Tribal jewellery is more than just a fashion statement—it’s an expression of culture, history, and artistry. With intricate designs, bold colours, and often handcrafted elements, tribal jewellery allows you to add an authentic touch to your wardrobe. Whether you’re drawn to the raw beauty of African, Indian, Native American, or other tribal styles, tribal jewellery can instantly elevate your look and make it stand out. However, styling it can sometimes be a challenge due to its boldness and unique nature. In this guide, we’ll explore how to style tribal jewellery effortlessly, allowing you to showcase its rich heritage while staying chic and modern.
- Understand the Different Types of Tribal Jewellery
Before styling, it’s essential to understand the various forms of tribal jewellery. The beauty of tribal jewellery lies in its diversity and cultural significance, and it comes in many different shapes, sizes, and materials.
- African Tribal Jewellery: Known for its use of bold, geometric patterns, African tribal jewellery often includes beads, cowrie shells, metalwork, and colourful gemstones. Necklaces, earrings, and bangles are common, with pieces often carrying a deep symbolic meaning.
- Indian Tribal Jewellery: Characterized by intricate silver or gold designs, Indian tribal jewellery often includes chunky necklaces, bangles, anklets, and large statement earrings. Materials like turquoise, coral, and coins are commonly used to create elaborate designs.
- Native American Jewellery: Typically made of silver and turquoise, Native American tribal jewellery features simple yet striking designs that often include natural motifs like feathers, animals, or geometric shapes.
- South American and Amazonian Jewellery: These often feature bold, handcrafted pieces made from natural materials like wood, seeds, bones, and stones. Bright, vibrant colours are characteristic of South American tribal jewellery, particularly in the form of chunky necklaces and bold earrings.
Understanding the style of tribal jewellery, you’re working with helps you decide how to mix and match these pieces with your wardrobe.
- Pairing Tribal Jewellery with Casual Outfits
Tribal jewellery can elevate a simple outfit, creating a bold statement without feeling too overwhelming. Here’s how to incorporate it into your everyday look:
- Boho Vibes: Tribal jewellery works wonderfully with bohemian style clothing. Layered necklaces, large beaded earrings, and chunky bracelets can complement flowy dresses, wide-leg pants, or loose tops. Mix and match different tribal jewellery pieces for a relaxed, free-spirited look. For example, a tribal beaded necklace can be paired with a flowy tunic and denim shorts for a casual yet unique ensemble.
- Earthy Tones and Textures: Tribal jewellery, with its earthy and natural qualities, pairs beautifully with earthy-toned clothing. Think about wearing earthy colours like brown, tan, burnt orange, or olive green, and then layering tribal jewellery to add a cultural, bohemian touch. A chunky tribal necklace with wooden or beaded details can contrast beautifully against a white linen blouse and brown leather sandals.
- Pairing with Denim: Denim jackets, skirts, and jeans provide a neutral base for tribal jewellery to pop. Consider pairing a simple denim jacket with bold tribal earrings or a statement necklace. This allows the jewellery to stand out without clashing with the simplicity of denim.
- Simple Outfits, Bold Jewellery: When wearing a minimalist outfit—like a simple t-shirt and jeans—tribal jewellery can become the focal point of the look. Choose a bold, chunky necklace or large hoop earrings that instantly draw attention to the jewellery. By keeping the outfit simple, you allow the jewellery to take center stage.
- Pairing Tribal Jewellery with Formal and Evening Wear
Tribal jewellery isn’t just for casual looks; it can be incorporated into formal and evening wear as well. The key is to choose pieces that complement the sophistication of your outfit without overpowering it.
- Statement Pieces: Tribal jewellery often features bold, statement-making designs, which can complement formal attire. Consider pairing a chunky tribal necklace with a simple evening gown. The boldness of the necklace can add drama and flair to a simple black dress, making the jewellery the highlight of the outfit. For example, an African tribal-inspired necklace made of large beads or a chunky statement piece can enhance a sleek black dress.
- Subtle Tribal Elements: If you’re going for a more understated approach, incorporate smaller, more delicate tribal pieces like thin bangles or small earrings. A subtle silver or gold tribal cuff bracelet can add elegance to a cocktail dress or suit without overshadowing the rest of the outfit.
- Colour Coordination: For evening wear, you can also use tribal jewellery to complement the colour palette of your outfit. If you’re wearing a dress in bold, solid colours like red, green, or blue, pair it with tribal jewellery that either contrasts or matches the colour of your outfit. A necklace featuring turquoise stones, for example, can beautifully complement a deep green dress.
- Mixing Tribal Jewellery with Modern Fashion
Tribal jewellery doesn’t need to be reserved solely for traditional or boho outfits—it can be styled with modern, urban fashion as well. Mixing tribal jewellery with contemporary fashion can create an interesting, eclectic look.
- Contrast with Minimalism: Pairing tribal jewellery with minimalist clothing creates a strong contrast that allows the jewellery to shine. For example, a simple black blazer and white t-shirt can be paired with a bold, chunky tribal necklace to add depth and interest to an otherwise simple outfit. This combination lets the jewellery stand out as the focal point of your look.
- Pair with Modern Silhouettes: Tribal jewellery can also be incorporated into more structured or tailored outfits, like tailored trousers or blazers. Consider wearing a simple black jumpsuit with a tribal statement necklace or adding chunky tribal bracelets to a modern dress with clean lines. This contrast between the structured, contemporary clothing and the free-spirited nature of tribal jewellery creates a beautifully balanced look.
- High Fashion Meets Tribal: High-fashion pieces, like designer dresses or tailored coats, can be paired with tribal jewellery for a unique, fashion-forward approach. A designer black dress can be paired with oversized tribal earrings or a multi-layered tribal necklace, bringing culture and history into a modern, high-fashion look.
- Mixing Tribal Jewellery with Other Jewellery Pieces
One of the best things about tribal jewellery is its ability to mix well with other jewellery styles. However, it’s important to maintain balance so that your look doesn’t become too cluttered.
- Layering: Tribal jewellery, especially necklaces and bracelets, can be layered with other jewellery pieces. For instance, layer a tribal beaded necklace with a few delicate gold or silver chains to create a boho chic, multi-layered look. Similarly, you can mix tribal bangles with other metallic bracelets or watches to create a stacked effect.
- Mixing with Precious Stones: Tribal jewellery often features natural stones like turquoise, coral, or agate, which can be layered with fine jewellery or combined with precious gems. For example, pair a simple diamond ring with tribal gemstone earrings for an unexpected yet chic contrast. The key is to keep the pieces balanced—don’t overdo it with too many statement pieces at once.
- Different Textures: When mixing tribal jewellery with other styles, consider the textures of the materials involved. For instance, if you’re wearing a tribal necklace with intricate beadwork, balance it with a smooth, polished ring or bracelet to contrast the textures. A mix of matte and shiny finishes can create visual interest without overwhelming the outfit.
- Embrace the Spirit of Tribal Jewellery
Tribal jewellery is more than just an accessory; it often carries cultural significance, representing stories, beliefs, or rituals. Embrace the cultural significance of the pieces you wear by learning about the traditions and meanings behind them. This respect for the heritage adds a deeper layer of connection to your jewellery, which can shine through in how you wear it.
When styling tribal jewellery, think of it as a way to celebrate diversity and cultural richness. You don’t have to wear a full tribal-inspired outfit; instead, let your jewellery be the piece that ties your whole look together.
Conclusion
Styling tribal jewellery is all about embracing its boldness, beauty, and cultural significance. Whether you prefer to pair it with casual outfits, mix it with modern styles, or incorporate it into more formal looks, tribal jewellery allows you to express your individuality while adding a unique touch to your wardrobe. Remember to balance the boldness of tribal jewellery with your outfit’s simplicity and never shy away from experimenting with layering, mixing textures, and incorporating different materials. With the right styling, tribal jewellery can transform any look into something truly special.
