Noir and Piece: Mix a Little Black Dress with Statement Jewelry for a Holiday Party Look

It’s the simplest of recipes. Take one little black dress in an unexpected texture (feathers, leather, lace…or all three). Add a stunning piece or two of statement jewelry, and voilà: traditional cocktail attire with a twist. Invest strategically, and you can mix and match your way to a luxe look that works for every date on the holiday-fete calendar.

Photographs by Scott M. Lacey. Wardrobe styling by Sabrina Strelitz/Anchor Artists. Prop styling by Robin Pucillo/Anchor Artists. Hair and makeup by Audrey Berman/Anchor Artists. Sofa provided by Design Within Reach, Cambridge.

FLOCK TO IT

Miss Wu “Radiant Faille” silk and cotton dress with feathers, $995, Nordstrom; Chanel satin and vinyl pumps, $850, Bloomingdale’s; 18-karat white gold bracelet with diamonds, $59,000, and Alexandra Mor platinum and 18-karat yellow gold ring with tourmaline and diamonds, $41,000, both Dorfman Jewelers; “Metro” 18-karat white gold bangle with diamonds, $23,000, Tiffany & Co.; 18-karat white gold bracelet with diamonds, $7,500, Brodney Antiques & Jewelry; Proenza Schouler “Lunch Bag” python clutch, $975, Gretta Luxe.

SPARKLE AND SHINE

Alice and Olivia “Aviana” nylon and spandex dress with sequins, $495, Saks Fifth Avenue; Prada suede sandals, $830, the Tannery; Alexandra Mor -platinum and 18-karat gold ring with rubellite and diamonds, $32,000, Dorfman Jewelers; assorted Yossi Harari bangles, $1,600–$4,510 each, Quadrum Gallery; “Metro” 18-karat gold bangles with diamonds, $8,500 each, all Tiffany & Co.; Chloé leather clutch, $895, Bloomingdale’s.

PARTY LINES

Diane von Furstenburg “Cressida” rayon and nylon dress, $365, Neiman Marcus; “Panthère de Cartier” 18-karat yellow gold necklace with diamonds, emeralds, onyx, and lacquer, price upon request, Cartier; 18-karat yellow gold bangle, $10,500, Shreve, Crump & Low; “Metro” 18-karat gold bangle with diamonds, $8,500, Tiffany & Co.

CONNECT THE DOTS

Simone Rocha cotton and polyamide dress, $1,325, Louis; Marina B 18-karat yellow gold pendant necklace with topaz, garnet, diamonds, and onyx, $12,000, Dorfman Jewelers; “Paris Nouvelle Vague” 18-karat yellow gold ring, $9,600, Cartier.

RUFFLED UP

Isabel Marant “Feriel” wool dress, $698, Barneys New York; Jean Schlumberger 18-karat yellow gold and platinum ring with diamonds, $25,000, Tiffany & Co.; Isabella Fey 18-karat rose gold chain necklace with diamond, $20,500, Dorfman Jewelers; Salvatore Ferragamo “Ginny” leather clutch, $795, the Tannery.