While we generally believe that anything goes when it comes to matching accessories and hairstyles, some tried and tested combinations remain classics. We’ve compiled a few of them here to create this guide on what accessories to wear with what hairstyle.
Since this concerns hair, we’ve focused on accessories and jewelry worn near the face, such as earrings, necklaces, and hair accessories. However, bracelets, rings, belts, and other bodily accessories should never be overlooked to achieve that va-va-voom overall effect!
So what accessories should you wear with what hairstyle? Let’s get on with the list.
Best Accessories for Short Hair and Updos: Earrings, Necklaces, and More
Try wearing dangling earrings, bold earrings, or big studs. And since this type of hairdo brings your face front and center, help draw attention to it using collar and bib necklaces.
Evan Rachel Wood, Camilla Belle, and Rashida Jones show how to accessorize really short hair (Credit: WENN)
If you’re not the type to wear big earrings or statement necklaces, studs and a long multi-strand necklace like what Evan Rachel Wood is wearing in the picture will also work.
Actress Evan Rachel Wood wears a masculine Dolce & Gabbana suit and her hair in a short updo to show off her simple diamond stud earrings at the “The Ides of March” photocall during the 68th Venice International Film Festival at Palazzo del Casino on August 31, 2011, in Venice, Italy (Credit: Andrea Raffin / Shutterstock)
Also, try barrettes, pins, and headbands. You can even dare to wear a tiara if you wish!
Jewelry for short or updo hairstyles
Marc by Marc Jacobs pave turnlock studs, $48.00; House of Harlow 1960 tasseled chevron earrings, $115.00; DANNIJO Whitely necklace, $700.00
Marc by Marc Jacobs pave turnlock studs, $48.00; House of Harlow 1960 tasseled chevron earrings, $115.00; DANNIJO Whitely necklace, $700.00How to Accessorize Chin-Length and Medium Hair Like a Celebrity
Wear earrings that are the same length as your hair. Doing so keeps your face in focus, and the single length keeps things neat and polished.
Dita Von Teese, Milla Jovovich, and Emma Stone show examples of the best accessories for mid-length hair (Credit: WENN)
But if your hair is almost past your shoulders like Emma Stone’s, the length of your earrings won’t matter as much. We love how she added a barrette to keep one side of her hair in place.
Emma Stone in a strapless Lanvin gown with a flawless hairstyle to show off her Dana Rebecca earrings at the premiere of The Help held at Cinemaxx Dammtor on October 7, 2011, in Hamburg, Germany (Credit: WENN)
None of these celebrities chose to wear necklaces because the no-necklace look works really well with this hairstyle!
Jewelry That Flatters Mid-Length Hairstyles
Adia Kibur beaded hoop earrings, $38.00; Giles & Brother petal fringe chain earrings, $88.00; Fortune Favors the Brave fringe concho earrings, $115.00
Must-Have Accessories for Long, Wavy, or Sleek Hairstyles
Hilary Duff, Nina Dobrev, and Demi Moore show the best accessories for long hair (Credit: WENN)
You can play with different combinations of accessory lengths. Hilary Duff chose to wear a funky combination of a studded headband and big hoop earrings, Nina Dobrev chose stud earrings and a choker necklace, while Demi Moore chose short diamond hoops.
A long and wavy hairstyle will show your ears, so if you choose this type of ‘do, wear statement earrings.
Nina Dobrev with side-swept hair to show off her beautiful silver Neil Lane necklace in a red Donna Karan Resort 2012 dress at the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on September 18, 2011, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: Jaguar PS / Shutterstock)
But if flat irons are your best friend and sleek, straight hairstyles are more of your thing, small and sparkly studs that peek through your mane will work just fine for you.
Statement and Subtle Jewelry for Long Hair
Gorjana double petal necklace, $85.00; Kenneth Jay Lane polished multi-row necklace, $95.00; Juicy Couture large cushion drop earrings, $58.00
Go Bold: The Best Jewelry for Curly and Voluminous Hair
Songstresses Beyonce Knowles, Kelis, and Rihanna show the best accessories for curly hair (Credit: WENN)
Big jewelry pieces work best. You either go big or go home with this hairstyle, so you better tread carefully!
We love Beyonce’s dangling circle earrings with turquoise stones and Kelis’ gold layered chain necklaces. Rihanna went for big, gold hoop earrings, and the fur collar on her jacket acts as an attention-drawing detail on her face.
Eye-Catching Jewelry That Complements Curly Hair
Miguel Ases jet quartz crystal circle earrings, $253.00; Giles & Brother petal fringe necklace, $172.00; Michael Kors Jet Set Glamour hoop earrings, $95.00
The Best Jewelry for Ponytails — Sleek, Low, or High
Think of it as something similar to the short or updo hairstyle. Studs, collar necklaces, and long necklaces will work, but we love Nicole Scherzinger’s choice of geometric earrings!
The strong lines of a ponytail hairdo perfectly match the sharp edges of her earrings.
Nicole Scherzinger, Ciara, and Kim Kardashian show the best accessories to wear with ponytail hairstyles (Credit: WENN)
Although only sleek ponytails are shown here, the types of jewelry mentioned will also work with low ponytails with loose strands.
Choose curved, floral-themed, or sparkly gemstone jewelry if you prefer things to be more feminine!
Jewelry Ideas That Elevate a Simple Ponytail
Alkemie Jewelry deco wing earrings, $176.00; Fiona Paxton Breeze collar necklace, $360.00; House of Harlow 1960 star earrings with black cabochon, $45.00
Now that you know how to pair jewelry with your own hairstyle, why not take inspiration from the stars? From sleek updos to cascading curls, celebrities often lead the way when it comes to accessorizing with style.
Below, we’ve rounded up some standout red carpet moments that show exactly how to balance hair and jewelry like a pro.
Celebrity Hairstyle & Jewelry Pairings You’ll Want to Copy
Now that you know how to match accessories with your hairstyle, take a look at how celebrities effortlessly combine statement jewelry and signature hairstyles to create red carpet magic.
Zendaya’s Sleek Braids and Gold Jewelry
- Event: “Challengers” Premiere
- Hairstyle: Long, sleek braids
- Jewelry: Gold Bulgari B.Zero1 earrings and coordinating bangle
- Details: Zendaya’s sleek braids and minimalist gold jewelry at the Challengers premiere proved that subtle styling can still make a bold impact.
Jodie Turner-Smith’s Braided Updo and Statement Earrings
- Event: “The Agency” Premiere
- Hairstyle: Braided updo
- Jewelry: Crystal teardrop earrings and bold rings
- Details: Jodie Turner-Smith turned heads with her braided updo and teardrop earrings at The Agency premiere, striking the perfect balance between elegance and edge.
Demi Moore’s Classic Waves and Diamond Earrings
- Event: Golden Globe Awards
- Hairstyle: Classic Hollywood waves
- Jewelry: Cartier diamond drop earrings, a sparkling bracelet, and a statement ring
- Details: At the Golden Globes, Demi Moore’s soft waves perfectly framed her diamond jewelry, delivering a glamorous, vintage-inspired look.
Emily Blunt’s Soft Waves and Delicate Earrings
- Event: “The Fall Guy” Premiere
- Hairstyle: Loose, natural waves
- Jewelry: Simple drop earrings that subtly enhanced her look
- Details: Emily Blunt embraced understated beauty with soft waves and minimalist jewelry at The Fall Guy premiere.