Work dress codes can be difficult to figure out when you’re first entering the workforce. Every office is a little different, and even within the dress code people are likely to dress differently depending on what kind of job they want, and whether they’re hoping for a promotion or to move up within the company.
Knowing how to follow dress code, but still stand out and look professional at the same time can make a bigger difference in your work prospects than you might expect.
Of course, you also don’t want to seem like you’re showing off too much, or draw too much attention to yourself in the process. There’s a thin line to walk, but do it well, and you’ll be rewarded for the work.
Here are some tips for jewelry you can wear as a young professional. These options won’t age you - and will help you look professional, put together, and ready to perform in the office.
A lot of this advice also applies to non-office jobs as well. Just remember that you should always put safety first. Don’t wear any jewelry that could get in the way of your actual job or make things more difficult. Jewelry that can get caught in tools or machinery can be a safety hazard, so you be careful to avoid long dangling and swinging lengths that might cause a problem.
Add A Touch Of Elegance To Your Normal Style
Rather than trying to wear the same styles as older professionals in your workplace, think about how you can put a spin on your existing jewelry preferences to make them more suitable for the workplace.
For instance, if you typically wear large hoop earrings, a smaller hoop might still be a good option in the office. Or, for a variation on hoop earrings that still looks young and fun, but is a little more elegant and professional, consider getting hoops with a couple of added stones, like my Mahogany Obsidian Hoops.
Want to go a little further? Consider replacing hoops with a smaller spiral style, or a different kind of dangling earring. My Obsidian Coils are a good option as a more professional hoop replacement.
Have Standard Jewelry That Works With More Than One Outfit
One of the best ways to look professional is to have a relatively consistent look. Your work outfits should make sense together, though there is some room for variety, and your work jewelry should do the same.
That means choosing understated or universal styles that you can wear with a suit and tie outfit, a professional dress, or a blouse and slacks set.
Onyx Jewelry is one good way to build a versatile set. The black stones are very professional, and can work with just about any set of colors. Clear stones, like diamonds, are also highly versatile.
If you want a little more color, blues, purples, reds, and greens can all work with more than one color combination in the rest of your outfit.
Consider getting a set or two of Amethyst, Ruby, Garnet, Aquamarine, Sapphire, or Emerald jewelry.
Natural stone jewelry, like my handmade artisan jewelry, can be even a little more versatile than faceted gems. Natural stones can look as formal as faceted gems, but they can also look more casual and understated than faceted gems ever are.
Birthstone jewelry is also a good option if you’re looking for a versatile workplace look. Most people will understand any level of fanciness or formality when it comes to birthstone jewelry, and some people may even expect your birthstone jewelry to be some of the nicest jewelry in your collection.
Of course, if you’re looking for unique birthstone jewelry, I have entire birthstone collections for all 12 months of the year!
Coordinated Sets Of Jewelry Help You Look More Put Together
One of the differences between the jewelry young people often wear and the jewelry more established professionals wear is how well that jewelry goes together.
Younger professionals are more likely to wear mis-matched sets that have some elements in common, but aren’t entirely designed to work together.
That’s perfectly fine, but it doesn’t look quite as professional as a complete set. So it’s a good idea to have one or two complete sets of jewelry that you can wear for important meetings, business functions, and other occasions where reminding people of your professionalism is important.
Plus, a coordinated set will look better for formal occasions and will give you something suitable for weddings and other special events!
The trick is to make sure that the set you choose suits your taste and personality.
Choosing stones based on specific features you like, or because they are your favorite color can be a good way to add some personal flair to coordinated professional looking jewelry. That’s one of the reasons you can also shop Earth Song Jewelry collections based on the colors of the stones in each piece.
Make Sure You’re Following Work Dress Code
One of the most common mistakes young professionals make is choosing women’s jewelry, including handmade women’s jewelry, that isn’t suitable for their workplace, or that is actively dangerous when it comes to normal workplace duties wearing that jewelry.
It’s important to make sure you’re following dress code and making common sense decisions when you’re choosing what kind of jewelry you’re going to wear at work.
Show that you’re serious about the job by choosing safe and professional appearing jewelry as early as the interview. You can usually wear slightly nicer or more formal jewelry for your interview than you will want to wear at work, but minimize the risk that anything will fall out or get caught in equipment while you’re on the job.
Can Men Wear Jewelry To Work?
It’s common for men to wonder if you can wear jewelry to work at all. The truth is that your options are a little more limited in a lot of workplaces, but tasteful or well made jewelry will typically be acceptable. Just make sure you’re following the same common sense guidelines as your women coworkers.
Plus, you can add even more personality by choosing men’s handmade jewelry that reflects your individual taste and values.
Thankfully, men’s jewelry is more than just cufflinks these days, so explore a little! Men's earrings, necklaces and bracelets can all look professional and put together when done well. Just make sure your whole outfit works together, including the jewelry.
