Stack 'Em Up: How to Wear Bracelets
A harmonious stack of bracelets holds the power to elevate any outfit. Here’s Liberty’s start-to-finish guide on how to build your own.
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Stack ‘em Up: How to Wear Bracelets
A harmonious stack of bracelets holds the power to elevate any outfit. Here’s Liberty’s start-to-finish guide on how to build your own.
Shop BraceletsBy: George Elliot
A case of ‘easier said than done’, curating the wrist is an artform in itself. That’s why it’s worth learning how to wear bracelets the right way. Showcasing the best chains, jewel-encrusted cuffs and bangles from our legendary jewellery hall, here’s Liberty’s fail-safe, step-by-step guide to the perfectly layered bracelet stack.
Stack the Colour
Individuality is key when stacking bracelets and the best way to ensure that your curated wrist looks unique from the get-go is by playing with colour. Whether you wear a chain with your birthstone on or a bangle encrusted with gems in your favourite hue, we recommend opting for colourful jewellery that speak volumes about you. For the maximalists among us, ANNI LU's Gold-Plated Nuanua Beaded Bracelet, £40 is likely to appeal. Made from a kaleidoscopic array of coloured glass beads, wearing this bracelet will ensure that your curated wrist gets off to a vibrant start. For those invested in the healing properties of gemstones, TBalance Crystals’ Calm Aventurine Crystal Healing Bracelet, £49 is both an eye-catching and feel-good piece to begin with. But if being subtle with colour is more your thing, look to 18ct Gold-Plated Vermeil Silver Agate Hamsa Biography Bead Bracelet, £135; it’s simple but still packed with personality.
Top Tip:
If you’re going big on colour, it’s best to commit to it throughout your entire stack, so as you decide on its elements, stick to tonal bracelets.
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Stack with Alternative Metals
It’s said that you should never wear gold with silver, but as Liberty prefers to set its own style rules, we suggest breaking with tradition; after all, there’s real beauty to be found in mixing metals. If your stack is predominantly gold, opt for a subtle silver accent piece, something that’s slick and minimalist like Studio Adorn’s Straight Edge Bangle Bracelet, £65. On the other hand, if your configuration is lacking the golden touch, clasp Otiumburg’s Mixed Metal Paperclip Link Chain Bracelet, £135 around your wrist. It’s an elegant piece that’ll pair with everything on your wrist and in your wardrobe. The result: an eclectic mix that seems effortlessly styled.
Top Tip:
While Liberty strongly advocates doing things differently, there is a clashing combination to steer clear of: gold and rose gold. Metals that are completely opposite in appearance work best.
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Stack Different Sizes
The next layer of your stack is all about being playful with sizing, contrasting skinny bracelets and chains with something a little chunkier. Note: even if your bracelets are brimming with colour and contrast in finish, there’s a risk they’ll blend into one if they’re all on the dainty side. Made from oval-shaped loops, Dinny Hall’s Gold Plated Vermeil Silver Link Chain Bracelet, £400 will encourage the much-needed separation between the bracelets in your stack. So too will the Gold-Plated 1990s Heart Charm Curb Chain Bracelet from Susan Caplan Vintage, £65, a piece that’s big enough to provide the desired bulk without being dominating.
Top Tip:
If you plan to wear a wrist or smart watch among your stack, consider that to be your ‘chunkier bracelet’.
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Stack the Texture
No carefully curated wrist is complete without its textural pieces, the kind that’ll add extra depth and presence to your selection. For this, we recommend departing from gold and silver in favour of alternative materials like leather cord and cotton; they’ll provide just as much (if not more) contrast. Crafted from hard-wearing, twined calf leather that gains character with age, Shaun Leane’s Silver Quill Leather Wrap Bracelet, £195 is ideal for adding rebellious definition. Or, for something more delicate, Atelier VM’s Per Far Felicità Cotton Bracelet, £100 offers a hand-woven finishing touch.
Top Tip:
Knowing when enough’s enough is crucial. Liberty’s rule of thumb is that your entire stack should be no bigger than a third of your forearm.