Getting Too Matchy-Matchy With Your Jewelry May Be Aging You - Here's How To Fix It

We know that too much of a good thing is never wise, and the same philosophy applies to jewelry. While it is easy to keep your jewelry uniform, it may not be the right styling choice. Matching colors, motifs, or materials across all your accessories (like wearing a pearl necklace and pearl earrings, for example) is one of the major jewelry mistakes that can make you look older. Instead, try branching out by incorporating sleeker, more modern pieces into your jewelry rotation to pair with your classic ones — don't be afraid of contrast; it can give your outfit a youthful, intentionally eclectic vibe.

Glam spoke exclusively with personal stylist and image consultant Cynthia Kennedy, creator of Your Style Transformation Academy, about how you can best style jewelry that matches without appearing dated and old-fashioned. "The goal isn't so much about creating a perfectly coordinated set," Kennedy clarifies. "It's more about putting together something that has a curated look that feels more personal and thoughtful." One way to ensure that your jewelry combinations look deliberate and modern is with intentional editing — choose one or two items that match, then allow the rest of your accessories to provide a bit of contrast to the coordinating pieces. 

"A pair of earrings and a matching bracelet can be beautiful, but if you put on the necklace, ring, watch, and handbag hardware, it can start to look overly styled and a bit dated," Kennedy tells Glam. "Editing makes it seem more intentional rather than looking like you're wearing a gift set from a department store in 1987." Try breaking up your multi-piece sets to mix and match with each other, as Kennedy tells us, blending your existing sets together makes it look like you've collected pieces individually over time rather than simply bought them as a package.

Styling gold and silver jewelry has been considered a fashion faux pas for a long time, but today there are many fabulous ways to pull off a mixed metal look. Stylist Cynthia Kennedy explains that a "thoughtful mix" of jewelry can often provide a better, more cohesive look than a matching set alone. "Try three slim stacking rings in silver, gold, and warm rose gold," Kennedy tells us. "Even with a matching gold set, a silver or oxidized cuff on the wrist will keep it from being too 'matchy-matchy' and give it a layered quality."

However, if you're still hesitant about mixing metals, they aren't the only option to make your jewelry look less dated. One of Kennedy's tips is to play around with texture and scale when picking coordinating pieces. "I'll layer gold earrings with a gold chain necklace in a totally different link style, or pearl studs with a bracelet where the pearl sizes are completely different," Kennedy suggests. "If you decide on bold statement earrings, let your necklace or bracelet be more delicate." 

Coordinating jewelry doesn't have to look dated, but keep in mind that you should keep your look balanced regardless. Whether you mix metals, layer necklaces and bangles of different textures, or opt for a bold statement piece, concentrate on staying true to your vision without going too over-the-top. Mindful editing is always a must! "The most stylish looks are personal, layered and a little unexpected, not identical from head to toe," Kennedy says.