Minimal fuss, maximum wear

Just as with capsule wardrobes, versatility and subtlety are key to building a jewelry capsule. You need pieces that can be worn with most, if not all, of your clothes and interchangeably, and that can be easily matched with existing and future trinkets.

Bid adieu to feeling frustrated over not finding the perfect accessory despite a box full of necklaces, rings, earrings, and bracelets, and jumpstart your capsule with a few key pieces that will not only make dressing up much simpler but will also highlight your personal style. These five must-haves and must-dos — rooted in simplicity for maximum usage — will help you get started.

1. The neckline enhancers

A simple pendant necklace is an effortless way to accessorize, and will fit almost any neckline, be it round, V-neck or off-shoulder — even turtlenecks! And just like studs, a simple necklace makes a great day-to-night accessory. One of our favorites is Diamanti Per Tutti’s Little Flower necklace, which prettily catches the light with your every move. For something more dramatic, go for a delicate sautoir that allows for different looks: you can wear them long to your mid-chest, or wrap them twice around your neck for a layered look.

2. The arm candy

If arm candy is your thing, go for a bangle and a cuff, which are trendy and youthful accessories that can be worn on their own, in multiples or stacked with your dainty bracelets. Stacking gives you a chance to mix materials — throw in a friendship bracelet or a cool leather strap — and metals. For a more elegant look, a delicate chain bracelet with a smattering of diamonds, such as Chopard’s Ice Cube Pure diamond bracelet or DeBeers’ Clea five-diamond rose gold bracelet, will be spot on. These pieces are classy and versatile, and can be worn casually or in more formal settings.

3. The single statement piece

For occasions where you need to shine, opt for a sparkling accent that offers an extra dose of bold punctuation. This can be in the form of a chunky chain necklace, an edgy ear crawler, a ring with large stones or a brooch that can give that humdrum black jacket some character. Our top suggestions? Swarovski’s dazzling and dramatic asymmetric Constella earrings, which elevate any look with a touch of off-kilter stardust, as well as APM Monaco’s Enchainee open-ring with pear-shaped stones, injecting a dose of bold femininity for a sophisticated look.

4. The earlobe trio

You need but a few pairs of the right type of earrings to accessorize anything, from a casual jean-and-T-shirt getup to a glam repertoire. We recommend you get studs — diamond or in plain precious metal — hoops and drop earrings. Studs are perfect if you want that glimmer on your ear but don’t want to call too much attention to them. Diamond studs are wonderful options because they can easily transition from a daytime to evening accessory, but if stones aren’t quite your thing, go for a simple stud, which come in a variety of gold tones, silver and platinum.  Hoops are also an edgy way to dress up a casual look; what’s great is that they come in many sizes and thicknesses, so you can go with one you’re comfortable with. And for those dress-to-the-nines occasions, a pair of drop earrings that hang nicely from your ear will surely give your glam look a nice dramatic touch.

5. The forever timepiece

And then for some, the only accessory ever needed is a good-quality watch. A classic timepiece endures trends and, with the right care, can last a lifetime — of course, it also makes a smart investment. A round or rectangular case shape is timeless, and we’d recommend you go for a two-tone metal so that it can match with all your jewelry pieces. For more versatility and an instant “new” look, you can also get a watch with interchangeable straps so you can easily switch colors, and indeed between casual leather straps and more formal metal bracelets.