From black tie to garden parties: The Kennedy guide to dress codes

Bring just the right amount of glamour to every occasion this spring.

As event season begins, so too does dress code confusion. But instead of searching for a new dress for every dress code, consider adding to your designer jewellery collection. Not only will this save you from investing in yet another dress you won’t wear again, finding the perfect jewellery pairing is an elegant way to elevate your style this spring.

Spanning diamond necklaces, pearl jewellery, designer earrings and statement stacks of gold jewellery, this is how to curate your collection and style your jewellery for every dress code.

A diamond necklace for black tie dresses

Diamonds are an uplifting addition to every look – and diamond jewellery shines its brightest with a black tie dress code. Featuring a flutter of five butterflies, the Graff Triple Pavé Butterfly Diamond Necklace is a dazzling choice to light up every ballroom. The white gold pavé necklace celebrates the intricacies of the precious stone and the butterfly – both of which are Graff signatures – with 18 carats of round and marquise diamonds. Select a floor-length gown with a minimalist neckline to showcase your décolletage, and this diamond necklace will gracefully steal the show.

Pearl earrings for formal dress codes

Whether worn in a pair from your ears, around your neck or at your wrist, pearl jewellery is a timeless choice. For day and night versatility, opt for the Mikimoto Morning Dew White South Sea Cultured Pearl and Diamond Drop Earrings. The style complements ‘nature’s dew drop’ – 14mm white South Sea pearls – with 1.2 carats of diamonds set in 18K white gold. Styled with an off-the-shoulder evening dress or women’s tuxedo, these pearl drop earrings are a trending take on classic pearl studs.

Statement rings for cocktail parties

When you’re standing with a glass in hand, pay particular attention to the jewellery that adorns your fingers. For bold colour and brilliant shine, gemstone rings add a radiant touch. Take this Dolce & Gabbana citrine ring. Featuring a 18K yellow gold bezel setting and a woven rope motif, this statement ring puts the glamour of the Italian Riviera within reach. With such a breathtaking stone, treat this ring as your centrepiece with a beautifully simple cocktail dress and pared-back styling. You’ll soon find this citrine ring is more captivating than bubbles rising in a glass of champagne.

Smart casual stacks with bangles

While diamond bangles are beautiful additions to every designer jewellery collection, try a mixed metal stack for a modern take on classic bracelets. By clashing these Roberto Coin Love In Verona rose gold and yellow gold bangles on one wrist, you’ll create a haphazard charm that’s perfect for smart casual occasions like work events or social celebrations. Paired with a crisp white shirt – featuring a strategically scrunched cuff – this unconventional layering throws out the rulebook for all the right reasons.

Coloured stones for garden parties

From the first morning light to golden afternoons, daytime events are wonderful occasions to experiment with sapphire rings. Start with a Suzanne Kalan rose or yellow gold ring from the Bold and Frenzy collections. Featuring the designer’s signature, playful placement, these rings are scattered with rainbow sapphire baguettes and diamonds. And whether you’re well versed in gemstones or dipping your fingertips in colour for the first time, these joy-sparking rings will soon become favourites in your collection. Worn with flowing silk for daytime events or a sharp suit for the office, these gemstone rings will bring an elevated sense of play to every outfit.