I’m big into jewelry: chunky necklaces, delicate bracelets, cocktail rings. Gotta catch ’em all. Like Pokemon.
(Full disclosure: I don’t know what that means. I never…played? watched? did? Pokemon.)
Jewelry in summer is hard, though. I sweat, and my bracelets start feeling all weird. The wind picks up, and my hair gets caught in my necklace. My earrings attach themselves to my pretty layered chiffon dress, and then I start talking to them in the middle of the sidewalk, my head cocked to one side, pleading and getting strange looks from passers-by…
…Yeah. Jewelry in summer is hard.
But when it’s hot, and all you’re wearing is a simple cotton dress and flats, you almost need a little jewelry to not look, well, boring as hell.
Leather Bracelets
Laser-cut leather bracelets by Emily de Molly: $35
The great thing about leather is that the heat causes it to become more comfortable, not less: warmth makes it softer, more pliable and, in the end, easier to wear. These bracelets are by Etsy designer Emily de Molly, but a simple search for “laser cut leather” on Etsy (or Google, or anywhere else) should net you a number of different designs at almost any price point – Seattle boutique Peridot has a beautiful selection, and my favorite only costs $18. (If you can, look for vegetable-tanned leather. It’s a bit more eco-friendly.)
Ridiculous Rings
Maureena’s Cushion Cut Ring: $38.95 // Minka’s 14K Ring: $48.95
Daralinn’s Turquoise and Pink Ring: $49.95 // Twila’s Black Studded Ring: $26.95
Sometimes, a single piece of statement jewelry is the easiest way to go. The cocktail ring is my favorite accessroy: I can switch fingers depending on whether I’m typing, traveling or just swollen in all that heat, and if even the idea of jewelry becomes too much, a ring is easier to toss in my purse than an easily-tangled necklace or bulky bracelet.
Stud Earrings
House of Harlow 1960 Short Arrow Stud Earrings: $30 // Bop Bijoux Tiny Open Circle Studs: $42
House of Harlow 1960 Pave Stargazer Earrings: $30 // Elizabeth and James Sliced Nautilus Stud Earrings: $55
Though I’m a firm believer in dangling, whoa-those-are-crazy earrings (I do have short hair, after all) they aren’t the most comfortable to wear in summer, when clothing is delicate and hair is beachy by nature. Posts are also often cheaper than their longer counterparts, which makes them perfect for a “broke and beautiful” summer.
Anti-Metal Necklaces
Juliet & Company La Plage Necklace: $84 $58.80 // By Malene Birger Sakosa Necklace: $95
Jacquie Aiche Original Blesslev Amulet Necklace: $58 // Juliet & Company Bonbons Necklace: $60
I have sensitive skin, and when I wear certain metals in hot weather I get this obnoxious rash on the back of my neck. It takes what seems like forever for that rash to finally go away, so I’d rather wear stones, fabric and plastic instead, if I can. Higher-quality necklaces of this variety can be a bit expensive, but they’re not uber popular this season (they were bigger last winter) so you should be able to find some on sale (and handmade designs on Etsy). Sadly, our current favorites are really, really expensive: Haute Hippie’s Skull Necklace is $295, and Soixante Neuf’s Peacock Necklace is $305. Oh well.