How to make base layers exciting: Part 1

if x is the top, and y are the jewels

Right about now is when we all collectively face the styling dilemma of how to make easy outfits feel interesting without the layers. It’s an adjustment that requires some recalibration. When I’m in a fix, I tend to focus on colour, texture, shape, and accessories, especially jewelry.

We all understand this. When we can’t pile on clothes, we can layer through jewelry. In this letter I’m sharing my most tried and true summer formula with many possible iterations: top + jewels + bottom

Even when we aren’t presented with vacations and soirees, we still want to feel like we’re celebrating life by enjoying the things we have. I wear my nice jewelry as regularly as I can. I’ve spoken ad nauseam about wearing your nice things, and jewelry is the easiest to throw on and feel a little fancy on a simple day.

I’ve purposefully focussed on 2 piece outfits today, not even light layers are allowed, to show you how much excitement (and intrigue) is possible simply by adding the jewels to classic silhouettes.

So, what makes a good base?

Quality, Comfort, Repetition: I need my pieces to wear well, wash well, be comfortable and work with the rest of my wardrobe.

These qualities are also important for jewelry I want to throw on more casually.

Placement

The part of my body I choose to bejewel depends on what my day looks like. If I’m working with my hands, and typing, I can’t handle the sensory overload of jingle-jangle and so my hands need to be sans rings and bracelets.

While I do love bold pieces, I am also a big proponent of editing, and you will rarely catch me with statement earrings and a necklace and bracelets all together. The editing is based on practicality, my desire to not feel weighed down, and taste. Once I know what I’m planning to highlight, I let the rest be clean. I want the focal point to be apparent.

shirt (love this alt), shorts (gifted, not an aff.), flip-flops, carnelian turkmen earrings, Zuni silver bracelet

In the example above, I like having the shirt buttoned up and sleeves slightly pushed back, as this brings the eye to the wrist stack. The mixed metal hardware becomes the focal point. I did something similar with the statement earrings, as I didn’t want the bare neck to distract from the lobes. Mind you, this isn’t a rule (there are no rules), just a preference in this particular instance. This outfit could also benefit from a cute anklet and some toe rings if one’s feeling freaky.

Proportions

Let’s talk specifically about necklaces because they interact so closely with the rest of the outfit. Notice how a chunky beaded necklace draws the eye up and a longer necklace elongates the torso. Both of these add a graphic element to the white tee and make it feel less stark next to the patterned skirt.

t-shirt, skirt, onyx necklace, onyx long necklace, another one!

We’ve got plenty of real estate with this deep V neck tank top. Playing with proportions and heft of the jewels changes the mood of the outfit entirely. The chunky gold tubogas necklace has a substantial presence and the visual weight commands attention in the first image. The second highlights daintier pieces, but more coverage, and the third mimics the V and goes longer, creating the illusion of more length, while also adding colour.

black tank, jeans, shoes, similar tubogas necklace, long citrine beads (similar), similar rainbow sapphire necklace

Jewelry has the power to fill in for most “style words”, and slip into almost any aesthetics. I tend to collect pieces that are more modern and minimal, like the tubogas; that add an eclectic edge, like the gold nugget; or bring colour to a monochromatic base.

Pieces

Jewelry can be the ultimate layer of personality that summer dressing benefits from. Let that big button-up¹ and a pair of jeans be your canvas. The base is understated enough that adding something precious creates an exciting juxtaposition. You can achieve similar tension by pairing a well-worn or graphic t-shirt with fancy jewels.

white shirt, jeans, sandals (gifted), rolo gold chain, lapis beads, vintage Albert chain choker

I have been slowly adding pieces to my vintage collection for close to seven years. Here’s some style advice for the novice vintage buyer -

1. Buy only what fits within your style. Even if it’s vintage, it needs to align with your aesthetic. I am always looking at pieces that feel modern, or eclectic, but refined.

2. If you buy it, wear it! I understand that some pieces are more precious than others, but get your money’s worth. The less you wear it, the more it’ll feel like a costume.

Add colour through jewels and mixed metals! Colourful beaded jewelry is comparatively inexpensive and can bring texture and playfulness to summery base layers.

I hope this gave you a peek into how I’m planning to style my outfits with jewelry this summer. There’s more to come in this series, so stay tuned!

P.S: I might do a little shopping edit next week. Perhaps a vintage jewelry edit? Please tell me what you’d like me to browse so I can bring you my picks!

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This post contains affiliate links, but not every piece is linked. If you’re curious about something, ask away :)

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Thanks so much for reading! I really appreciate you being here. If you’ve enjoyed it, show it! Like it, share it, talk to me about it! It goes a long way, and it certainly keeps me going!

xx

1. I was once promptly corrected by a follower on IG when I referred to a button-up as a button-down — those two aren’t the same thing, did you know? A button-down is specifically a shirt with tiny buttons on the collar that fasten it down. Since then, I’ve tread with caution.

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