How to Wear Jewel Tones in Winter

Sophisticated and utterly captivating, jewel tones are a centrepiece of winter styling. Incorporating these rich hues into your seasonal wardrobe is a sure-fire way to make an impact wherever you go. But what’s the best way of styling jewel tones to make sure they truly shine?

This winter style guide is here to give you some inspiration. 

It can be useful to know what jewel tones are before we learn how to style them (but feel free to skip ahead to our outfit ideas if you’re eager to start styling!).

Jewel tones are shades named after the stones they resemble, from amethyst purple to sapphire blue, and they shine just as brightly as their namesakes. These highly saturated colours make a bold statement, whilst bringing elegance and luxury to your outfits.

Their richness and intensity create a striking contrast against the pale palette of the season, making jewel tones the ultimate shades for winter.

Got a winter event or festive party coming up? Wear a jewel tone dress to make a royal entrance.

Choose a dress in your favourite jewel shade to showcase your personality, whether it’s calm and collected with emerald green or confident and vivacious with ruby red. Lavish materials like velvet and velour will gleam when they catch the light, bringing out the best in your chosen colour.

When it comes to accessorising jewel dresses, it’s always best to keep things simple. For your footwear, stick to neutral tones like black and grey, which will create a visually striking contrast. Use your jewellery to elevate the outfit with small studded earrings in silver or gold and a matching necklace. Alternatively, you could add some diamonds for a bit of extra sparkle. It is the season to shine, after all!

A jewel tone top or blouse can look just as stunning in the boardroom as it does under the spotlight, making it the perfect choice for smart casual winter occasions.

For your day to night blouse look, pick a jewel tone that evokes just the right vibe (i.e. citrine yellow for success and positivity), and look for standout details that will bring your outfit from basic to brilliant (think flattering wrap designs, cowl-necks, and floaty sleeves).

Use your jewel tone blouse to create an effortlessly elegant ‘jeans and a nice top’ outfit, if your style is a little more casual, or take it to the next level with some edgy faux leather trousers.

When a full jewel look doesn’t suit the occasion, you can bring just as much sophistication with a jewel-tone coat.

All you need to master this winter style is a pair of black jeans, and a blouse embellished with glamorous details like sequins and frills. Add your jewel-tone coat for a pop of colour and, no matter where the season takes you, you’ll be headed there in divine style.

Though your jacket is your statement piece, velvet boots and a matching bag can take this look even further.

Not at all! Whilst jewel tones stand out in winter due to their depth and warmth, you can use these colours to create beautiful outfits year-round. To wear jewel tones in spring and summer, swap the velvet for lighter fabrics like silk and satin.

Choosing such eye-catching colours can feel like a bold move. By styling them with neutral shades like black, beige, navy, or white, you can wear jewel tones without overwhelming your look. 

The most wonderful thing about jewel tones is that they complement every complexion, but you can use the colour season analysis to create a jewel look that’ll make you feel truly radiant. Those with cool winter skin tones tend to glow in sapphire, amethyst, and emerald shades, whilst warm undertones shine in ruby, garnet, and citrine.

Of course! Jewel tones especially stand out in men’s tailoring, where you can create formal styles that are equal parts suave and sophisticated. Head to our inspiration page where you can find our formal style guides for men!