From rings to cufflinks to your watch; learning how to wear men's jewelry can provide subtle touches that tie your outfit together in a great way – if you get it right.
In this article, we explain how to wear men's jewelry. We are going to show you how to wear:
And lastly, how to know when you are wearing too much jewelry.
#1 How To Wear Men's Jewelry – Watches
The watch's most basic function is to tell time. But when dressing formally, it can do much more than that.
A watch can subtly complement an outfit and add class to a man's appearance.
The best men's watches for formal attires are the simpler watches. 12 numbers, 3 hands, and a plain face will complement an already fabulous outfit.
A lesser-known type of watch is the pocket watch. These are an interesting item on the gentleman because they rarely make an appearance today.
If wearing a vest, the watch goes into the pocket on one side, the chain loops through the buttonhole of the same height, and the fob end rests in the other pocket.
#2 How To Wear Men's Rings
When you are learning how to wear men's jewelry, rings are unique pieces because they usually represent something significant.
Men usually don't go out to a store and buy a ring for themselves. Instead, they'll receive one as a special gift or from a special event.
Class rings, wedding rings, and championship rings from a sport are all significant pieces that you should wear with pride in a situation where you dress formally.
The goal here is simplicity. It would be best if you didn't go out with a ring on every finger. It's tacky and excessive.
Instead, use the opportunity to choose a men's ring style that means a lot to you. Maybe in addition to your wedding ring, you'd like a ring bearing your family crest or a ring commemorating your service to your country.
It would be best if you didn't waste the power of a ring on something frivolous or cheap.
Make it count!
#3 How To Wear Cufflinks
A must-wear for French-cuffed shirts, cufflinks are both functional and expressive. Whatever the style cufflink, simplicity is always appropriate.
Because you can purchase unique men's cufflinks in such a variety of looks, you should use discretion when choosing a cufflink for a particular occasion.
Remember that this small accessory should not be the highlight of your outfit. Again, simplicity is vital.
Cufflink Styles:
- Hinged back – This is one of the most common styles of cufflink. One side is the decoration, and the other side has a hinged bar that lines up with the cufflink to install it to the shirt. Once through, it hinges ninety degrees to keep the cufflink in place.
- Push through – Just like the hinged back, these have one decorative side. The other is a rigid ball, “T,” or other small caps to prevent the cufflink from slipping back through the holes in the cuff.
- Chain – Chain cufflinks have a small chain, rather than a stiff bar, connecting the two sides. If you prefer chain cufflinks, be sure to mention this when ordering custom shirts, as these don't hold the cuff as tightly together as the others.
- Snap-on – These are either two separate pieces per cufflink or one piece that wraps around the cuff near the holes.
- Double-sided – A push-through, chain, or snap cufflink that has decoration on both sides.
#4 How To Wear Tie Clips, Chains and Tacks
The primary function of these accessories is to keep a man's tie from being blown over his shoulder by the wind when he's outside. Each one has its unique look and function.
- Tie Clips – Aside from their ability to keep a man's look together when he's on the go, tie clips add a classy look to a well-put-together outfit. They also add a very business-like look to the working man at the office. The most acceptable colors for a tie clip are usually gold or silver, but other colors are proper as long as they compliment the rest of the outfit.
- Tie Chains – Tie chains provide the same function as a tie clip, but you're getting a drooping chain in place of a straight bar.
- Tie Tacks – Tie tacks can offer a nice touch to a specific color or pattern, but they will damage your tie because you'll have to poke a hole through it. Knowing this, one should use them sparingly.
#5 How To Wear Men's Hats
This is one of the most classic lessons on how to wear men's jewelry.
In past generations, men never left the house without a hat. Although it may have lost its appeal over time, the hat hasn't necessarily lost its style.
While a good hat can add flavor to an outfit, it can also have many practical uses. They can keep the sun out of your eyes, your hair neat on a windy day, and your head dry on a rainy day.
When worn for stylish purposes, a hat can make a face seem rounder and fuller; just as a particular suit can make a man look taller or thinner.
#6 How To Wear Men's Necklaces
There's a prevalent stigma nowadays that the necklace needs to be the centerpiece of the outfit – but that is simply wrong. A necklace can add a subtle pop to your look and draw the eye to the neck in similar ways a tie does.
Some necklaces can have religious meanings, so it is best to know the types of men's necklaces out there and how to wear them. These are a few:
- Chains – Plain, unornamented chains of metal are a classic male adornment. The most traditional style of chain necklace has relatively flat loops, spaced close together so that the chain appears as almost a solid ribbon of metal and is long enough to fall a bit below the collarbone.
- Pendants – It's a broad term, but a pendant-style necklace means a single small ornament on a relatively long chain or cord, such that it rests below your neck.
- Religious Emblems – Some of these are required or encouraged by specific faiths or sects, while others are merely personal displays of belief. Most will be of the pendant style. Christian crosses, Stars of David, scapulars, and other symbols can easily be made into ornaments. In most cases, you should wear these under the shirt. These also follow similar guidelines as the pendants.
- Chokers – A choker is the opposite of a pendant: it's a solid band around the neck that doesn't hang down, often broken with ornaments or designs at regular intervals.
#7 How To Wear Men's Bracelets
There are many different types of men's bracelets, depending on the materials and fabrics used.
They have precious stones or metals in different styles – chain links, beads, one-pieced metal bracelets, or leather bracelets.
It is important to note that these follow similar rules as the rest of the jewelry. They should be subtle and not overbearing. Usually, one bracelet is enough.
Knowing When It's Too Much Jewelry To Wear
The most critical part of any accessory or piece of jewelry is to make sure they complement an outfit, not distract from it.
The most important part of a formal outfit is the suit. Everything else – the tie, the belt, the shoes, the pocket square – is designed to complement it.
Moderation and subtlety are the keys to completing a classic, formal, well-put-together look. Rather than wearing 3 rings, a watch, and a bracelet – try cutting back to make it more subtle.
Accessories, when worn correctly, can turn a good outfit into a great one.