Jewelry Layering?/General Jewelry do's and dont's

Hi everyone, like the title says, I'm wondering what industry opinion is on layering jewelry? 

I am an incoming PE intern this summer and an IB intern next and I know it largely depends on your team but are there any unspoken jewelry rules for women specifically? I assume there's a bit more leeway but I don't want to seem unprofessional. Typically I wear one or two necklaces, a few bracelets, and I have multiple ear piercings.  None of my jewelry is particularly gaudy but I like to accessorize. 

To err on the side of caution I'm just going to stick with one bracelet and necklace but I don't really change my earrings would it be unprofessional to keep those in?

Thanks for your advice!

2 Comments
 

Based on previous WSO threads, here are some insights and advice on jewelry layering and general jewelry do's and don'ts for women in the finance industry:

Jewelry Layering and General Do's and Don'ts:

  1. Minimalism is Key:

    • It's generally advisable to adopt a minimalist approach to jewelry in professional settings. This means sticking to simple, elegant pieces that do not draw too much attention.
  2. Necklaces and Bracelets:

    • Wearing one or two necklaces and a single bracelet is usually acceptable. Ensure that these pieces are not too flashy or noisy, as they can be distracting.
  3. Earrings:

    • Multiple ear piercings can be acceptable, but it's best to keep the earrings small and understated. Studs or small hoops are generally safe choices.
  4. Avoid Over-accessorizing:

    • Avoid wearing too much jewelry at once. This includes large, statement pieces that can be seen as unprofessional or distracting.
  5. Consistency with Team Culture:

    • Observe the jewelry choices of senior women in your team or department. This can give you a good indication of what is considered appropriate within your specific work environment.
  6. Professionalism Over Personal Style:

    • While personal style is important, in a professional setting, it's crucial to prioritize a polished and professional appearance. This often means toning down on accessories.

Specific Advice for Your Situation:

  • Necklaces and Bracelets: Sticking with one bracelet and one necklace is a good approach. Ensure they are simple and elegant.
  • Earrings: Keeping your multiple ear piercings is likely fine as long as the earrings are small and not overly decorative.
  • General Rule: When in doubt, less is more. It's better to be slightly under-accessorized than to risk appearing unprofessional.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your jewelry complements your professional attire without overshadowing it.

Sources: Professionalism 101 - Your Guide!, Should Women Wear Heels at Work?, Year 1 in consulting - tips, tricks, advice, and unspoken rules., Profesional Hair Styles, What are your thoughts on changing dress code?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Magnam exercitationem consectetur aut rerum eos incidunt. Praesentium quo sit adipisci rem. Quia similique id debitis aperiam necessitatibus. Sed et ut eum placeat doloremque quibusdam tempore. Et libero sed accusantium molestiae non magnam. Exercitationem qui officiis est officiis inventore error.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan No 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (15) $434
  • Associates (45) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (79) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”