How To Choose Jewelry for Formal Events in 2026: Tips from Celebrity Stylists

Whether you’re heading to a wedding or another special event, it’s always fun to get all dolled up and slip into something fancy you might not otherwise get to wear in your everyday life. With spring right around the corner, your social calendar will be filling up pretty soon, and you might be looking for some style inspiration. Accessories have always been one of our favorite ways to take our look to the next level, so Parade reached out to a few celebrity stylists to get their tips on how to wear jewelry to a formal event in 2026.

“Jewelry at a formal event should never feel like an afterthought. It should look intentional, elevated and aligned with the dress code. In 2026, we are seeing bold expression, but it has to be curated,” says celebrity stylist Julie Matos, who has worked with Cobie Smulders, Natalie Dormer, Julianne Moore and other notable stars.

Before we get into a little accessory know-how, we asked the pros to clue us in on what types of jewelry work best for four different types of formal events. They also share some photo examples of jewelry looks that are sure to earn you plenty of compliments.

Related: 12 Ways To Make Any Outfit Look More Expensive, According to a Celebrity Stylist

What Counts as a Formal Event?

The term “formal event” is used pretty loosely but encompasses several types of events.

“A formal event is an occasion where the dress code calls for elevated, intentional attire and guests are expected to dress with polish and respect for the setting,” celebrity stylist Sara Acevedo tells Parade. “Usually, these types of events include weddings, ceremonies, awards, fundraisers, the opera, state dinners and similar gatherings.”

Not sure how to decipher the dress codes of different formal events? Here’s a quick look at a few of the most common ones:

White-Tie

Matos describes this as “the highest level of formal” and says potential white-tie events include “state dinners, legacy galas and ultra-elevated charity events.” Typically, this dress code calls for “full-length gowns, refined fabrics and structured silhouettes.”

As far as jewelry goes, she suggests wearing your fanciest jewels, including “diamonds, emeralds, sapphires and rubies.” When it comes to styling your jewels, she recommends staying away from too much layering and keeping the look “elevated” instead.

Black-Tie

Black-tie events most often include formal weddings and awards dinners. Acevedo, who has worked with Priyanka Chopra, Priyanka Bose, Ashley Greene and others, says black-tie events typically require a floor-length gown. “The structure can be more relaxed. There is more room for fashion interpretation and fluidity,” she shares.

When it comes to jewelry for black-tie events, she says nuance is key. “White-tie demands the highest level of structure and statement jewelry. Black-tie allows variation in silhouette and styling while still remaining elevated, though it can be more modern in execution,” she explains.

Cocktail Attire

When an event calls for cocktail attire, Acevedo says it’s safe to opt for a knee-length or midi dress. “Hemlines are higher, fabrics can be lighter and structure can soften slightly. That said, polish still matters. Cocktail is relaxed, not casual,” she states.

For cocktail events, Matos says “maximalist stacks” of jewelry work well. Think: chunky bangles, layered chains, multiple rings and mixed metals. “You can even do a subtle mismatched earring moment if the rest of the look is polished,” she shares. “But it still needs structure. Expressive does not mean messy.”

Gala Events

Matos says most galas lean towards a black-tie dress code, but recommends paying attention to any themes the invitation mentions.

While putting together your jewelry look, she recommends choosing your “hero piece” and committing to it. For instance, consider oversized pearls, sculptural silver, a powerful cuff or a bold gemstone necklace. “Whatever it is, let it lead. Build around it. Do not compete with it,” she says.

How To Choose the Right Necklace for a Formal Event

While dreaming up your jewelry look, Matos recommends starting with the neckline.

• Strapless or sweetheart: “A statement collar or bold gemstone necklace works,” she says.

• V-neck: Matos suggests opting for “a pendant that follows the shape” of the neckline.

• High neckline: “Skip the necklace. Focus on earrings,” the stylist says.

• Halter: She notes that halter tops are “usually stronger without a necklace.”

Necklace layering is always fun, but Matos suggests skipping this trend for white-tie and black-tie events.

“One strong piece feels more elevated,” she says.

However, for cocktail events, you have “more flexibility for layered chains or mixed metals,” as long as it’s intentional.

Related: 4 Best Necklines for Broad Shoulders, According to a Celebrity Stylist

How To Choose the Right Earrings for a Formal Event

According to Matos, earrings can carry an entire look for a formal event.

“If the dress is minimalist, I will go bold with colorful gemstones, oversized pearls and sculptural silver,” she says. “If the necklace is strong, I tone the earrings down.”

While selecting earrings for a formal event, your hairstyle also matters. For instance, Matos recommends opting for “dramatic” earrings if you wear your hair up and long earrings if you wear your hair down.

“If you are doing big earrings, skip the necklace. Let them do the work,” she states.

Should You Match Your Jewelry With Other Parts of Your Outfit for a Formal Event?

Sometimes, getting all matchy-matchy is fun, but is it appropriate for formal events?

“Matching is outdated. Coordination is not,” Matos tells Parade. “Mixing gold and silver is not only acceptable in 2026; it is smart. It creates dimension. It feels modern.”

To achieve the right balance, Matos looks at the fabric, level of embellishment and undertone of a gown before coordinating the jewelry.

“If the dress has heavy beading, simplify the jewelry. If the dress is clean and architectural, that is where statement pieces shine. Everything should feel cohesive, not overly matched,” she says.

What You Should Avoid When Wearing Jewelry to a Formal Event

Now that we’ve covered what to do while putting together your formal event jewelry look, let’s take a look at what Matos recommends avoiding:

• Multiple competing statement pieces

• Over-layering at white-tie events

• Jewelry that feels costume-like

• Noisy bangles at highly formal events

• Pieces that fight the neckline

“Just because something is trending does not mean it belongs at every formal event,” she says.

7 Best Ways To Wear Jewelry to a Formal Event in 2026, According to a Celebrity Stylist

1. Statement necklace

Sarah Nearis, celebrity stylist who has worked with Kate Beckinsale, Mariah Carey and Michelle Rodriguez, appreciates the way model Eva Herzigova brought major attitude to this glam ensemble with her jewelry.

“I love how this necklace lies and takes this look to a whole other level. The dress is the perfect blank canvas to wear a beautiful piece of statement jewelry,” she tells Parade.

2. Pop of color

Matos was impressed with Gwyneth Paltrow’s earring game at the 32nd Annual Actor Awards.

“Gwyneth shows how a single pop of color can transform a formal look,” she states. “When your gown is clean and minimal, a bold, bright earring becomes the focal point. It draws the eye upward and adds personality without overwhelming the silhouette. This is the power of restraint: one intentional statement piece, nothing competing with it. It feels fresh, modern and incredibly chic.”

3. Ear stacking

“Nobody stacks or layers earrings quite like Rihanna. She is known for wearing a mix of vintage and new pieces and embellishing her ears while she goes minimal on necklaces and bracelets,” Nearis says.

While considering which earrings to pair with an outfit, Nearis prioritizes comfort and tries to complement the overall ensemble.

“If my outfit is more minimal and quiet, I tend to choose earrings that are more of a statement piece. One of my favorite designers I love for statement and one-of-a-kind pieces I aspire to wear one day is David Webb,” she shares.

4. A dose of drama

Want to really pull out all the stops for a formal event? Consider a larger-than-life bold accessory.

“Couture invites drama. When the fashion is artistic, jewelry can be bold and sculptural, almost like wearable art. The key is cohesion: every piece should feel like part of the story, not an afterthought,” Matos says.

5. Head-turning jewels

Headpieces also count as jewelry, and they can make a major impact.

“This look perfectly illustrates how jewelry can elevate a classic formal outfit,” Matos says. “When you’re wearing a clean, tailored silhouette, adding a funky headpiece instantly shifts the energy from traditional to fashion-forward. It becomes the focal point and is expressive, intentional and confident. The key is keeping everything else streamlined so the headpiece feels editorial, not overworked. It’s bold, modern and completely memorable.”

6. Classic meets edge

Want the best of both worlds? Nearis shares this look as an example of how you can really have it all.

“I love how Dua Lipa incorporated classic timepieces into this look while her dress leans more sexy and risqué. It brings a balance and harmony and works beautifully together,” she shares.

7. Power jewelry

Matos calls this look a “masterclass in power jewelry.”

“When your gown has structure or sharp tailoring, lean into bold diamonds or sculptural pieces that mirror that strength. It’s about confidence. Statement jewelry should feel intentional, not decorative,” she says.

Up Next:

Related: Celebrity Stylists Say These 37 Jewelry Brands Are Worth Your Money

Sources:

• Julie Matos is a celebrity stylist who has worked with Cobie Smulders, Natalie Dormer, Julianne Moore and other celebrities.

• Sara Acevedo is a celebrity stylist who has worked with Priyanka Chopra, Priyanka Bose, Ashley Greene and others.

This story was originally published by Parade on Mar 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the Life section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.