Guide to Affordable Accessorization

Have you ever wanted to be iced out like your favorite rapper, but never knew where to look? Do you also check your bank account and get nervous while it loads? Well look no further, because getting some bling to make your outfit pop doesn’t have to break the bank. If you are intimidated by jewelry and don’t know where to start, here is a guide to help you get off the ground.

Chains/Necklaces

Chains are one of the easiest ways to start wearing jewelry, and they can come at a low cost, too. There are lots of simple chains out there to choose from in both silver and gold, and are a nice way to brighten up your look. You can also get pendant necklaces to add a bit more uniqueness and flair. Layering necklaces looks great, especially if you have two to three different lengths of chains. It also is a good excuse to let down a few buttons.

Bracelets

Bracelets come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, so there is a lot of room for customization. A sleek metal or chain bracelet can be worn to match your chain or rings. Bead and rope bracelets are nice for complementing your clothing. Wearing a whole stack of matching bracelets can give a busy, textured look, or you can go for a single bracelet to add a subtle pop. A casual watch also makes a great pairing. However, be weary of wearing too many different materials on your wrist at once; you want it to look organized and coordinated, not like you stuck your arm in a clearance bin at an arts and crafts store.

Rings

If you really want to show that you know how to accessorize, then rings are a must. Simple band rings are an easy way to get used to wearing rings. If you really want to grab people's’ attention, then go for multiple rings on each hand. It is also good to have a variety of shapes, so your fingers look more like a private collection, not a sale display. For example, you could have a mix of simple band rings, larger geometric shaped rings, and rings in the shape of objects like animal heads or skulls. If you don’t know what your ring size is, there are many ways to measure it online, or you can go to a jewelers and try some on yourself. Also, any ring you buy online has a good chance of fitting at least one of your fingers.

Bandanas

Bandanas are a fun way to add an extra color or pattern to your outfit without having to add a whole layer of clothing. There are many ways of wearing them, but some of my favorite ways to style them include wearing them around the neck and hanging down the side of a belt loop. There are tons of cool bandanas you can find on Grailed and Ebay that range from vintage to designer and are often not too expensive.

Other

The world of accessorization is vast and expanding, so here are a few more you can consider. Earrings are another way you can match all of your jewelry together, they just require you to get your ears pierced, so there is a bit more commitment to try this out. If you really wanna nail the rapper look, you can get some grillz. I would not advise getting full grillz under most circumstances, but a single tooth cap can be a cool subtle look. Wallet chains have also made a comeback, and those do a great job at matching any other chains you might have. Watches can serve as a nice statement piece, although styling watches is really in a world of its own. If you want to learn more, check out this article.

There are plenty of affordable places to look for jewelry and accessories, so here are a few that have some good options. Topman and Asos both have a good selection of all types of jewelry, mostly ranging from $10 - $25. Etsy is a great place to look for one-of-a-kind pieces, but they range from affordable to very expensive. If you want to try on jewelry in person, check out flea markets and local vendors for some cool and cheap selections. You can also go to department stores that sell jewelry if you just want to try it on, but those will be more expensive and formal.

Whether you are draping yourself in chains or adding a couple accent pieces, wearing jewelry is a fantastic way to stand out among the Berkeley crowds and accentuate your style. Now, you are ready to start adding a bit more metal to your outfits.

Words by Andrew Powers

Photography by Warren Lai