Bracelets are a staple of any good jewellery collection and can be worn in various ways. A popular way to wear bracelets among many is to stack them. But how do you stack bracelets stylishly and effectively?

With several different types of bracelets available, it's difficult to know which will go together and which won't or how they'll complement an overall ensemble. Not to mention the several gems, materials and colours that come into consideration.

Our guide is here to help. We're passionate about getting the most out of jewellery at Francis & Gaye, which is why we're such fans of stacking bracelets. Read on to learn what stacking bracelets entails, how many bracelets to stack and which ones look best grouped together.

Table of contents

• What are stacking bracelets?
• How many bracelets should you wear in a stack?
• Include a focus piece
• What colours, materials and stones are best for stacking?
• Shop bracelets for stacking at Francis & Gaye

What are stacking bracelets?

Stacking bracelets aren't specific kinds of bracelets that have the sole purpose of layering on top of each other; any bracelet can be a stacking bracelet, should you want it to be. Experiment with different bracelets from your collection and find a group that feels right. If you're looking for a few bracelets to start with; tennis, charm, gemstone, cuff bracelets and bangles all stack well.

The trend of stacking bracelets became popular in the West following the 1933 film Dinner at Eight. One of the picture's stars, Jean Harlow, was seen on screen adorning her wrists with shimmering diamond bracelets as her character Kitty Packard. The affluent Packard's jewellery was very much in tune with the era's excess-heavy style.

Each decade has had its own bracelet stacking movement, whether it be the grunge stylings of the 1980s or the emo cuff craze of the alternative early 2000s. Stacking bracelets has remained a constant in women's fashion, with today's style focusing on showing off bright and glamorous personalities.

Your choice of bracelets to stack can exude rock nostalgia or a love for the finer things. The details on your wrist can transform your look through decades and genres while keeping things fresh and imaginative.

How many bracelets should you wear in a stack?

To prevent things from getting overwhelming if you're a first-time stacker, pinpoint the number of bracelets you'd like to stack. This can help narrow your options and prevent you from throwing everything on and getting lost in the sheer volume.

Limiting your options at first lets you see which combinations you like and which you don't. We find that three bracelets provide a solid base. You can always add more or even remove some, but three bracelets give you a great idea of what overall look you're going for.

Getting a starting number down is the first step in getting to the fun stuff like matching different stones, materials and colours. A good rule of thumb is to consider how many rings you like to wear on one hand. Depending on your intended vibe, decide if you want to match or go above or below that number.

Include a focus piece

A great way to start your bangle stacking era is to choose a focus piece to build around, such as a favourite bangle or a bracelet that holds sentimental value. Having a centre point allows you to stack with structure, so you can pick bracelets that complement the star of the show.

It's helpful if this piece has a striking design or colour that will draw eyes to it, with other bracelets used to accent and balance your wrist.

Your focus point doesn't even need to be a bracelet; you can wear a wristwatch and use bracelets on either side to complete a lovely ensemble.

What colours, materials and stones are best for stacking?

It's time for the most exciting part: choosing the colours, materials and stones that will adorn your wrist. It's where you can make the stacking style unique to you.

Build from your favourite materials and colours. If you want a themed or coordinated look, choose bracelets or bangles of the same material, such as gold or silver. Once you have your foundation, add a bracelet of the same material with additional features to act as the focus piece. Studded gemstones, alternative shapes and quirky chain arrangements are all accents that help focus your ensemble.

For a varied look, mix up your colours. Choose rose gold, yellow and white for a selection of tones that complement each other and create a bright and modern wrist assortment.

Metals aren't the be-all and end-all of bracelets. You can swap out gold and silver for gemstones, beads and more to bring variety to your look and add texture. Mix gemstones and chains for a striking and modern look, or achieve vintage chic an abundance of beads and colour

Shop bracelets for stacking at Francis & Gaye

Create plenty of unique and stunning stacked bracelet looks by adding bracelets from Francis & Gaye to your collection.

Shop exemplary designer brands like Pandora and Fred Bennett, as well as our own exclusive collection to glamorise your wrist. Choose gorgeous tennis bracelets for a subtle and classy look, or go bright and loud with our collection of bangles.

With various stones, colours and metals available, we have a bracelet for every style and aesthetic.

However you choose to stack them, bracelets from our selection will be a welcome addition to your jewellery collection.

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