How to Style Jewelry for Holiday Parties
'Tis the season for office parties, cocktail nights, family dinners and game nights with friends. Every invitation calls for a slightly different look, and the right jewelry is the easiest way to get there. You don't need a new wardrobe. A pair of earrings, a layered neckline or a little wrist stack can take the outfit you already love from everyday to party ready.
Here's how we'd style each kind of holiday get together, with a few of our favorite pieces for each one.
1. The office party: polished, never flashy
The work holiday party is all about looking put together. Think classic pieces with a little shine that still feel right next to your coworkers and your boss.
Start with a simple stud or small hoop and add one quiet statement at the neckline. Pearls are always a safe bet, and they look just as good with a blazer as they do with a holiday sweater.
Pieces we love:
- Simple And Classy Jewel Earrings: a little sparkle that never feels like too much.
- Ashley Freshwater Pearl Necklace: real freshwater pearls on waterproof steel, and one of our best sellers.
- Golden Dot Everyday Hoop Earrings: an easy gold hoop for when you're heading straight from your desk to the party.
2. The cocktail party: let your earrings do the talking
A cocktail party is the moment to go bold, but pick one spot to do it. If you're wearing a sparkly top or a sequin dress, keep the necklace simple and let a pair of jeweled drop earrings catch the light every time you turn your head.
Sweeping your hair up or tucking it behind your ears puts them on full display.
Pieces we love:
- Princess Double Jeweled Earrings: double the jewels for your most dressed up night.
- Shine From Sky Drop Earrings: a starry drop that feels made for New Year's Eve.
- Gilded Prism Drop Earrings: faceted stones in a sculpted gold setting that add color without competing with your outfit.
3. The layered neckline: made for velvet dresses and cozy sweaters
Layering is our favorite way to dress up a winter neckline. The trick is to mix lengths so each chain has room to show. Start with something close to the collarbone, add a mid length piece with a pendant, then finish with a longer chain or strand of pearls.
For a crew neck sweater, let the layers sit on top of the knit. For a V neck or off the shoulder dress, keep the shortest layer high so it frames your face.
Pieces we love:
- Perfectly Layered Heart And Chain Necklace: the layering is already done for you.
- Endless Poise Pearl Necklace: pearls and gold for an elegant, effortless look.
- Classic Duo Layered Pearl Necklace Set: two classic strands that pair beautifully with black velvet.
See every layering favorite in our Layered Jewelry Collection.
4. Family gatherings: wear something personal
Holiday dinners with family are about warmth, not glam. This is the perfect time for a piece that means something, like an initial necklace for you or someone you love. It's also a sweet conversation starter across the table.
Keep the rest simple so your personal piece stands out.
Pieces we love:
- Balloon Letter Initial Necklace: our number one best seller, playful and personal.
- Crystal Bubble Initial Necklace: an initial with a little extra holiday sparkle.
- Sculptural Initial & Pear Crystal Necklace: a sculptural gold initial paired with a pear crystal drop.
- Darcy Initial Bracelet: a beaded initial bracelet that's easy to wear every day.
5. Game nights and casual get togethers: bring the color
Not every holiday party calls for sequins. For game night, a friendsgiving or a cookie swap, have fun with color. A red beaded necklace says holiday without trying too hard, and a colorful statement piece instantly brightens up jeans and a sweater.
Hosting a mahjong night this season? Match your jewelry to the game.
Pieces we love:
- Perfect Red Beaded Necklace: a rich holiday red that goes with everything in your winter closet.
- Beaded Color Gumball Statement Necklace: bold, bright and guaranteed to get compliments.
- Mahjong Stretch Bracelet Stack: a three piece set made for game night.
- Mahjong Tile Pearl Cluster Drop Earrings: a fun tile drop with a pearl cluster.
6. Finish with a wrist stack
A bracelet stack is the finishing touch that works for every party on this list. Mix textures like pearls, beads and fine chain, and keep it to three or four pieces so it stays comfortable through dinner and dancing.
If you're wearing a watch, stack on the other wrist or let one delicate piece sit next to it.
Pieces we love:
- Genuine Pearl Color Dream Bracelet Set Of 2: real pearls with soft pops of color.
- Marbled Bead Stretch Bracelet Set with Crystal Coin Charm: organic gold beads and a crystal coin that catches the light.
- Mini Balloon Initial Bracelet: a dainty initial to personalize your stack.
- Layered Pearl Chain Butterfly Bracelet: pearls and chain in one easy piece.
Ready to shine this season
The best holiday look is the one you feel great in. Pick one star piece, build around it and have fun with it. And if you're still checking names off your gift list, every piece here makes a thoughtful present, too.
Shop the looks:
- Best Sellers: the pieces our customers come back for again and again.
- Layered Jewelry Collection: everything you need for the perfect neckline.
- All Jewelry: earrings, necklaces and bracelets for every party on your calendar.
Happy holidays from all of us at Ellison+Young!