To stack or not to stack? That is the question.
The answer is YES of course!
Layering is in, and bracelets are the ideal fashion item to test out your stacking skills. Stacking bracelets (and necklaces and rings also) is very bohemian and offers a contemporary, fun, classy look for all ages.
Stacked bracelets are an on-point fashion trend that has a timeless elegance and looks beautiful, all year round if executed cleverly.
If you are not sure how to stack bracelets, here is a quick ‘how to’ guide to make sure your stacked bracelets look super cool and stylish.
Is There A Wrong Way To Stack Bracelets?
There is definitely a wrong way of doing things when it comes to stacking bracelets. Let’s start with how not to stack bracelets.
Too many. Too different. Too big. Too busy. Too cheap. I will let the pictures do the talking….
There is an art to it for it to look classy. The trick is to look like you haven’t tried too hard!
Effortlessly cool is the key and this is how…
Include A Variety of Sizes
Variety is the spice of life and also when it comes to stacking bracelets. Variegating the sizes adds dimension and ‘personality’ to your bracelet stack.
Bracelets come in a variety of widths so it’s easy to select a mix of different sized beads and chains. Using thinner bracelets will allow you to use more for enhanced variety, whilst creating width. Try sticking to one (maximum two) larger bracelets to avoid making a chunky, weighted look on your wrist.Adding a bangle could work well as could a cuff, if you choose smaller accent bracelets to accompany it.
Mixing Different Coloured Materials
Who said that sticking to one colour is best? Forget that! When stacking bracelets, anything goes when it comes to colour and materials (as long as you do it right!). Not only can it look really inspiring and interesting, mixing materials can help create different fashion looks. For a more relaxed style you can opt for leather, silver and perhaps one accent piece versus a more elegant look which could include gemstones and maybe a dressy cuff. The versatility of mixing different materials allows you to create unique and individual looks, whatever the occasion.
Silver Stacking Bracelets
Sticking to just one colour or material can also work really well. Silver is my personal fave when it comes to stacking. The trick is to use bracelets that are real silver (as in .925 silver so that they don’t scratch or tarnish easily). Regular polishing with a silver cloth can also help maintain the shine and sparkle.
Again, a successful bracelet stack will contain different sized beads and thickness of bracelets. Also, adding some bracelets with a dangle charm can add dimension and character to your stack. When the colour is uniformed, introducing an accent bracelet can look quite stylish , especially if it is a subtle colour such as grey, mink or blush pink.
I love to personalise my stack by adding bracelets that have meaning. It just adds that special touch when wearing them. Whether it be a lotus flower charm to symbolise new beginnings, the initial of your children or was given to you by someone special, the undeniable beauty and pure enjoyment of something so personal cannot be underestimated.
Two brands that I absolutely love are LL Loves and Annie Haak. They both offer a variety of sizes, colours and charms.
Stacking Gold Bracelets
Stacked gold bracelets can look seriously hot! Decadent in fact. With yellow gold or rose gold bracelets, the richness is obvious so less is more when it comes to gold. I think that gold stacked bracelets work well with around 3 to 5 bracelets, depending on the thickness of your beads. Gold stacks lend themselves super well to beaded accent bracelets. Turquoise, pink and green are perfect colours to team up with gold. Gold stacks look beautiful when you have a tan, so get ready, Summer is on its way!
When is Enough, Enough?
When stacking, you need to know when to call it a day. There is no specific number of exactly how many bracelets is enough because it depends on how you put your stack together. A good measure for the ‘right’ amount is that which looks great yet also feels super comfortable on your arm. Just like you know you’re wearing the right amount of makeup, you will know when you have your stack just right. First and foremost, it should feel good and make you feel beautiful.
Several other factors to consider:
- What else are you wearing? If you are going to wear lots of stacked bracelets ease up on other items of jewellery such as rings and necklaces. Too many layers can be overwhelming on the eye.
- Are you wearing a watch? Don’t stack on your watch arm. There are may fashionistas that would disagree but I think it just looks too busy and practically, it can scratch your watch face and strap.
- Wearing on one or both arms? If you are wearing stacks on both arms, go light on each. Two heavy arms of stacked bracelets is not going to be comfortable or look good as the eye will be drawn in opposing directions. A less is more approach should be adopted.
- What are you going to be doing? Some situations dictate a rethink about how you stack and could warrant a stacking scale back. E.g. I know when I travel, taking a huge number of bracelets off as I pass through security is super annoying. Plus, when I am at work, the clank, clank, clank of them against my keyboard isn’t conducive to a good day in the office. A mini-stack could be the way to go here.
Work Your Way Up
If you really are not sure how to stack bracelets and get the look right, start small. Experiment with a few pieces and see how you go. Selecting 3 bracelets with a ‘similar’ style is a good way to start. So whether that is beaded, bangle or cuff the uniformity can help promote the confidence to explore with other materials and sizes.
As you grow in confidence, your individual style and flair will come into fruition. You will integrate various pieces one at a time once you have found your confident base look. On days that you feel more adventurous, go for it with that extra splash of colour or different material to make a statement. Once you have mastered this, begin to expand your options.
Stacking Bracelets Recap
Stacking bracelets is a fashion trend that, when done well, can really add a certain pzazz to your outfit and make you feel super stylish. However you stack bracelets, it is about finding the right balance of size, shape and colour to ensure you make the right fashion statement.
So remember, when stacking bracelets you should:
- Stack bracelets with different sized beads.
- Not use too many large bracelets so that it looks ‘heavy’.
- Include one or two with a drop charm.
- Not stack too many together, know when to stop.
- Select different materials to create different looks.
- Have some meaning behind your stack to personalise it.
- Stack similar styles when first starting out.
- Not stack bracelets with a watch.
Your Way
And at the end of the day, fashion is a very personalised choice. It is a chance for you to express yourself and make your mark. So I say, whatever way you choose to stack bracelets, if it feels right and makes you feel good – go for it!!!
