How do we refresh our wardrobes without breaking the bank?
Now, don’t get me wrong, I love shopping as much as the next girl, but I don’t always think the answer is buying a whole new closet every season. Sometimes the answer is much simpler. Sometimes your wardrobe just needs a better accessory.
If you’ve been paying attention to fashion lately, you’ve probably noticed that clothing is becoming a little more minimal. The silhouettes are cleaner, the color palettes are softer, and we’re seeing more simple dresses, elevated basics, matching sets, denim, linen, and easy pieces that can be worn over and over again. And honestly, I love that. The simpler the outfit, the more room there is for your personality to shine. And that’s where jewelry comes in.
A great pair of hoops can completely elevate a white tee and jeans. A chunky cuff can make a simple black dress feel intentional. A layered necklace can make pieces you’ve owned for years feel fresh again.
And honestly, I feel the same way about sunglasses. They’re one of the easiest ways to elevate an outfit and make the pieces you already own feel completely different.
If you missed it, be sure to check out my recent post, The Sunglasses I’m Wearing All Summer, where I share the styles currently on repeat in my wardrobe.
Together, jewelry and sunglasses can completely transform the basics you already own. That’s why lately I’ve been spending less time asking myself, “What clothes do I need?” and more time asking, “What pieces will make everything I already own feel new?” For me, accessories are some of the smartest wardrobe investments you can make.
Why I’m Investing More In Accessories
Investing in everyday accessories can be one of the easiest ways to refresh your style without completely rebuilding your wardrobe.
I recently got a few pieces of permanent jewelry from Catbird in 14-karat gold. And yes, it costs a little more than fashion jewelry from Mango or Zara, but it felt completely worth it because it’s something I’ll wear every day for years to come. That’s how I think about accessories in general. As much as I love fashion, I don’t always believe the answer is buying more clothes. Sometimes the pieces already hanging in your closet are perfectly fine. Sometimes what makes an outfit feel new again is a great pair of earrings, a bracelet stack, a statement ring, or a necklace you reach for over and over again.
Fashion trends will always evolve, and jewelry trends certainly do too. But a beautiful pair of hoops, a classic bracelet, or an everyday necklace can often stay in your rotation long after a trend has passed. That’s why accessories are great; they allow you to experiment with trends, update your wardrobe, and express your personality without completely rebuilding your closet every season.
What I’m Looking For In Jewelry Right Now
So when I started putting together this jewelry edit, I wasn’t looking for pieces that were simply trendy. I was looking for pieces that felt current, stylish, and on-trend while still being versatile enough to earn their place in my wardrobe. Pieces that could work harder. Pieces that could be worn multiple ways. Pieces that could make simple outfits feel fresh. Pieces that could move effortlessly between everyday life, vacation, date night, brunch, and everything in between.
Because the goal isn’t necessarily to buy more. It’s to buy better.
Everyday Gold: The Foundation Collection
If you’re building a jewelry collection from scratch, this is where I’d start. These are the pieces you’ll wear with almost everything. Simple gold hoops. A delicate bracelet. A layering necklace. A classic watch. An everyday ring stack. Nothing overly trendy. Nothing complicated. Just beautiful pieces that work with your entire wardrobe. These are the accessories that make a simple outfit feel polished without trying too hard. And honestly, these are usually the pieces I reach for the most. Because when you’re wearing great basics, you don’t need much else. If you’re going to invest in jewelry, this is where I’d start. These are the pieces you’ll wear most often and likely get the greatest return on your investment. A quality pair of hoops, a simple bracelet, or an everyday necklace can become part of your signature style for years.
The Collector: For the Girls Who Love a Statement
Now this is where things get fun. Because sometimes the outfit is basic on purpose. The jewelry is the statement. The jewelry is the personality. The jewelry is the conversation starter. Think oversized hoops, sculptural earrings, chunky cuffs, bold chain necklaces, and organic gold shapes. The kind of pieces that instantly elevate a simple tank, slip dress, or monochromatic outfit.
My biggest styling tip? If the jewelry is bold, keep the outfit simple. That’s what makes it feel elevated instead of overwhelming.
Coastal Luxe: Vacation Energy All Summer Long
I don’t know what it is, but shell jewelry, pearls, and organic textures have completely won me over this season. There’s something about these pieces that feels effortless. Relaxed. Collected. Like you stay on a beautiful vacation. These pieces pair perfectly with linen, denim shorts, white dresses, woven bags, sandals, and all the easy summer outfits we’re wearing right now. And while they’re definitely having a moment, they still feel timeless enough to wear year after year.
Shop My Jewelry Edit
I’ve linked my favorite pieces inspired by these fashion mood boards. Some links may be affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the blog and shopping my edit.
Shop the full jewelry edit here → Jewelry Edit
More Style Inspiration
And if you’re working on building an intentional wardrobe this season, be sure to check out my recent post on the denim pieces currently inspiring my summer style. Between great denim, great sunglasses, and great jewelry, you’re going to be outfit-ready all summer long.
- Denim Pieces That Make Outfits Feel Instantly Styled This Summer
- The Sunglasses I’m Wearing All Summer
Final Thoughts
One thing I’m learning as I continue building my wardrobe is that every style refresh doesn’t require a shopping spree. Sometimes we don’t need another dress. Sometimes we don’t need another pair of jeans. Sometimes we don’t need another outfit at all. Sometimes what we’re really missing is the accessory that brings everything together. The right hoop. The perfect bracelet stack. A necklace you never take off. A statement piece that makes a simple outfit feel intentional. That’s the beauty of jewelry. It allows you to keep wearing the pieces you already love while making them feel completely new.
XOXO,
Steffanie Monae’
steffaniemonae.com 