“’Tis the season for holiday glitz, glamour, and three-dimensional sparkle,” says Vogue magazine, “especially after a few years of ‘less is more’ party dressing.” The festive frocks you’re sure to be wearing this year are bedazzled and bright, so how do you accessorize without going over the top? Here are a few helpful hints to achieve that delicate balance and keep the overall look sophisticated and sublime.

NEUTRALS & COMPLEMENTARY HUES

Clockwise from upper left – Assael Angel Skin Coral, Green Garnet and White Diamond Earrings, Assael Angel Skin Coral and Red Zircon Earrings, Assael Classic South Sea Pearl Necklace, Sally LaPointe NYFW, Givenchy Fall/Winter 2020, Laquan Smith NYFW, Nicolas Jebran Paris Fashion Week F/W 2020, Assael Tahitian Pearl and Pear Shaped Diamond Ring

According to Harper’s Bazaar – “From velvet to lace and show-stopping metallics,” cocktail party frocks this year are bold and loaded with embellishments. For these types of dresses, keep the jewelry sophisticated to offset the fancy feel of the feathers, sequins or billowing sleeves. The weight and smoothness of South Sea Pearls or Mediterranean Coral creates a solid anchor that will keep the overall look from getting too flouncy and prevent snagging of the lace, feathers or sequins.

According to Town & Country magazine, “There’s no better time of year to wear something bedazzled in sequins than the holidays. Opt for sequin pants and pair with neutrals…” We love this advice. Because there is so much happening for the eye with the sequined pants, keep your accessories in neutral or complementary hues, meaning similar colors or shades opposite on the color wheel. Wearing black? Opt for the dark beauty and subtlety of Tahitian Pearls or the fiery red of Sardinian Coral. For many of the shimmering whites coming out this season (or black and white combos), wear a strand of South Sea Pearls or pearl drop earrings or choose the understated elegance of Angel Skin Coral.

STATEMENT EARRINGS & HAIR GEMS

Clockwise from upper left – Assael Fiji Pearl Branch Earrings, Giorgio Armani Prive Fall/Winter 2020, Assael Stiletto Earrings, @GivenchyOfficial, @AlexanderMcQueenOfficial

Take your holiday accessorizing cues this year from the fall/winter runways. The catwalks were full of modern earring styles – single or mismatched earrings, long drops, large hoops and tons of baroque pearls. Whether it was feathers at Givenchy, sparkling sequins at Armani Privé or power suits at Tommy Hilfiger, many of the festive looks at New York and Paris Fashion Weeks were paired with bold statement earrings. Christian Dior and Giorgio Armani Privé opted for one long significant drop earring, while Alexander McQueen featured mismatched earrings with one large baroque pearl drop. Givenchy crowned the head of their models with large pearl headbands while Giambattista Valli opted for wild florals across the forehead. If your holiday dress is especially sparkly this year, simplify the look with one major accessory – a statement earring, a chic pearl barrette or a bejeweled headband.

WRAP THE WRIST OR NECK

Clockwise from upper left – Assael 5 Strand Akoya Pearl Choker Necklace, Yoshikimono Tokyo Fashion Week S/S 2020, Amir Slama Fall/Winter 2018, @mayfairrocks, Adeline Ziliox F/W 2020 Paris

We are sure to see many one-shoulder and off-shoulder styles at the galas and holiday festivities on the calendar this month and next, as well as the ubiquitous strapless LBD. These silhouettes leave both the neck and wrist bare and begging for adornment – if your dress or top is particularly froufrou, choose one or the other. For the shiny slip dresses, sparkly open-shoulder blouses and velvet tunics, wrap the wrist in layered/stacked pearl or coral bracelets. The luster of pearls is perfect for adorning velvet and the coral beads won’t snag on embellished textiles. Or if you prefer, opt for a singular pearl strand. Choker-length pearl strands worn high on the neck won’t compete with any feathers, tulle, ruffles or sequins. There is also an exotic sleeve trend. If your dress or blouse has wide billowing sleeves or gathered taffeta ones – pair them with a single statement cuff or a spectacular cocktail ring. Again, smoothness is key – non-faceted gems likes pearls will accent the look instead of competing with it.

As you select the perfect holiday party dress this year, have fun and keep it sophisticated with simple and exquisite accessories. Choose wisely and let the organic neutrality of pearls and gem coral add to the look as opposed to competing with it. And remember that you’re worth it. Adorning yourself in luxury jewels will enhance your overall appeal with a genuine, deep inner glow. Long may it shine!

For more pearl and coral jewelry options, visit assael.com and follow us on Instagram @assaelpearls.