Addressed: A Guide to Layering Jewelry

Vogue

12-06-2025

Welcome to Addressed, a weekly column where we, ahem, address the joys (and tribulations!) of getting dressed. So far we've unpacked how to wear shorts at the office and beyond, how to pack a carry-on bag for a work trip, how to dress with style in your third trimester, and even how to layer without looking like that chair in your room (you know the one). Download the Vogue app and find our Style Advice section to submit your question.
It seems jewelry is on everyone's mind at the moment. On the Vogue app, two users posed jewelry-related questions: MalinaMendez1 asked: Is there such a thing as too many accessories? When does it become tacky? and Ela.Demir queried: Are mixed metals seen as tacky or can they pair nicely with one another? The latter question came up again at the office, when a colleague inquired about mixing gold and silver, and yet another wanted advice on stacking. So this week we're going all-in on piling up the jewels.
First, is there such a thing as wearing too many accessories? The answer is no; what there is is a personal limit to wearing accessories. Some people can do statement earrings, necklaces galore, oodles of bangles, and stacked rings, and look absolutely fabulous in their maximalism—think of someone like the stylist Catherine Baba, who easily pairs oversized tassel earrings with armfuls of bangles, a bold pendant necklace, and even a jaunty hat. Now, we are not all Catherine Baba, but the point is there is no limit to self-expression. The trick is finding what your own limit is.
Catherine Baba in Paris, 2011.
Foc Kan
Baba in a delightful necklace and belt combo, 2012.
PascalUsually, the trick is to pick one or two things to highlight—the more separated from each other the better; meaning statement earrings and lots of bangles work, but statement earrings and a statement necklace might be harder to pull off. This is jewelry designer Jennifer Fisher's approach: 'When it comes to layered jewelry, I like to choose either my ears or my neck—rarely both, unless I'm wearing fine jewelry. If I'm wearing statement hoops, I'll skip a necklace but might stack rings or wear a cuff on one wrist, or both.' Ears are also a place to indulge a bit of maximalism in a subtle way—I have two piercings on my left ear and one on my right (the second one just never took), and I like to experiment by doubling-up earrings on my left ear; wearing matching hoop earrings or drop earrings of different lengths, leaving the right ear with a simple stud or huggy. Juxtaposition—a favorite word of designers and fashion writers alike—is what it's all about. If you go bold in one place, pull back on the other.
When it comes to stacking, bracelets, necklaces, and rings all have their own rules. I love the look of multiple rings worn on one finger, but every time I've tried it myself it feels uncomfortable and try-hard. A former coworker wore a jumble of gold chains and she inspired me to do the same—I wear three every day, each one a different length and each with a small charm (with a very personal significance), and I never take them off. Sometimes I'll add a more 'fashion' necklace—a short pearl necklace, or something funkier like silver ball chains, both a 'choker' length. If I'm wearing something that is more of a statement, I'll take the chains off. Stacked bracelets I also love—I mean is there anything chicer than a wrist with a few Cartier Love bracelets? Aspirational! Cartier or not, if you keep them all roughly the same width then you can play with materials and, yes, types of metal.
Mixed metal stacks from Jennifer Fisher.
Photo: Courtesy of Jennifer Fisher
Ears can be a whole ecosystem unto themselves to stack and experiment with, like these styles from Justine Clenquet.
Photo: Leo Arnaud / Courtesy of Justine Clenquet
You really can mix metals of any kind—it's a groovy look! In fact, designers like Fisher and Justine Clenquet are making pieces that incorporate both gold and silver. 'I love a stacked chain bracelet that combines different finishes,' Fisher added. 'You can even pair a gold signet ring—maybe a fine jewelry piece—next to your engagement ring, even if it's white gold.'