I don’t know about you, but I’m too crazed at the holidays to go shopping for dressy clothes for myself. So when it comes to New Year’s Eve and Christmas party attire, I always pull out my favorite Little Black Dress and jumpsuit and upgrade them with my latest jewelry finds.
You still have time to put a dazzling outfit together for a Christmas open house or a New Year’s Eve celebration. The secret is assessing the looks you already own and adding more—and more glittering—jewelry than you might normally wear.
Christmas comes but once a year, so break out those statement earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and cocktail rings. But don’t forget to polish them first! Here’s a link to help you find the perfect jewelry cleaner for every piece you own or plan to buy.
Statement Earrings
Off-the-Shoulder LBD at lulus.com; Kenneth Jay Lane Black & “Ruby” 3-Armed Chandelier Earrings; Silver & Crystal Stiletto Earrings by Park Lane Jewelry.
Chances are (because you’re jewelry obsessed!), you own at least one pair of chandelier earrings. Perhaps they’re the 3-armed chandeliers OBJ showcased a while back…this style is still going strong. If you’re wearing an off-the-shoulder dress or top, bejeweled chandeliers are all the embellishment you really need. Let your bare neckline do the talking and save the necklace for another night.
Inspiration Pieces: I love the rich, vintage look of Kenneth Jay Lane’s black and red “ruby” earrings ($150), so perfect for the season.
Want a more contemporary vibe? Try the stiletto crystal drops (in montage above), from Park Lane Jewelry ($64).
A Major Necklace
Does your favorite LBD or jumpsuit have a tailored round neck? Dress it up with a big bold necklace. Holiday time is no time for dainty layers; go for a sparkling bib or collar style, or twist long ropes of beads and chains around your neck for a chunkier look.
Inspiration Pieces: This Multicolor Crystal Necklace from BaubleBar ($52) is my current go-to party upgrade. It’s distinctive, and therefore memorable, so I don’t recommend wearing it on repeat between Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
My solution? When I find a fab and affordable necklace I buy it in several different colorways. Jerollin’s wide crystal collar (left of the dress above) comes in 12 color combos. Only $15.55 each, at amazon.com.
A Stack of Bracelets
Showing off your toned arms this holiday season? Take a good hard look at all your bangles, cuffs and bracelets, then experiment by stacking them in different combinations. Pair thick with thin, plain and fancy, and if you can, include a charm bracelet or something dangling.
Wearing long sleeves? You can do the stack right over a sweater dress. Knits are wildly popular this winter and an assortment of shining bracelets will help dress them up.
Inspiration Pieces: Here’s a shot I love on DK Farnum Jewelry’s Instagram: a spectacular array of vintage gold bracelets.
JCK magazine, a bible of the jewelry industry, asked: “Is This the World’s Most Glamorous Bracelet Stack?”
I keep a big bowl of bangles on my vanity to mix and match with my everyday outfits. Lately I’ve been partial to sterling silver bracelets, but for dressier evenings I’ll switch to big gold links and rhinestones.
A Cocktail Ring
For holiday parties I like to layer my collection of gold signet rings on my left hand and wear a single cocktail ring on my right. The bold cocktail ring made a powerful comeback this year, fueled in part by selfie culture and social media.
Hands and rings are in the spotlight like never before…will you be ready to ring in the New Year?
Inspiration Pieces: For me, the cocktail ring of 2018 was the aquamarine beauty that Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, wore to her wedding reception.
This brilliant blue gemstone is an unexpected color choice for holiday accessorizing. Real or faux, it’s bound to help you look Christmas-cool and New Year’s festive.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year…
See You in 2019!
I love to stack my bracelets.
Hi Suzanne,
Good to hear from you. This is a case of More is More!
Best,
S.A.M. for OBJ