I bought my black and white bead bracelet on a whim about three years ago from some market stall, and it’s ended up being the one piece of jewellery I actually wear constantly. Not because it’s expensive or particularly special—it cost about a fiver—but because it just goes with everything and I don’t have to think about it.
Jeans and Whatever’s Clean
Most days I’m in jeans and some sort of top I’ve fished out the laundry basket. The bracelet just goes on automatically now, like putting on socks. Makes zero difference to the outfit really, but my wrist feels weird without it. If I’m wearing a black jumper it picks up the black beads, white shirt shows off the white ones. Sounds stupid but it’s quite satisfying.
When You’ve Got to Scrub Up
Weddings, fancy dinners, that sort of thing. I always panic about accessories for these because I inevitably choose wrong and feel overdressed or like I’ve not bothered. Can’t really go wrong with black and white though. Wore it to my cousin’s wedding with a dark green dress and nobody looked at me like I’d lost the plot, so that’s a win.
Stacking It with Other Stuff
Sometimes I’ll chuck on a leather strap or this thin silver chain I’ve got with it. Looks alright as long as you don’t go mental and pile on about seven bracelets like some sort of jewellery hoarder. Two or three max, otherwise you sound like a wind chime every time you move your arm.
Trackies and Trainers
Look, I wear gym clothes to the shops. We all do it. The bracelet stays on because I honestly forget I’m wearing it half the time. Does it elevate my Primark leggings and ratty old hoodie? Absolutely not. But at least my wrist looks decent even if the rest of me looks like I’ve given up on life.
Summer and Patterns Everywhere
Floral dresses, stripy tops, whatever—black and white literally matches everything, which is the entire point. I’ve got this hideous orange dress that I love, and the pangolin bracelet is one of the few things I own that doesn’t clash with it. Not that matching really matters when you’re just popping to Tesco, but still.
Why It Works
Honestly, the reason my black and white bead bracelet gets so much wear is because it’s easy. Doesn’t require thought, doesn’t limit what I can wear, and if I lose it I’m only out a fiver. It’s not going to change your life or make you look like you’ve stepped off a runway, but it’s a solid, reliable bit of jewellery that does its job without any fuss. Sometimes that’s all you need.
