I’m Guilty of Overpacking, But These Holiday Jewellery Pieces Help Me Pack Less and Accessorise More
From wear-with-anything rings to bold (and unexpected) brooches, these pieces will elevate the simplest out-of-office looks
An overstuffed suitcase is a recipe for holiday disaster (seriously, excess baggage charges really kill the vibe). But what if we told you there is a way to make packing a cinch—and that all you need to do, besides nailing the basics, is prioritise a category that's overlooked? Not sarongs, not sandals but holiday jewellery.
Deploy a cocktail ring at the right moment—or, equally, a necklace to decorate your steadily more sun-kissed décolletage, and the simplest outfit (the white linen shirt you've been wearing by the pool then out for aperitivo) suddenly looks "dressed", artful even.
Heaven Mayhem
Certain jewellery brands have been gearing collections towards out-of-office season, channeling the mantra "pack less, accessorise more". Heaven Mayhem's upcoming capsule, Heaven on Holiday, launching on 28 May, is primed to offset your holiday persona, with shell details, natural stones and textured finishes, as well as the introduction of wood. An everyday uniform of a white vest top and black linen trousers, cool in both senses of the word, immediately becomes elevated with a string of tiger's eye beads or a square bangle pushed up the forearm, no?
Mejuri's latest collection is based around "jewelry [that] becomes part of you: a chain warmed at your collarbone after a swim, a ring catching sunlight with every movement, a charm tied to your favorite memory." If that sounds blissful, the brand's pendant necklaces—decorated with beach-combed crabs, shells, starfish or pebbles—deserve a place in your packable jewellery pouch.
Frequent travellers (and tastemakers) have long been on first-name terms with the "accessorise more" ethos when abroad. Laura Vidrequin often pairs a flotsum-and-jetsum necklace with her whisper-fine cotton kaftans and straw baskets while holidaying. Bettina Looney, meanwhile, opts for shell pendants, whether they're strung on a fine silver chain or a length of cord.
The below four categories—from statement earrings to wear-with-anything rings—will hopefully convince you to pare back your wardrobe in favour of a talking-point piece of jewellery, a brooch or necklace that will remind you of the sea, or a midnight karaoke session, long after you return.
Statement Earrings
Sunshine destinations call for bold and bright earrings.
The beauty of holiday jewellery is that anything goes. Add these fun dancer earrings to your look and they are guaranteed to be an excellent conversation starter.
These deep blue conch shell earrings are perfect beach earrings but will look striking in the evening too.
You can't beat a statement pair of drop earrings to finish a holiday outfit.
These mismatched pearl earrings almost resemble clusters of coral, and are the perfect example of a pair of earrings that will go with pretty much anything you pack.
Sèzane has really upped the ante when it comes to summer jewellery. These shell cluster earrings will go with everything. Fact.
These silver-plated shells will go with everything in your suitcase.
Look-At-Me Necklaces
Sézane's shell necklace has been so popular it has been restocked multiple times. It comes as no surprise as its perfect for offsetting a sun-kissed neckline.
Zara's fun beaded necklace will contrast nicely with your white sundresses.
I always pack a turquoise necklace as it instantly gives everyday outfits a holiday feel in the sun.
Dries Van Noten makes some of the boldest—most unapologetically look-at-me—jewellery of any designer.
Comprising topaz, aquamarine and a lab-grown diamond, Mejuri's pebble-shaped pendant is made for holidays.
Martha Calvo's slim choker features a playful mix of ocean charms you can add to as you find keepsakes on holiday.
If I had to choose just one jewellery designer that is the embodiment of summer it would be New York-based designer Julietta.
Wear-With-Anything Rings
Made from resin and crystal, Dior's cocktail ring has one-and-done personality.
Missoma's spiral ring subtly nods to shell jewellery without being too literal meaning it will work well back at home too.
Subtle enough to wear every day yet still a statement when stacked as a set, these M&S rings will be your constant holiday companion.
Six rhinestones, set in triangles above and below the band, make for an eye-catching cocktail ring.
Heavenly London is the go-to for women who don't want to travel with their expensive diamonds but want to replicate a similar look. This statement ring has earned me endless compliments.
Bold (And Unexpected) Brooches
Whether secured on the strap of a swimsuit (if you're not planning to be submerged, of course) or used to fasten a linen scarf, Valentino Garavani's brooch makes for a fuss-free but fabulous accessory.
Use this brooch as a chic fastening on kaftans, sarongs and wrap skirts and it will instantly elevate your look.
Made by craftsmen in Tuscany, Sonia Petroff's opulent brooch will be a conversation-starter over cocktails.
Elevate a white shirt, or the simplest black tank top, with this fish pin.
