From Statement Earrings to Layered Necklaces, Celebrity Jewellery Trends to Recreate This Festive Season

Festive dressing is rarely complete without jewellery, and 2026 is bringing a more individualistic approach to occasion accessories. Instead of automatically pairing a heavily embroidered outfit with an equally elaborate jewellery set, fashion trends are increasingly leaning towards statement pieces, clever layering and jewellery that can work beyond a single occasion.

From oversized earrings and sculptural drops to layered necklaces, Polki jewellery and statement rings, several celebrity-inspired styles can easily be adapted for the festive season.

1. Make a statement with sculptural earrings

Statement earrings remain one of the easiest ways to transform a festive outfit without adding multiple accessories.

In 2026, the focus has shifted towards sculptural silhouettes, geometric forms and fluid shapes. These earrings can instantly elevate a relatively simple saree, kurta or lehenga.

For a celebrity-inspired look, pair oversized earrings with a clean neckline and keep the rest of the jewellery minimal.

2. Layer your necklaces

Layering is another major jewellery trend to experiment with this festive season.

Rather than wearing one elaborate necklace, try combining two or three necklaces of different lengths. A short choker or structured necklace can be paired with a slightly longer chain or pendant.

Stylist Sanam Ratansi used this approach for Aditi Rao Hydari's Cannes 2026 styling, combining two gold necklaces while keeping her ears and arms relatively bare.

The same formula can work beautifully with a silk saree, festive lehenga or even a contemporary kurta set.

3. Bring back Polki

For those who prefer traditional jewellery, Polki continues to have a strong presence in celebrity-inspired festive styling.

Layered Polki necklaces, matching earrings and maang tikkas can create a classic bridal or festive look. The styling trick is to allow the jewellery to remain the focal point instead of competing with extremely heavy embroidery on the outfit.

A Polki choker with a longer necklace can also create a more elaborate look for weddings and major festive celebrations.

4. Try the statement maang tikka

The traditional maang tikka is getting a more dramatic treatment this season.

Large designs featuring emeralds, rubies or other coloured stones can become the central accessory of a festive look. If you choose a particularly elaborate maang tikka, consider pairing it with medium-sized earrings rather than equally oversized jhumkas.

This keeps the face-framing jewellery balanced rather than overwhelming the overall look.

5. Go bold with statement rings

Cocktail and statement rings are also gaining attention in festive jewellery. Contemporary designs with distinctive cuts, coloured gemstones and tinted diamonds can add a modern touch to traditional clothing.

A large ring can work particularly well when you're already wearing statement earrings and don't want to add another heavy necklace.

6. Mix traditional gold with contemporary styling

Traditional gold jewellery doesn't necessarily have to be styled traditionally.

A gold choker with a longer haar, for example, can combine classic Indian motifs with a more modern silhouette. Similarly, temple-inspired jewellery can be paired with a relatively minimal silk saree or plain blouse for contrast.

This approach allows the jewellery to feel festive without making the entire outfit look overly formal.

7. Take inspiration from celebrity maximalism

Genelia Deshmukh's recent festive look demonstrated how dramatically styled jewellery can become the centre of an outfit. For a Janmashtami celebration, she wore XXL shoulder-duster earrings and multi-finger rings with faux-Polki and enamel detailing, alongside an intricately embroidered red kurta set.

The look offers an easy styling lesson: if your outfit has strong traditional details but a relatively controlled silhouette, oversized jewellery can provide the finishing statement.

8. Don't underestimate minimal jewellery

Not every festive outfit needs a complete jewellery set.

Delicate diamond pieces, slim bangles, minimalist ear cuffs and small pendants are increasingly being incorporated into everyday wardrobes as well as festive dressing.

For a daytime puja, family gathering or intimate dinner, a delicate necklace and small earrings may be enough to complement a colourful saree or kurta.

9. One statement piece can be enough

While layering remains popular, another direction emerging in 2026 is the use of one bold jewellery piece rather than multiple competing accessories.

British Vogue's 2026 jewellery trend report noted a shift towards substantial, sculptural pieces that make an impact on their own.

That could mean oversized earrings, a dramatic cocktail ring or a striking necklace. The key is to let that one piece lead the look.

The festive jewellery rule: choose what feels like you

The biggest shift in festive jewellery this year is perhaps the move away from rigid rules. Current styling trends combine traditional Indian jewellery with contemporary silhouettes, while celebrities continue to demonstrate that statement pieces can be worn with both elaborate and relatively simple outfits.

Whether you prefer jhumkas and Polki, layered gold chains, oversized earrings or understated diamonds, the easiest way to recreate celebrity-inspired jewellery is to choose one focal piece and build the rest of the look around it.