The Perfect Fine Jewelry For Every Kind Of LBD

Season to season, year to year, even decade to decade, the little black dress reigns as one of our most dependable wardrobe favorites. Regardless of your personal style, there is a little black dress to suit every silhouette, size and situation. “From the high hemlines and bodycon shapes of the 1980s, the spaghetti straps of the ’90s, boob-tube dresses of the 2000s and knitted styles of today, the LBD has encompassed many different vibes ­– and still remains that never-out-of-style item you have to have in your wardrobe,” says Libby Page, market director at NET-A-PORTER. “It’s the perfect blank canvas for any occasion,” she adds.

The classic LBD is also a steady staple that can lend a striking backdrop to fine jewelry and timepieces, but what to choose that will set off this stylish wardrobe stalwart just so? Read on to discover our edit of the most stylish watches and jewels to accompany every LBD in your closet.

Jacquemus’s NET-A-PORTER exclusive off-the-shoulder mini dress is a signature silhouette that the brand has reworked for FW23, delivering ’80s cocktail-dress energy in spades. It bears the brand’s hallmarks: simple yet striking minimalism, with details that add instant drama. Style with its ‘Bagnu’ velvet mules and a pair of oversized, sculptural silver earrings to complement its power-dressing feel – Yvonne Léon’s ‘Diva’ earrings are ideal. If you want an extra sparkling accent, add a delicate diamond anklet – Anita Ko, Messika and Yvonne Léon offer cool and contemporary styles that will continue the ’80s-glam theme.

Few jewels have the same impact on a little black dress as gleaming pearls – their potent luster shining against black silk like a starry sky. However, the high neckline and decadent feathers of this 16Arlington ‘Odessa’ dress mean that a necklace could feel too fussy. Instead, accent cheekbones with sheer luminosity – minimalist pearl earrings by Mateo or Mizuki are especially elegant. Keep wrists bare but add delicate stacking rings in mixed-metal tones to almost every finger – Melissa Kaye’s ‘Lola Needle’, Anita Ko’s ‘Sideways’ and De Beers’ ‘Dewdrop’ rings will make for an eclectic mix.

When it’s time to dial decadence up to the max, look to white diamonds in classic settings – with which you can’t go wrong. Case in point: Tom Ford’s opulent velvet gown is perfectly complemented by tennis bracelets from Suzanne Kalan, Jennifer Meyer and Stone and Strand. Meanwhile, a ready-made ring stack by Spinelli Kilcollin will add instant glamour to your right hand, and diamond earrings will exude elegant, understated luxury – explore styles by Ananya, Lucy Delius and Nikos Koulis. Looking for a showstopping pair? L’Atelier Nawbar’s mother-of-pearl and onyx fan-shaped earrings will instantly turn heads.

Rabanne’s button-embellished stretch-twill midi dress harks back to ’60s design codes, but it’s also the perfect hybrid piece to take you from day to night – and will serve as the ideal backdrop for adventurous, audacious jewels. Think chunky chain bracelets that celebrate precious metals – David Yurman, Jenna Blake, Eéra and Lauren Rubinski offer myriad links that can be layered together. Lié Studio’s yellow-gold designs will slip seamlessly into any wrist stack; pair with loafers at the weekend or with slingback pumps for a smarter take on day-to-night dressing.

With a dress as delicate as Nensi Dojaka’s stretch-crepe mini dress, it’s best to keep jewels subtle, sleek and sylph-like. Sydney Evan’s ‘Initial’ necklace and De Beers’ ‘My First De Beers’ necklace can be layered together to create a glittering tangle; while Jade Trau’s ‘Posey Duo’ single earring will add a dainty cascade of chains and diamonds to your lobe. For a fun final flourish, Bea Bongiasca’s ‘Long Vine’ black enamel ring will snake around the finger, or consider a punchy pinky ring – Almasika, Shay and David Yurman are go-to brands for out-of-the-ordinary designs.