Jewelry Essentials

1. Crystal Stud Earrings

These work whenever, wherever for whoever - from day to night, for work, school and special occasion.

The ideal crystal stud size is 0.25ct which is big enough to add that subtle pretty sparkle to your outfit without looking too much. If you want to look like a high-class fashionista you can go bigger with 1 and 2ct and really your message across!

If you have a very tight budget and don't want to splurge on diamonds, then try Cubic Zirconia without sacrificing quality.

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Diamond stud earrings from House of Fraser (UK)

2. Crystal Pendant Necklace

A crystal pendant necklace in either diamond or Cubic Zirconia is another way to put some glam to your outfit. If you want to be able to wear it for day and night, as well as various occasions - make sure to select a smaller crystal to avoid drawing to much attention.

Choose simple and versatile pendant shapes such solitaire, marquise or cube.

Again, if you aren't able to buy real diamond jewelry because of a tight budget, try Cubic Zirconia necklace which gives the same sparkle for less.

Diamond pendant necklace from Tacori

3. Pearl Stud Earrings

A pair of pearl stud earrings are pretty but not too flashy - and are excellent with all outfits and occasions. Great for office work, school, visiting your in-laws and so on.

Secure your first pair in a size that doesn't extend past your earlobes. Large pearls tend to make a fashion statement - you need stud earrings that are neutral.

Get the pearls in your best light neutrals. So if you have a cool skin tone - go for pure white, rose pink and/or silver. If you have a warm skin tone - opt for ivory, cream, browns and gold. Click here to find out if you're Warm or Cool

Pearl stud earrings from Emitations

4. Pearl String Necklace

A pearl necklace complements your pearl stud earrings and are a must for Classy fashionistas. They're great for achieving that classy, sophisticated and chic look - as well as creating a juxtaposition with for example Urban or Romantic

Make sure you pick a length that won't choke your neck making it look shorter. It's of course ideal if you have a long neck but it's not that versatile. The ideal pearl necklace length falls between your collarbone and right above your bust.

Low budget? Then I highly recommend faux pearls like Swarovski or Czech Glass Pearls. Plastic pearls don't last that long and tend to look cheap.

Pearl necklace by Kenneth Lane from Pret-a-beaute

5. Hoop Earrings

Hoop earrings are versatile but are some of the stylish jewelry essential you can ever own. They add that extra spiff of stylishness that work with almost any outfit.

The best and most ideal size is between 1 to 2 inches, depending on your facial shape. They're not too small nor big. You might also want to make sure to select a pair that are scaled to your facial features. Thinner and smaller if you have small facial features, and vice versa if you have average to large features.

After buying a pair of versatile hoop earrings - have fun with various shapes, styles and sizes (eg. Big hoop earrings, Huggie earrings). Oval, pear and square shapes are some of your options. If you want to look extra trendy look for bead and crystal details.

Gold hoop earrings from Zales

6. Chandelier Earrings

You need at least one pair of dangle earrings that boosts the glam-factor of a cocktail dress!

A pair of chandelier earrings are perfect for this and are suitable for various special occasions. Anytime you want to look and feel glamorous!

Make sure your first pair of chandelier earrings are in either neutral silver or gold - preferably with clear crystal embellishment - diamond or Cubic Zirconia.

After securing the basic - opt for fun chandelier earrings with your favorite styles.

Silver chandelier earrings from 1928

7. Fun Earrings

You need a pair of fun, statement earrings that can be the focal point of your outfit. However, if you want them to match with as many outfit and color combinations as possible - look for earrings in classic colors but in trendy styles.

No need to buy them in basic neutrals (black, brown, etc.) - instead try timeless and seasonal colors such as purple, dark blues and greens. Multi-colors and mixed materials are fun too!

Metals are more versatile than wood and bone materials - and work with both casual and dressed up outfits.

Hoop beaded earrings from PacSun

8. Chain Bracelet

A simple chain bracelet is a great accent to any outfit. You can also wear it in stacks with your casual leather and bead bracelets - creating an ultra-chic style.

If you want it to work with most occasions - select metal bracelets in a clean and classy design preferably without any fancy details. So make your first chain bracelet a simple one without any trendy beads. One single charm is fine.

After securing a chain bracelet, you might want to look into gold bangle bracelets (or silver bangles) as well.

Gold chain bracelet from Fantasy Jewelry Box

9. Statement Necklace

A fashionista needs at least one good statement necklace that brings a boring dress shirt or tee to life! Think large chains, gemstone beads, colors, multiple layers and so on. But it's completely up to your personal style.

The point with a statement necklace is that it should contrast with a plain top. So select bright colors or a necklace style that is slightly done. I would recommend you to opt for timeless colors (not neutrals) such as purple, turquoise and dark blues. They're bold but never go out of style ;-)

Turquoise necklace by Kendra Scott

10. Cocktail Ring

An elegant and versatile cocktail ring is a must for us chic fashionistas. A ring is a great alternative to bracelets and add a pop of interest to your outfit.

I would go for something classy but eye-catching. Think oversized pearl or precious/semi-precious gemstone. But don't go overboard with the size if you have small hands!

Secure it in a neutral such as clear, browns and creams. If your personal style is edgier and dramatic try black and dark, timeless hues such as deep blue and gray.

Pearl cocktail ring from Fantasy Jewelry Box

11. Dress Watch

You need at least one simple metal dress watch in either gold or silver/platinum depending on your skin tone or personal taste. Also make sure the background of the watch face is light in color (eg. silver, white, etc.)

Your first dress watch should be perfectly scaled to the size of your wrist. So if you have a small wrist opt for smaller and delicate watches, and vice versa if your have an average to wide wrist. This is important to help you maintain a professional and neutral look for office or a formal occasion

After securing a basic dress watch, indulge in the oversized watch and crystal embellished watches that accentuate your personal style

Metal dress watch by Festina from Endless