Why 'keyboard dressing' is the new style strategy to try now
The endless video calls in the past year have a lot to answer for. I blame them for my new found knowledge of my dramatic facial expressions, my obsession with blusher (a dusky pink is so flattering) and the reason my statement earring collection steadily grew over lockdown.
As my hair is always up, I’d put a pair on before an important meeting to add interest, and since they were one of few accessories I could sport while working-from-home. It’s thanks to Zoom, however, and having them in such high rotation that I’ve been happy to retire my collection for the time being. But where does a jewellery enthusiast turn when earrings are no longer of interest? The return to work has opened up a whole new area: keyboard dressing.
A dainty stack of rings and bracelets that twinkle as I type has quickly become an everyday staple. So much so that my hands (whether manicured or not) feel naked without them. It’s not as simple as sliding on any old thing: I’ve long waxed lyrical on these pages about my magpie tendencies, so it should come as no surprise that I have two different combinations I turn to each day.
It’s a balancing act, and a mix of sizes and textures is key for a modern look. As a rule, if you’re wearing a chunky ring, stack a few fine bracelets as too much jingling is distracting - you don’t want to annoy your colleagues when you’ve only just been reunited. Design-wise, I’d recommend mixing plain gold or silver with gems, pearls and sparkle, as too much of any one thing will date your look. There are myriad brands to note that specialise in the perfect stacking compilation that means nothing looks too over-the-top.
Citrine ring, £75, Mejuri; Double layer bracelet, £39, Estella Bartlett; Freshwater pearl ring, £27.99 Pilgrim; Lock bracelet, £75, Pdpaola; Stone rings, £39 each, Daisy Jewellery; Textured bracelet, £95, Monica Vinader; Lucia ring, £85, Daphine
Mejuri’s delicate rings are around £70 for solid gold options, though its statement styles, like this citrine ring or its popular croissant design (£85) are made to be layered so work well in the mix. PD Paola’s fine pieces look much more expensive than they are, and I find they’re so delicate I can stack up three or four bracelets without feeling overdone. Estella Bartlett’s half pearl and half gold-plated range is worth noting if you love the trend but aren’t keen on the three figure price tags it typically comes with: its slim bracelet is £18.
Personally I love a cocktail ring by day, and Daphine’s vintage designs remain unbeaten. With a shirt, trousers and loafers for the office, they add some personality and help take your look from deskside to dinner now that we can do both of those again.
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