Like picking your outfit each morning, selecting the right jewelry each day is a task made easier by having a core group of reliable go-to's. Just as a pair of dark wash jeans and the 'little black dress' serve as staples in many clothing capsule wardrobes, certain jewelry pieces are practically must-haves when creating your jewelry capsule collection. Let’s jump into the jewelry box together and discover exactly what a jewelry capsule collection is and how to build one that reflects your style.
What is capsule jewelry?
Capsule jewelry refers to core versatile pieces that can be easily mixed and matched with various outfits. It's not just about classic designs but about building a collection you love and wear often. These curated collections typically contain everyday essentials appropriate for a broader range of looks. Jewelry pieces that look and feel as great with a pair of heels as they do with a pair of jeans are great capsule collection contenders. Your specific assortment of jewelry will depend on your style, how often you wear certain types of jewelry and more.
How to build a jewelry capsule collection
Personal style dictates the clothes we wear, the decor we hang on our walls and the jewelry with which we accessorize. It should be no surprise that a jewelry capsule collection will differ significantly from one person to the next. Here are a few suggestions for starting your collection:
1. Don’t chase trends
The famous French fashion designer Coco Chanel famously said, “Fashion fades, only style remains the same.” This quote is a solid motto for compiling pieces for your jewelry capsule collection. Constantly purchasing new jewelry to be “on trend” will only leave you with a heap of outdated jewelry, chasing tomorrow’s fad. Taking the time to understand your own flair and the types of jewelry that lend themselves to your personal “je ne sais quoi” (that’s French for “indescribably you!”) may be a better use of your time and money.
2. Make your jewelry capsule collection reflect you.
Renowned fashion designer Carolina Herrera once said, “I don’t find you need to wear jewelry for others, but for your own pleasure. It feels wonderful.” Each piece chosen should be true to your own personal style and lifestyle and arouse excitement with each wear. Not everyone enjoys wearing necklaces. Some people like to swap out their finger rings daily. Some people only have one ear piercing, while others have many. Be honest with yourself about the types and quantity of jewelry you wear regularly and start there.
3. Slow and steady wins the race.
The pace at which a jewelry capsule collection is assembled will differ depending on several factors, such as the jewelry you already have available to you and your budget for purchasing new pieces. If you are in the early stages of developing your collection and learning your style—what works for you, what’s functional in your day-to-day, etc.—you’ll want to buy pieces at a slower (but steady!) pace. Purchasing a whole haul of jewelry upfront may result in some “oops” purchases as you learn what works for you and what doesn’t over time.
4. Determine your ideal jewelry capsule collection size.
Are you a minimalist, or do you prefer a lot of options? To some, a core jewelry capsule collection is boiled down to the essential dozen pieces of jewelry they can’t survive without. For others, it’s whatever will fit in their dresser-top jewelry box. However you define your jewelry capsule collection, try to determine categories for your "must-haves" and secure jewelry that fulfills each of those capsule collection needs.
5. It’s not a “forever” commitment.
Don’t put too much stress on these decisions—it should be fun! Adding a piece to your core jewelry collection doesn’t need to be permanent. Feel free to rotate pieces of your capsule collection in and out as you deem necessary. But, before you go swapping out your diamond studs or pearl necklace for the latest and greatest hype, remember those wise words of Ms. Coco Chanel: “Fashion fades, only style remains the same.”
Tips for selecting jewelry capsule collection pieces
Before getting into the nitty gritty of which specific jewelry pieces will make their way into your jewelry capsule collection, check out the following considerations:
Proper storage: If you are spending the time, money and brainpower to curate a core group of jewelry pieces, you'll want to ensure each piece is properly stored when not in use. This assumes you won’t be wearing all your capsule collection jewelry daily!
While jewelry storage is an important topic, the basics include ensuring each piece of jewelry is cleaned before storage, has a designated storage space, is kept away from moist air, chemicals and sunlight, and won’t clink and clank against other pieces of jewelry.
Variety of colors: A common misconception about “capsule” collections is that each piece has to be plain or basic to ensure it pairs well with multiple looks. This isn’t true. If your daily look lends itself to more colorful jewelry, make sure some of your favorite bold dependable pieces make their way into your core collection.
NOTE: A variety of colors doesn’t mean every color. Find a handful of colors that complement your wardrobe and overall style, then select key jewelry pieces to add to your collection. If you’re still developing your style, check out What Color Jewelry Should I Wear?
- Metals: Deciding on metals for your capsule collection is critical. Mixing metals can add a modern touch, so choose a few different finishes that resonate with your style.
- Functionality: Creating a system of go-to, versatile pieces means being able to quickly accessorize your outfits whether you have an important meeting or it’s just an ordinary Tuesday. Because you’ll likely get more mileage out of these pieces, capsule collection jewelry should be durable and functional. A simple, lightweight, durable necklace is far more practical for daily use than an elaborate, ornate, multi-chain necklace (you don’t have to toss the elaborate necklace! Keep it safely stored away for those special occasions!).
Common staples for your capsule jewelry collection
Now that you know what capsule wardrobe jewelry is, how a collection is assembled and factors to consider when building your own, let’s cover a few categories you may want to include in your collection.
- Diamond stud earrings: In the running for the "most-versatile piece of jewelry,” diamond stud earrings dial up a casual pair of jeans and a t-shirt or add a touch of simple sophistication to a cocktail dress. A jack-of-all-trades in the jewelry world, a pair (or two!) of diamond studs are dazzling “must-haves” to add to your capsule collection.
- Pendants: Pendants add instant personality to any outfit, whether you’re dressing up or dressing down. Heirloom lockets are great examples of pendants that carry sentimental value, which you may want to consider adding to your core collection.
- A go-to chain necklace: Keeping simplicity and everyday wear in mind, a light, comfortable (yet durable!) chain necklace is a staple in most jewelry capsule collections. Plus, a go-to chain necklace will hold any new pendants you add to the collection in the future!
- Hoops: Timeless is an understatement when it comes to hoop earrings. Consider adding multiple sizes to your core collection, ensuring you have a hoop earring at the ready for any occasion.
- Wristwear: Choose bracelets that go with everything, like a simple gold or silver bangle or sophisticated tennis bracelet. These items can be worn daily and add the perfect amount of shimmer to an everyday ensemble.
- Statement pieces: Leave room for statement pieces in your collection, with a few bold, unique items that really showcase your personality. Eye-catching pieces like ornate brooches, chunky necklaces and large-gemmed rings can be incorporated into your daily look and become your unique signature piece.
- One (or two) trendy pieces: While avoiding chasing trends when assembling your jewelry capsule collection is recommended, this doesn’t mean these items are off-limits entirely. Let’s say you find a piece of jewelry you love that is more trendy and less timeless. If this piece resonates with your style and has the potential to be a piece you return to frequently, add it to your core collection. The only rules to creating your jewelry capsule collection are the ones you set for yourself!
- Watches: Watches have long been staples in fashion and jewelry. A functional, simple watch in your collection allows you to accessorize for a business event or morning school drop-off easily.
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