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. So those are 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.
Elevate Your Short or Updo Hairstyle with the Perfect Accessories
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 big 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, $700.00Perfect Jewelry Pairings for Chin-Length and Medium-Length Hair
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 for chin- or medium-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
Choosing the Right Accessories for Long, Wavy, or Straight Hair
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.
Jewelry for long hairstyles
Gorjana double petal necklace, $85.00; Kenneth Jay Lane polished multi-row necklace, $95.00; Juicy Couture large cushion drop earrings, $58.00
Bold Jewelry Choices for Big, Curly Hairstyles
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 better tread carefully!
We love Beyonce’s choice of 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 to her face as well.
Jewelry for curly hairstyles
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
Accessorize Your Ponytail: From Sleek to Playful
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 for ponytail hairstyles
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