These days, every celebrity (and her stylist) dreams of a gasp-worthy red carpet moment almost as much as a win at the awards show that follows. The canniest, most reliable performers follow a few unwritten rules and often rely on their jewelry to take the pre-show crown. So we tapped a trio of three major gem-world talents — call them our rock stars — to offer some insider advice on how regular women can tap styling tricks used by red-carpet regulars.
Mismatch to win
According to Lucrezia Buccellati, of the Italian namesake jewelry house, the key to selecting a flattering earring is mismatching. In other words, soft, round faces gain definition, and a hint of cheekbone, from angular jewelry with sharper corners and heavier settings. “Smooth the angles of a more geometric face with an openwork texture,” she suggests, much as Jaime Ray Newman did with the emerald and diamond statement Buccellati earrings she wore to this year’s Oscars.
Come to play
Don’t assume there’s no place for playfulness amid the formality; quirky jewelry can add a shot of stylish sass. See how Alessandra Ambrosio wore this de Grisogono emerald sautoir backwards on the red carpet in Cannes, France, last year. “Jewelry is to be enjoyed, so get creative,” says the firm’s CEO, Céline Assimon, “Oftentimes, I mix and match my earrings, pairing a long drop in one ear and a small stud in the other.”
Pony up
If in doubt, err toward simpler hairstyles, especially sleek buns or glossy ponytails. “It’s the first thing people will notice with eye-catching jewelry pieces, so the key is keeping it simple,” says Valérie Messika, who runs Messika Paris. She cites Charlize Theron’s restrained elegance at this year’s Critics’ Choice Awards as a perfect example. Keep hair tamed, smooth and mostly away from the face, allowing jewelry to sparkle; makeup should be minimal, too.
Call them excess-ories
Red-carpet dressing doesn’t shy away from maximalism: When the paparazzi are watching, too much is never enough. “Small and delicate jewelry doesn’t stand out in photos, but larger, more prominent pieces will,” says Buccellati, who recommends focusing on one jewelry category to avoid tipping from exuberance into tackiness. Doubling down on rings? Downplay the necklace and ear studs. Loading your arms with bangles? Then leave the 6-carat solitaire [add: ring?? finger bling??] on your dresser.
The rock is the foundation
De Grisogono’s Assimon suggests inverting the usual rule, and consider the gown, dress and shoes as the accessories. Start instead with the jewelry and plan backwards. It’s a trick stylists regularly employ, she confides. “They might come across an amazing, bold statement earring, then hunt for the perfect outfit to complement it. Jewelry can make or break a look.” The perfect example, per Assimon: the intricate bodice of Naomi Campbell’s 2018 Cannes Film Festival gown, which draws inspiration from her emerald earrings.
From Charlize Theron to Rihanna: Jewelry style hacks straight from the red carpet
The drop
After seasons of chandeliers, elegant drop earrings are making a comeback. Michelle Yeoh parades her dazzling diamond Chopard pair at the 2019 Oscars.
Arm party
Rihanna could give a master class in bracelet stacking, mixing cuffs from David Yurman,
Buccellati, Chopard and more.
Mod lobes
Stars like Amber Heard (pictured flaunting Marco Bicego at this year’s Golden Globes) and Diane Kruger (pictured dotted in Messika Paris) are mixing diamond ear cuffs, cartilage jewelry and single danglers — taking the multiple-piercings look to the next level.
White hot
The best way to show off major bling? On the clean slate of an all-white ensemble, as French model Cindy Bruna shows, wearing a de Grisogono necklace in Cannes, France.
Wrap stars
Whether it’s multiple glittering strands — as on Lily Aldrige (pictured wearing Bulgari at the 2018 Met Gala) and Taraji P. Henson (pictured rocking Roberto Coin at January’s Golden Globes) — or one major piece swirled around an otherwise modest neckline (Charlize Theron in Bulgari at this year’s Oscars), red-carpet necklaces are layering up.
