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Fashion

How to wear gold and silver together

I’m not sure how this so-called rule came to be, but I’ve been breaking it for years. Mixing metals is the visual equivalent of mixing seemingly random flavours.

How to wear gold and silver together Lia Sophia 'Capulet' necklace

How to wear gold and silver together Olivia Palermo presents Carrera y Carrera's Mediterraneo collection. Photo: Image.net

How to wear gold and silver together Lela Rose Spring 2012/Image.net

How to wear gold and silver together Badgley Mischka Spring 2012/Image.net

Q: Can I wear gold and silver together? A: Yes! I’m not sure how this so-called rule came to be, but I’ve been breaking it for years. Mixing metals is the visual equivalent of mixing seemingly random flavours. You wouldn’t think chocolate and sea salt, or prosciutto and melon, would be tasty together and yet they’re delicious. The same is true of metallic tones; the warmth of gold and the coolness of silver can play off each other in surprisingly pleasing ways. A wardrobe that only swings toward one metal seems stringent, dated and, frankly, hard to shop for – think of all the pretty things you might be missing out on! Picture it: you’ve finally found the perfect pair of buckled boots, but the hardware is silver and the chain on your prized wear-it-everyday bag is gold. Do you bypass the boots just because of a buckle? I think not. You buy the boots, wear them with the bag and feel confident about it. So, when it comes to hardware details on accessories or clothing (from belt buckles to bag clasps, blazer buttons to beaded shoes), by all means mix the metals! As for jewelry, some people may think they can wear only one metal or the other. You know, the ‘I’m only a gold person’ belief. And while I can appreciate that one metal may appear more flattering with someone’s skin tone, eye colour and hair shade, I’ve found it’s the tone of the metal in question and the balance of the mixed metals in an overall combination that matters most. Wearing only gold (or only silver) everything can appear matchy-matchy, rather than modern, even when the pieces aren’t necessarily a set. So, if you peer into your jewelry box and notice a strong theme then it’s time to mix it up a bit. The good news: it doesn’t take much effort to see results because small additions can add flourish. If you love to pile on bangles, pick up one that’s in the opposite metallic family of what you normally wear and sub it in. Or look for simple stud or hoop earrings in a new-for-you metal to wear with your favourite necklace. Or, stick with me here, shop for a new necklace in a contrasting metal to layer with an old fave. This idea works best if you choose simple and similar shapes, like all round beads or chunky chains. The easiest route? Look for pieces that are already multi-toned. A bracelet with copper studs and silver trim, for instance, eliminates guesswork while making you look good. Related links:

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