How To Style Fine Jewelry With This Season’s Chicest White Dresses
The hero piece of the season, a white dress can be effortlessly transformed to suit any occasion with a curated edit of sparkling fine jewels, says CHARLIE BOYD
For some, a white dress is a staple wardrobe piece because of its versatility, timelessness, and how easy it makes getting dressed in the morning. For others, it is because it offers the perfect canvas for fine jewels to truly shine. As one of the most wearable trends from the SS24 runways, the white dress comes in many guises, and each can be dressed up or down with the clever use of a chic, concise capsule collection of fine jewels. Whether you add bold color, rich texture, or simply myriad metal tones and shining gemstones, it’s never been easier to enliven a white dress and explore its multi-faceted, wear-me-anywhere potential.
Pair a midi dress with statement earrings
Perhaps one of the quickest ways to instantly elevate a white cotton-poplin dress for evening events is to employ a pair of statement earrings. Popped on in seconds, an ultra-luxe design such as David Webb’s 18-karat yellow-gold and platinum hoops instantly amps up the glamour, flaunting almost ten carats of diamonds, while Suzanne Kalan’s ‘La Fantaisie’ 18-karat white-gold and diamond hoops are perfect for those who prefer cool metal tones. Carolina Bucci’s triple-tone hoops offer a contemporary mix of white, yellow and blackened gold, while Mateo’s clam shell pearl earrings will bring a little whimsy to the sleek lines of Alaïa’s cotton poplin dress.
Embellish a bandeau dress with a chic chain
A gold chain necklace is one of the most versatile items in any fine-jewelry collection, and a white bandeau dress is the perfect way to show off gleaming gold and diamonds upon the décolletage. If you already own a classic gold chain, explore designs that have interesting and unusual links, such as multi-metal styles with diamond accents; Marla Aaron’s ‘Chubby Babylock’ design offers an opulent take on a mariner chain, featuring an exquisite lock that is covered in shimmering diamonds. For a day’s shopping, simply pair it with Matteau’s white bandeau dress, a denim jacket, flat sandals and a chic tote bag. Maximalists may want a more voluminous piece, such as David Yurman’s striking ‘DY Mercer’ cable link design – this is the ultimate investment piece for chain obsessives.
Elevate a day dress with statement gold cuffs
If you buy one piece of fine jewelry for SS24, you should choose the season’s power-dressing piece – a bold gold cuff. Perfect as temperatures soar, a cuff instantly elevates any outfit with a slip-on-and-go ease. Carolina Bucci’s classic cuff traces the contours of the wrist and boasts her signature ‘Florentine’ finish – its intricately etched surface gleams with subtle scintillation. Wavy silhouettes always chime well with summer ensembles; The Ysso’s set of two gold cuffs will look just as stylish with a white day dress as with a chic swimsuit, while Nikos Koulis’s ‘Feelings’ cuff won a Couture Design Award for its artful, architectural take on rolling waves.
Wear a cocktail dress with chunky silver
Chunky silver and white gold continue to trend for SS24 – and oversized, statement rings feel refreshingly modern when worn with all-white ensembles. Signet-ring or pinky-ring styles are especially striking, bringing an unexpected edge to elegant dresses – Bleue Burnham’s square style is a cult design among jewelry tastemakers, while Yvonne Léon’s oval-shaped signet boasts the perfect proportions for a pinky finger. Those seeking contemporary classicism should invest in an exclusive piece by Spinelli Kilcollin – the brand’s ‘Juno’ set of platinum and diamond rings will be passed down for generations.
Add a cord necklace to a ruffled dress
The SS24 collections declared that boho is most definitely back; and with it comes the revival of ruffles – the perfect partner to a cord necklace. Marie Lichtenberg’s designs are unfailingly bohemian – her braided silk cords with eclectic pendants and lockets exude hippie-luxe chic, while Jenna Blake’s cord necklace features a gleaming gold mariner link that can be joined by further charms. Lauren Rubinski’s cord necklace can be adjusted to suit your neckline – wear it choker-length, or a little longer among a curation of chains for a more bohemian feel. Alighieri’s black cord necklace shows off an oversized gold pendant that feels effortlessly organic – named ‘The Link of Wanderlust,’ we’re not sure there’s a better necklace for summer-dress styling than this.
RELATED READING
The people featured in this story are not associated with NET-A-PORTER and do not endorse it or the products shown