The Only Jewelry You Should Wear to the Beach
While we all love the celebrity- and blogger-endorsed look of layered jewelry at the beach, if you want to be able to rewear those pieces post–Instagram shot, it’s important to know which will and won’t hold up when exposed to the elements. Well, we did some digging around, and it turns out there are some pretty basic don’ts to keep in mind.
To start, metals such as copper, pewter, and sterling silver are more likely to tarnish from salt water and sweat, so when possible, avoid those and stick to gold, rose gold, white gold, and platinum (should you be lucky enough to own an item made of the celebrity-approved metal.) Regardless of the metal though, stick to dainty pieces that have a lot of movement if you want to avoid thick tan lines you’d get from clunkier items like a cuff bracelet or statement necklace.
Once you’ve hit the beach, the overall consensus is that it’s imperative you wash your jewelry (no matter the metal) with water and a gentle soap after a beach day to get rid of any residual saltwater that can cause it to rust or tarnish.
Now, as for what you should wear to the beach, we reached out to Jacquie Aiche, purveyor of the layered jewelry look and designer to stars that include Rihanna and Kendall Jenner to get the scoop. Her advice? Since summer is prime time to layer, she recommends taking the opportunity to accessorize your bikini with bodychains, diamond bras, and anklets.
For a boho look, consider horn-embellished accessories, and if you’re looking to bring out that tan, gemstones such as blue and rainbow opals, turquoise, green tourmaline, and rutilated quartz will help you do so. Aiche also recommends avoiding chunky pieces if you’re going for an effortless vibe. For endless inspiration on how to wear these pieces, look no further than her latest lookbook.
Now that you know what to wear and avoid seaside, shop our beach day–approved picks below!
A pop of pink makes these earrings feel summer-ready.
Add this anklet to your daily look for an Olsen-approved upgrade.
A pop of turquoise is an Aiche-approved way to bring out that tan you've been working on.
A bra-style body chain won't just compliment a bikini top, but slip dresses and T-shirts too.
Who doesn't love a lightning bolt accessory?
Add this to your layered necklace look.
Saving the best for last—how perfect is this horn pendant? Headed to the beach? Shop every essential to pack in your bag.
Opening Image: @chiaraferragni
Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. It was a less expected route, seeing as she was graduating from business school at USC when this all began, but it has turned out to be the best one for her. Fast-forward to 2024, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was an intern starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to classic pieces and neutral basics but will always make an exception for something colorful, printed, or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a good party is dressing up for one. On weekdays, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious for dinner and trying to force her husband to watch Summer House.
-
Hailey Bieber Just Used the TikTok Styling Hack That Will Actually Go the Distance
I'm going to use it this weekend.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
After 15 Years as a Fashion Writer, I Know These Free Style Tweaks Will Make a Big Impact
How to give your wardrobe a new lease on life.
By Emma Spedding
-
4 Dated Sweater Trends I'm Purging From My Small NYC Closet by the Year's End
And the chic knitwear I'm making room for.
By Natalie Cantell
-
Law Roach's World: His New Book, Bag of Choice, and What He Grabs on a Target Run
"[Styling] has made my world so much bigger."
By Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
-
I'm in My 20s—Here Are 6 Style Lessons I Learned to Look More Polished and Grown-Up
Sophisticated styling 101.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
8 Copenhagen Street Style Trends I Plan to Replicate in New York
Pared back yet never boring.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
I'm a Fashion Editor—I Reach For These 2 Pieces When I Don't Know What to Wear
Ready in 10 minutes or less.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
The Only 9 Jackets You Need for Spring, According to Fashion People
There's something for everyone.
By Remy Farrell