This is Locked In, a quarterly column exploring where tech meets fashion, straight from the industry’s innovators. From viral gadgets to must-have accessories, discover the chicest ways to make your everyday devices part of your everyday wardrobe.
Wearable tech has come a long way. So far, in fact, that it’s now actually chic—“and so much easier to integrate into your life,” says model Alice McNally, who’s partial to layering her gadgets into her looks.
If you haven’t heard Alice’s name yet, get ready to start seeing it everywhere. She’s modeled for SKIMS and Eckhaus Latta (remember their Getty-esque campaign featuring a crying fangirl? That was Alice!) as well as made the occasional appearance on her famous NYC restaurateur father’s Instagram account. She’s the dictionary definition of a cool girl and also a total jewelry lover. “[Creating the perfect ring stack] is about finding the balance between delicate simplicity and statement-making pieces,” Alice told Cosmo on the set of her shoot.
And if one of those statement-making pieces is a smart ring, even better. The Ōura ring, for example, can track your resting heart rate, body temperature, sleep, and stress levels, giving you daily insight into your health. Its titanium band is surprisingly lightweight and goes with pretty much everything—a fancy cocktail dress, the statement jacket you just bought, or even your latest vintage find. It’s a true case of more is more: more personalized information about your body, more opportunities to showcase your personal style.
Do you prefer minimalist or maximalist accessorizing, and why?
Definitely maximalist. I just like to go big and bold. It’s a really fun way of expressing yourself. Multiple necklaces and rings and tons of ear piercings.
Do you like to stack your rings?
Oh my god. Yes. I’m a huge jewelry person. I’m pure silver. I usually never wear gold—I feel like it doesn’t look as good on me, but I’m thinking of going by season this year. So in the summer, go with gold, and then in the winter, go with silver and more cool tones.
What are your best tips on creating a ring stack? It’s so simple in theory, but I feel like there’s such an art to it.
It’s about finding the balance between delicate simplicity and statement-making pieces. Combining the two and finding a happy medium. If you’re styling a smart ring, it’s a larger band, so I would stack it with two thinner bands. The Ōura Ring is so pretty. You can incorporate it into your own personal style.
It’s time to build your dream ring stack
OURA Ring 4—Silver
OURA Ring 4—Black
OURA Ring 4—Gold
PAVOI 925 Sterling Silver Stackable CZ Ring
Gale Cyan Square Jade Ring
Mejuri Dôme Figure Ring
How would you describe your personal style?
I would say it’s pretty eclectic. I really like wearing color, being bold with my fashion, experimenting, trying new things always, and just seeing what works best for me. I do like a good piece of chunky jewelry. I normally have huge hoops in. I’m jewelry obsessed. I have so many rings.
Where do you get your rings from?
I love going to flea markets. But most of my rings I actually got in Indonesia, in Bali.
Do you have any pieces that are particularly special or personal to you?
I have my grandma’s diamond ring, her engagement ring, which is really precious. I don’t like to wear it all the time because I want to keep it safe. I also have a necklace that was my mom’s, but it’s gold so I don’t wear it too often either. And then my sister gave me a necklace for my birthday and it has our birthstones on it.
How do you feel like wearable tech has changed over time?
I think it’s definitely gotten more beautiful. Tech started out as so chunky and bulky, but it’s progressed so much and become so chic and wearable now. I feel like people used to opt out of certain items because of the way it looked and now beauty and tech are being integrated. The Ōura Ring is so easy. Like, you can stack it and everything.
What’s the best personal style tip you’ve gotten while working in the fashion industry?
Always have a good pair of comfy shoes. Invest in a good staple coat. And then just have fun with the rest of it. You have to be able to be yourself in your clothing.
Any advice for people who are trying to silence the constant trend chatter and find their own unique sense of style?
Just trusting in yourself. You don’t have to comply with what everyone else wants you to do. Not being so heavily persuaded by other people’s opinions takes a lot of time to learn. But just standing your ground. People always have opinions and are judging, but I think it’s important to remember that no one cares as much as you do. Like, go have fun with your outfit. Some people are not going to like it and that’s okay, because you know you’re comfortable and putting yourself first.
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.
Lead image: Panconesi bracelet, Alexis Bittar bracelets (left arm), Ōura ring (right index finger), Fry Powers ring (right middle finger), Agmes rings.
Styled by Brandon Tan. Hair by Chika Nishiyama at 87 Artists. Makeup by Deanna Melluso at Forward Artists. Manicure by Leanne Woodley at See Management.
Hannah is the Shopping Editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things from chic home decor to trendy fashion finds, TikTok products that are actually worth your $$$, and the perfect gift to buy for your boyfriend's mom. She previously wrote for Seventeen and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram for hot takes on red carpet fashion and pictures of her office outfits that nobody asked for.
