We can’t help but envy those women who make style and panache look truly effortless. Whether simple or vibrantly outspoken, their look just seems to materialize from an inner artistic freedom. Yet the secrets to that success aren’t as out of our reach as they might appear – and that includes having the knack to always know what to wear with gold earrings.

Timeless, chic, and more than a little luxurious, gold earrings lend an air of sophistication and grace to even the most casual and downtempo ensemble. Yet knowing when to let that shine take center stage and when to let your gold earrings discretely accent your overall look can prove as delicate an art as handcrafted earrings themselves.

Feeling the pressure? No need to worry. Take a few of our tips to heart, and you’ll always know what to wear with gold earrings – whatever the occasion.

Understanding what to wear with gold earrings means taking into account the context of the day or evening out.

Is this a meetup with the girls to catch up on who’s done what? Is it a quick blast to the gym, a swing by the kids, and a coffee catch-up with a client?

The level of activity in your day does a lot to inform how you’ll be not only dressing for the occasion, but also how you will pair your jewelry to match. On a day when you’re going to be heading from place to place and keeping busy, for instance, it’s practical to keep a more minimalistic set of gold earrings in – but you don’t need to sacrifice style to do it. A simple, basic pair of gold studs or other style can match your outfit perfectly.

Related: Why Everyone Needs Minimalist Gold Earrings

Gold Earrings for the Gal About Town

When it’s time to get down to business, a loose flowing dress or smart chinos and blouse helps you look the part without making you uncomfortable. After all, staying busy does not mean a lack of freedom of movement.

In this case you may also want to pair whatever you are wearing with more simple gold earrings that are studs or small hoops. Let them glint and gleam as you go about your business, and you’ll find they lend some sophistication to how you’re getting things done – without overshadowing your power look.

Letting Your Hair Down Means Going Bigger

When it’s time to cut loose and shake off the cobwebs – whether it’s date night, drinks with friends, or off to make an impact at a singles’ mixer – your gold earrings can elegantly take center stage.

That said, when planning what to wear with gold earrings on a night out or for a social event, consider how you plan to make an impression. If you’re dressing in a figure-hugging outfit but don’t want too much attention on your bust, for instance, bigger gold earrings can draw overly curious eyes away with a graceful kind of subtlety.

And, of course, the reverse is also true. If your must-have outfit for a springtime barbecue is helping your figure do the talking, a more subtle pair of gold earrings ensures the look is coherent and complete.

Big earrings with big colors like yellows, greens, and electric blues with striking patterns can cause a bit of an aesthetic clash.

If in doubt, consider this – gold is a luxurious hue. If your party outfit has plenty of luxury, or you’re already wearing some fine jewelry around your wrists or neck, your gold earrings can be a touch more subtle. If your outfit is instead a more easy-breathing affair, ramp up the glam in your gold earring choices to make an impact.

Gold Earrings to Keep Business Booming

Gold has been a mark of success and luxury since ancient times. As such, a good pair of gold earrings can help you project confidence and a winner’s attitude with any business ensemble.

Knowing what to wear with gold earrings in a business context is simpler than you think. Whether you’re flying out to secure that handshake for your company’s deal of the decade, or firming up an existing partnership over a laid-back work lunch with a client, it’s all about psychology.

That’s right – there’s more to the psychology of jewelry than we sometimes think. Gold hoop earrings can project a more youthful air, for example – perfect if you’re representing a fast-moving agency or a business revitalized by a new investment strategy.

Likewise, motifs like floral designs, butterflies, birds, and other lighthearted earring designs can raise the mood of a meeting. If you’re off to see clients to discuss heavy subjects and want to lighten the air without undermining the business being done, this touch of playfulness can help make you more approachable.

But remember – it’s gold, so you’re still confident and successful.

Related: Everyday Essentials: 14k Gold-Filled Earrings

Best Outfit Colors to Pair With Gold Earrings

We’ve explored how context can shape what to wear with gold earrings just as much as your choice of clothing overall. But how about exploring the colors that best suit gold earrings, no matter the style?

In many cases, it has a lot to do with your skin tone and whatever colors make you feel most confident and capable. If you’re searching for some inspiration – and need a good reason to go shopping for a few new additions to your wardrobe – consider these colors as a great way to bring out the best in your gold earrings in a low-effort, high-impact way.

Gold Earrings Go With Black

Need we say more? Ask style icons of any era, from Audrey Hepburn to Kim Kardashian, and you’ll find bold gold earrings and svelte black outfits are always the order of the day.

Of course, asking any of us to be red carpet ready at the drop of a hat is a touch unreasonable, so it doesn’t always have to be huge hoops and long dangling designs. Either way, if you need a shortcut to glam without much fuss, pairing gold earrings with black ensembles will never steer you wrong.

Blue and Gold Makes Every Day Summertime

Deep sea blues with gold earrings can make for a confident combination. In fact, you might just be the ray of sunshine everyone needs in colder weather if you get it just right.

Lighter blues with gold tend to wash out a pale complexion though, so take care how you pair here. That said, classic denim hues are always great with gold earrings when you’re leaning toward smart casual – throw a simple white blouse on top of those jeans, and you’re good to go-no matter what the day demands.

Lay on the Luxury with Purple and Gold

If you’re looking for inspiration from days gone by – yet with a timeless and contemporary edge – purple is the color of royalty. Pair it with your gold earrings, be it studs, hoops, or intricate designs, and you’re the queen of all you survey, even if you’re only dashing out for groceries.

Get Inspiration Paired With Quality

Knowing what to wear with gold earrings isn’t as complicated as you might think – but sometimes, a second opinion can work wonders. Why not reach out to Liz James for some advice?

Our jewelry is professionally and intricately crafted, be it bespoke or from our own insight – and there’s a set that will speak volumes for any style. Find a Liz James location, in person or online, and see where some shared inspiration takes you.