The vibe: sparkle, but make it intentional
Holiday parties are your permission slip to glow. The key is choosing holiday party jewelry that adds radiance without stealing the whole show. Think of jewelry as lighting: the right placement and intensity can make your outfit—and you—look luminous.
Tip: If your dress is extra (sequins, metallics, bold color), keep jewelry clean and sculptural. If your outfit is minimal (sleek black, satin slip, suiting), turn up the wattage with stones, pearls, or dimensional textures.
What’s trending (and wearable) right now
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Modern pearls (baroque, sculptural) feel luxe but not stuffy.
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Mixed metals read cool and contemporary with winter fabrics.
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Sculptural earrings lift the face and frame slicked-back hair or a deep side part.
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Delicate layers for day-to-night (stacked chains, slim cuffs) keep things elevated, not heavy.
Browse current jewelry trend coverage from Vogue for seasonal cues and styling context: Vogue – Jewelry.
See big-picture fashion direction in Harper’s Bazaar’s trend hub to inform metal mixes and silhouettes: Harper’s Bazaar – Fashion Trends.
Match jewelry to your outfit (and neckline)
If your neckline is…
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High neck, mock, or turtleneck: Skip a necklace and go bold at the ears—elongated drops, chandeliers, or sleek hoops.
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Sweetheart or deep V: A pendant or lariat echoes the line and pulls the eye vertically.
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Strapless or square: A collar or short chain balances open skin; add petite studs or huggies.
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Boat or off-the-shoulder: Statement earrings + a slim bracelet; keep the neck open.
Explore mix-and-match chains and minimal pieces in the Malibu Sunday Collections: malibusunday.com/collections/all
Build a balanced set (the stylist’s formula)
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Choose one hero. Make either earrings, a necklace, or a cuff the focal point.
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Layer by weight. Start delicate (studs, fine chain), add medium (tennis or slim cuff), finish with one bold shape.
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Vary texture. Pair polished metal with a pavé sparkle or a matte/brushed finish for depth.
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Mind proportions. Petite frames: slimmer silhouettes, fine pavé. Taller/broader frames: you can scale up the hardware.
Metals & stones that photograph beautifully (aka: party proof)
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Yellow gold warms winter skin tones and plays well with jewel tones.
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White metals (sterling, rhodium-plated, stainless) pop against black and cool navies.
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Two-tone keeps your watch, bag hardware, and jewelry cohesive without being matchy-matchy.
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Crystals & CZ catch light in dim settings; pearls add a soft-focus glow.
New here? Peek our Malibu Sunday homepage for fresh drops and styling inspo: malibusunday.com
Occasion-by-occasion cheat sheet
| Party plan | Outfit vibe | Jewelry play | Why it works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office mixer | Polished suiting, midi dress | Huggies + fine pendant + slim cuff | Quiet sparkle, HR-approved |
| Cocktails | Satin slip, velvet mini | Statement earrings + bare neck + tennis bracelet | Focus up top; sleek everywhere else |
| Family dinner | Cozy knit, dark denim | Layered delicate chains + studs + thin stacking rings | Textured but low-effort |
| Black-tie | Column gown | Collar or lariat (hero) + understated studs | One focal point = elegance |
| Festive brunch | Knit dress, boots | Medium hoops + short pendant + link bracelet | Balanced, daytime sparkle |
Quick styling combos to copy
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The Velvet Effect: Crystal or pearl drop earrings + thin tennis bracelet. Velvet absorbs light; jewelry adds contrast and dimension.
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The Minimalist Column: Sleek V-neck + lariat + single statement ring—clean lines, high impact.
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The Cozy Knit Stack: Fine 14–18″ chain + 18–20″ pendant + tiny studs + slim cuff—soft shine against texture.
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The Slicked-Back Moment: Hair up + sculptural hoops + bare neck—graphic, camera-ready.
Comfort & care (so you actually enjoy the night)
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Weight check: If you can feel an earring pulling now, it’ll be distracting later.
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Clasp security: Opt for lever backs, screw-backs, or quality butterfly backs for dance-floor safety.
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Fabric friends: Sequins/snags? Choose smooth settings and closed-link chains.
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Post-party wipe: Give pieces a quick microfiber wipe before storing to remove makeup and fragrance.
FAQs
How many pieces are too many for a holiday party?
Three usually feels right: earrings, one neck or wrist piece, and a ring. If one is bold, keep the others minimal.
Can I mix gold and silver at a formal event?
Yes—tie them together with a repeat (e.g., gold hoops + two-tone bracelet + bag hardware). It reads modern, not “mismatched.”
What earrings flatter updos best?
Drops and linear shapes elongate the neck; small pavé huggies work if your necklace is the hero.
Are pearls still “in” for parties?
Very. Baroque shapes and pearl-crystal mixes are especially chic (see Vogue’s jewelry features for styling ideas: ).
How do I keep layers from tangling?
Stagger lengths (e.g., 16″ + 18″ + 20″), mix chain types (rope + box + cable), and clasp each piece in opposite directions.
The take-home
Holiday jewelry should amplify your presence, not shout over it. Choose a focal point, balance the rest, and let texture do the heavy lifting. The result feels luxe, effortless, and very you.
Want more outfit + jewelry pairings all season? Explore our latest pieces and styling ideas on the Malibu Sunday site and Collections above. We’ll keep the inspiration flowing—you bring the sparkle.
