Good to Have You Back
The season always seems to arrive in a rush. Lights in the windows, music in the streets, that sudden pull to dress up again. You start planning your holiday party looks, laying out outfits on the bed, trying on earrings you haven’t worn since last winter, feeling the familiar excitement of it all.
This year, we’re drawing inspiration from conversations with some of the world’s most admired designers, their styling philosophies, approaches to confidence, and understanding of how jewelry completes a look.
So let’s talk about how to dress for the season, from the glow of Christmas dinner to the glamour of New Year’s Eve and everything in between.
Glamorous New Year’s Eve looks, inspired by J. Mendel
If there’s one designer who understands the art of graceful glamour, it’s J. Mendel. His gowns seem to float; never heavy, never loud, always flawlessly sculpted around the body. Mendel’s philosophy is simple: beauty lies in movement, confidence, and the quiet power of good craftsmanship.
“At the heart of true beauty is self-confidence. That has never changed.” — Gilles Mendel
For a festive night out, channel that same ease. Think fluid fabrics, soft pleats, and silhouettes that glide rather than cling. The jewelry should follow that flow; pieces that shimmer gently as you move. Our model here wears a sleek diamond Y-necklace, drop earrings, and a mix of bracelets that mirror the lightness of her dress.
You can build on that look with slim diamond bangle bracelets stacked alongside a statement cuff or a pavé ring that elongates the fingers. A pair of modern climber earrings can replace traditional drops if you want something bolder, while layered tennis necklaces create a refined yet playful sparkle.
The key is balance; glamour that feels lived in, not staged. Mendel once said his clothes are “modern heirlooms,” and the same could be said for this kind of jewelry. Each piece should look like it was made to move with you, not just be seen on you.
Christmas party looks - inspired by Elie Saab
The glamorous take
Elie Saab has always believed that true style lies in presence, not volume. His designs command attention through grace, detail, and the kind of craftsmanship that makes you stand taller the moment you put them on. Saab once said he designs “for occasions when a woman wants to be memorable,” and a Christmas dinner is the perfect excuse to live that out.
In our interview with him, he shared, “How do you not want diamonds, more sparkle, and whatever else a woman wants to wear to ensure that she is happy to be noticed and admired? I just don’t want her to wear anything that will take the attention off her.” That sentiment captures exactly what a festive night should feel like: confident, glowing, and impossible to overlook.
Channel that energy with a gown in rich berry or wine red, textured silk, or light-catching satin. Let your holiday party jewelry echo that same confidence with a diamond bracelet that glimmers with every gesture, sculptural rings that feel like art, and drop or hoop earrings that complement the neckline. For a warmer touch, layer in gemstone jewelry pieces such as rubies, garnets, or deep red spinels that tie the color story together while keeping the look festive and refined.
The Cozy Version
If your evening leans more fireside than formal, think softness instead of structure. A cashmere dress or tailored knit set in cream or forest green gives that relaxed, luxurious feel. Pair it with gemstone stud earrings and a matching pendant; emeralds or morganites add the perfect hint of quiet color. Stack slim gold bangles or mix metals for a more personal, collected look.
Daytime festive glam - inspired by Oscar de la Renta
Oscar de la Renta believed that a woman’s grace should always be in motion; her clothes, her jewelry, even her presence. His legacy, now continued by Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia, keeps that vision alive with pieces that balance polish and freedom, structure and ease. As Garcia said, “This woman moves around the world with astonishing frequency. Her clothes need to travel in suitcases; she’s frequently going from a work environment to a social occasion. The clothes need to loosen up.”
That’s exactly the spirit of daytime festive glam: elegant, fluid, and ready for whatever the day brings.
The polished take
Think of a silk or chiffon dress that flows as you walk, paired with a soft coat or tailored blazer draped over your shoulders. Glam jewelry becomes the thread that ties it all together: layer bangles in mixed tones, let a diamond tennis bracelet peek from your sleeve, and play with necklace layering with a short chain and a small pendant, followed by a slightly longer diamond or gemstone drop. Earrings can stay understated with classic hoop earrings or huggies to keep the focus on the movement of the outfit.
The modern twist
If you prefer a chic trouser look, go for wide-leg pants and a feminine blouse with subtle detailing such as a bow collar or satin finish. Here, jewelry adds both brightness and confidence: stack rings across both hands, combine gold and diamond bangles, and finish with statement earrings that echo the playful rhythm of Oscar’s designs. It’s the kind of look that transitions effortlessly from a holiday brunch to an early evening gathering, always refined and never overdone.
Holiday office party look - inspired by Badgley Mischka
Professional glam
Mark Badgley and James Mischka once said, “Glamour is not a trend. It’s a constant.” And this look captures exactly that. The cream silk ensemble strikes the perfect chord between power and poise. It’s refined enough for the office, yet sophisticated enough to glide into an evening celebration without missing a beat.
Start with the jewelry the model is wearing; it’s the ideal blueprint. Gold hoops that catch the light just enough, stacked bangles that mix structure with sparkle, and a bold pendant necklace that gives the outfit a polished focal point. Each piece adds personality without ever overpowering the look.
Want to turn it up for the evening?
Layer on a diamond cuff or two for a dose of festive shimmer. Swap the pendant for a choker-and-longer-chain combo—one delicate, one daring—to create depth around the neckline. Add cocktail rings for that final touch of confidence, and maybe a pair of statement earrings if your hair is up.
Badgley Mischka’s designs have always celebrated women who dress for themselves, not for trends, not for attention, but for joy. This look embodies that spirit: easy charm, a subtle sparkle, and the kind of confidence that turns a holiday office party into your own runway moment.
The holidays are the perfect time to give something meaningful. A piece of jewelry can say what words can’t; a little sparkle, a little thought, and a lot of heart.
Explore our holiday jewelry gift guide and find something unforgettable for everyone on your list, including yourself.
