The Ultimate Guide to Mixing Metals
Mixing metals was once a fashion faux pas — you were either a gold jewelry girl or a silver jewelry girl but probably not both — dating back (most likely) to whenever someone somewhere decided that people with warm undertones should stick to gold jewelry while people with cool undertones should stick to silver jewelry. But like other hard-and-fast fashion rules, this one is now outdated, and mixing metals has actually become quite trendy.
When it’s done right, the combination of silver, white and yellow gold, colorful charms, or two-toned pieces looks eclectic and cool yet still cohesive. The styling often seems so effortless, as if mix-matched jewelry was haphazardly piled on and the look just so happened to come together. But don’t let your favorite style-influencer types fool you — there is certainly a method to the mixed-metals madness. Keep reading for expert recommendations on how to pull off this accessory trend without looking like a mess (or like you’re trying too hard).
Incorporate an Anchor Piece
If you’re new to the world of mixed metals, try this foolproof tip from Aureum Collective founder Cass DiMicco: “Choose one two-toned ‘anchor’ piece, then mix and match it with other gold and silver pieces.” This could be a watch, necklace, bracelet, belt, or any other accessory that features both types of metals. Whatever you choose will make for an excellent starting point that you can build your mixed metals looks around.
Let the Metals Interact
Your first instinct might be to keep silver jewelry on one side of your body and gold on the other. But stylist Vivian Chuang says wearing two different metals in the same area can actually work well as long as you choose pieces that live in the same “tribe,” stylistically. The trick here is to play with pieces that could be cousins but not twins. If both pieces are angular, tubular, or geometric, for example, but differ in size and thickness, Chuang recommends placing them close together.
Play With Weight
Mixing metals is a balancing act, so choosing jewelry that differs in weight is important. A chunky gold ring styled next to a stack of thin silver rings, or maybe even a dainty silver bangle on the same hand, builds nice contrast. Wearing a sculptural silver earring in your first piercing and a gold huggie hoop in your second piercing (or vice versa) has the same effect. Chung suggests incorporating this styling technique with pieces at eye level and hand level to balance throughout.
Keep an Even Ratio
“If I’m mixing metals, I like to have a close to 50/50 split of both silver and gold,” DiMicco says. Adding a single silver piece to a mostly gold look can sometimes read as a mistake, whereas an even ratio of gold and silver makes the styling feel more intentional.
Think About the Full Picture
When styling mixed metals, Chuang says it’s important to have touch tones throughout your entire look — not just on one area of your body. “If I decide to mix metals with rings or bracelets, I would also mix up top, whether it’s layering some thin necklaces or mixing silver and gold earrings,” she explains. This ensures that one corner of your look isn’t overpowering the rest of the outfit.
Don’t Overdue It
Since the mixed-metals look is inherently eclectic, Heaven Mayhem founder Pia Mance says there is no need to pile on the jewelry. “We all love a stacking moment but for me, there is a limit,” she says. “I like to let singular pieces do the talking.” This is especially true if your personal style is clean and classic — keep the rest of your outfit fairly simple if you want to mix metals without veering too far out of your comfort zone.