflinks
Cufflinks actually serve a purpose. They are supposed to hold your cuffs in place. This piece of men’s jewelry is specifically for upscale events and occasions with formal attire. Generally, cufflinks are small, yet they come in a wide variety of styles that help you express your personality and fashion sense at the same time.
You can find sophisticated links that work for dressy occasions, or classic styles that go well with work-related events. But, for a stylish appeal, go with matte, gold, silver or metallic style cufflinks in circular or square shapes. Make sure your details are minor and avoid unusual shapes and gem-studded embellishments. Also, keep in mind that knots are not as dressy.
