The trend of stacking bracelets has been ‘in’ for a while and is still going strong. The reason I love stacking bracelets is because you can really flaunt your personality. It doesn’t matter what kind of personality you have, edgy and glamorous or bohemian, there is a way to express yourself this way.
One reason stacking bracelets is so popular may be because these days our hands draw attention more than before due to the use of devices such as smartphones. This trend isn’t going away any time soon so mastering this style, if you haven’t already, is bound to come in handy.
There are a couple of rules and no-nos regarding stacking bracelets, and once you get these down pat, you’ll be stacking like a professional!
First things first – what is stacking a bracelet?
This is the art of wearing a number of different bracelets together, also known as layering. Most people prefer to take their favorite bracelet and wear it with a variety of others, mixing colors and styles. When these different bracelets blend together, they produce a unique and bold look that you cannot get with just an individual bracelet.
When we say bracelets, we also mean watches, Fitbits or even allergy bracelets! Pretty much anything that you wear around your wrist. Not only do you get to jazz up pieces that you have to wear everyday (like a fitness band) but you can also revamp an old piece by layering it.
Say you’re tired of an old watch that you have. Instead of throwing it away, give the old watch a new look by stacking it with some trendy bracelets and suddenly, it has new life!
What can I stack?
It’s handy to know what type of bracelets are available on the market so you can make the most of them. Let me give a brief one line introduction to what kind of bracelets are commonly available.
- Charm bracelets: These are often a metal bracelet with symbolic charms attached to it.
- Bangle Bracelets: Bangles are solid circular bracelets that can slip over the hand and do not have a clasp.
- Cuff Bracelets: Wide metal bracelets that have an opening which you slip over your wrist.
- Tennis Bracelets: Simple wristband comprised of a row of crystals.
- Pearl Bracelets: Trendy round, off-round and baroque shaped metal bracelets with pearls.
- Gemstone Bracelet:Most commonly metal bracelets with precious gemstones.
- Leather Bracelets: Leather is used as an alternative to metals for lightweight and style.
- Beaded Bracelets: Made from a series of linked beads.
- Crystal bracelets: Made of various crystals beaded together.
- Magnetic bracelets: Metal bracelets that have a magnetic force to better fit the wrist.
Get stacking!
There are two main ways to go about it. You can choose to go with one attention-grabbing statement piece combined with complimentary pieces, or go the other way and just wear a number of equally eye-catching pieces. Both ways will be perfect as long as you do it with flare!
If you’re just starting out with stacking, keep it simple. You could try mixing a few different bracelets that have some common traits, such as color. Perhaps a rose gold cuff with a couple of rose gold bangles and a rose gold bracelet or two.
Or choose matching colors that go perfectly together, like rose gold and navy. So maybe a rose gold cuff with navy leather bracelets and a couple of navy and rose gold tennis bracelets. Using complimentary shades will really boost the look.
As you get more comfortable, start mixing them up. Try different textures, colors and shapes. Look for clean cuts and geometric shapes– circles, pyramids, triangles – to add some edge to your stack. Pair beaded, cuffs and chains together. When thinking of stacking you won’t like the concept of matching things all the time. Try new combinations if you are satisfied. Who says you have to follow the norm, right? As long as it’s done with style!
Color pairing inspiration:
- Clothing: A shirt or outfit with lots of colors on it gives you an idea of how colors work together. Browse the racks for a patterned shirt with an attractive color scheme. Snap a photo or make note of the colors found in the pattern. If you already have an outfit in mind, pull colors from the design to select bracelets.
- Nature: If you look around, you’ll see all sorts of colors in nature. Even in the city, you can find colors in architecture that work well together.
- Mood boards: You can find mood boards online to see how colors work together. Mood boards feature a collection of different colors, textures and other items that create a certain look or feel. Note the colors in mood boards that appeal to you for help in choosing your bracelets.
- Jewellery: A multicolored bracelet is a perfect way to choose colors. Choose hues from the multicolored bracelet to choose the accent pieces.
Trial and error: Sometimes you can figure out the best color combinations as you go simply by trying out different bracelets together. If you like the way two colors look together, go for it.
Stacking bracelets with a watch
Most of us love watches and bracelets equally. It can get annoying when you feel you have to choose one or the other. I used to be told that the best way was to wear the bracelet/bangle on one hand and the watch on the other.
But if you stack them up together, making sure they are of complimentary colors and materials, a watch and bracelet stack is elegant and trendy! It can immediately upgrade your outfit and will match the office or a night out.
How much is too much?
It’s not about the number of bracelets you put on, it’s about achieving a winning combination. For the best look, try about one third to half of your forearm. If you add more than that, the whole look may seem overdone. It can be done, of course, but will require more skill to pull off.
If you wear bracelets on both your arms, it is best to keep the number of bracelets at a minimum, layering a quarter or a third of each hand.
If you have longer arms you can wear thicker bracelets and cuffs, but if you have petite arms, try wearing thinner bracelets. It will look better and will create the illusion of longer arms.
Comfort matters
If you type a lot for work, bracelets clanging against your keyboard is annoying and keeps you from being productive! Try wearing delicate combinations, such as fabric, leather or thin metal bracelets to keep the comfort level to the maximum. If you are right-handed, wear stacked bracelets on the left arm and vice versa.
Conclusion:
The secret of stacking a bracelet is only known by you; you are the one who will decide what suits you. You can go as classical as you like or as wild as possible if that is what makes you satisfied. The best part of stacking bracelets is there are no rules and regulations, just do it the way you like, with any type of bracelet you are comfortable with.
