The Expert’s Guide To Transitioning Your Jewelry Into Fall/Winter Mode

There’s something about the way hoop earrings look with turtlenecks and smart coat collars that feels especially chic. When shopping for the new season, it’s important to remember the rule of three: three pairs of hoop earrings, ranging from small to medium and large (with at least one featuring a bit of sparkle), will see you through the winter – whether you’re dressing for work or after-dark events. When it comes to choosing metal tones, Archana Thani, trend forecaster at the Natural Diamond Council, suggests a gentle shift from warm hues into wintry shine: “During the winter months, I like to transition my metal palette gradually, leaning into white metals – silver, platinum, and white gold with diamonds. These crisp tones feel right for the season’s mood while still keeping my aesthetic intact. White metals are making a major comeback.”

As we shift into the new season, the ubiquitous spaghetti straps and off-the-shoulder necklines of recent months are swiftly forgotten. “Long sleeves and high necklines mean less décolletage on show, but a higher neckline creates the perfect backdrop for long necklaces,” says content creator Tracey Ellison. “You can still layer, but make sure you have long necklaces stretching all the way down to a few inches above your belt buckle.” Try choosing darker-hued hardstones such as agate, labradorite, or topaz – or beads – or talking-point pendants strung on earthy-toned cords, like those by Carolina Bucci and By Pariah. This fall’s ‘neckmess’ should feel eclectic – instead of sticking to monotone metals.

During the summer, even the most whisker-fine chain will scintillate against bare skin – but when we shift to thicker fabrics, your jewelry has to work a fair bit harder to be noticed. “Fine chains, bracelets and pendants can easily get tangled up in the fibers of scarves and can snag cashmere, so I would lean toward chunkier, ready-made layered styles,” says jewelry consultant and editor Sarah Royce-Greensill. Double-length, oversized chains that can be looped twice are an easy way to add polish to a simple sweater when getting ready in a rush – look to brands such as Marla Aaron for unique, personality pieces.

Bolder styles by Marie Lichtenberg and Foundrae will easily hold their own with chunky knits and deserve to be showcased with V-necklines. “Stacking chunky gold-chain necklaces under a low-buttoned silk shirt is both sexy and means business,” says writer and curator Melanie Grant. Meanwhile, grand pearl necklaces by Marla Aaron or Completedworks perfectly offset autumnal hues, according to content creator and gemstone buyer Julia Chafe: “This season, it’s all about supersized pearls – the contrast of the white with fall/winter-colored clothing is so incredibly chic, and a chunky pearl piece can be worn over anything. Absolute winter perfection.”

Rings with heavily pronged settings and high-sitting gems might work well when unencumbered by cuffs – but when winter sets in, it makes sense to shift our ring wardrobe accordingly. “I gravitate toward bolder rings in winter, as opposed to stacks of finer ones – they’re easier to take on and off when applying hand cream,” says Royce-Greensill. Diamonds embraced by rub-over settings or sculptural gold styles won’t catch on silks and sweaters – but don’t be afraid to add a little color with bold gemstones or vibrant enamel. “If you pair your favorite colorful piece with more muted clothing in tonal shades of chocolate brown, olive green, and black, it will instantly feel fall-appropriate,” suggests content creator Ashley Davis.

When coated in sunscreen and contending with sea and sand, stacking our wrists high can feel uncomfortable. But when winter rolls around, it’s time to add a little extra gleam to peek from beneath (or on top of) knuckle-grazing cuffs. “A strong wrist stack is essential,” advises collector and content creator Misha Daud, who exquisitely layers her watches, bangles and bracelets. “I suggest always keeping one signature piece that feels totally ‘you,’ then building around it, and having a little fun by wearing your wrist stack over your sweaters,” she adds. If colorful cords and vibrant beads signify summer for you, consider turning to an all-metal collection of chain bracelets, varying links in silhouette and scale. “I stack so much bright, colored jewelry for summer – especially turquoise – so removing those is step one for me; then I add in tones and textures that are better suited to the winter season.”