(Fashion)
The Simplest Way To Elevate The Holidays With Fashion Market Director Jennifer Yee
One word: Diamonds.
Jewelry is a defining element of any wardrobe, but when your style skews minimalist, as it does for BDG’s Fashion Market Director, Jennifer Yee, the right pieces can really make all the difference. A penchant for the classic — think: clean, fitted silhouettes, a mostly black and white (with a hint of leopard) color palette, and slinky, strappy footwear — means Yee’s personal aesthetic serves as a strong foundation for De Beers pieces.
De Beers celebrates the beauty, joy, and wonder of natural diamonds. The brand offers an array of earrings, necklaces, and bracelets in timeless yet modern designs, each one consciously sourced and selected for its inherent beauty. They elevate any outfit any time of year, but it’s during the holidays that these pieces really shine — both as an accessory of your own and as a thoughtful gift for others.
Below, see how Yee integrates De Beers jewelry into her modern-minimalist style as she shares her tips and tricks for styling — and giving — jewelry this season.
What makes you feel most powerful? When I feel most like myself, I am confident and comfortable. This relates to fashion because what you choose to wear is a form of communication. For me, fashion is fully representative of how I am feeling.
How does jewelry play a role in your personal style? It’s very personal; I don't change my jewelry very often. I like to invest and commit to beautiful pieces that have longevity. Whether it be my mother's watch or my delicate gold and ruby (my birthstone) bracelet, jewelry has to have meaning when I wear it. I like to think each item I wear is good luck.
What’s your best advice for styling fine jewelry? First, keep it simple and clean — let the brilliance of the diamonds or gemstones speak for themselves. Don't overdo it. Then, think about lines and how the jewelry would be shown best. If you want to wear a necklace, choose to wear something with an open neckline. If you want to wear earrings, try wearing your hair pulled back. And lastly, wear pieces that you feel most comfortable in. If you're a ring person, go with what you know. Fashion should never feel forced.
What is your gifting strategy? I'm quite thorough — I think about the person's personality, the things they always wear, their favorite color, and where they might be traveling. I rely heavily on my gut feelings and my sharp fashion editor eye. I like to think I'm a fabulous gift-giver!
“...wear pieces that you feel most comfortable in. If you're a ring person, go with what you know. Fashion should never feel forced.”
How does that change when it comes to gifting yourself? It doesn't really change that much. I think about where I am in my life and what I need. When I buy for myself, I buy for myself. I don't ever really think about what other people would want me to wear. And I choose pieces that can be worn for years. Purchasing fine jewelry should be well thought out. I never think, ‘What jewelry should I wear with this outfit?’ Instead, I think, ‘What will I love forever?’
How do you like to style jewelry for the holiday season? My favorite piece of jewelry is a tennis necklace. The silhouette is so simple and clean, and it's a style that just lets the brilliance of the diamonds speak for themselves. I love the idea of layering tennis necklaces. Taking a classic piece and styling it in an unexpected way makes your jewelry so personal. The same goes for rings: I love classic eternity bands, and I'd wear multiple of them to make it modern and fresh.
Why does jewelry make an amazing gift? I think jewelry should always have a story, whether it be stories from the past or ones you'll create in the future. With jewelry, you're not just gifting an object — you're gifting something that has the potential to have a lot of meaning in someone's life.
What are your tips for shopping for jewelry for others? Don't overthink it. Jewelry isn’t just a monetary investment, but a personal one as well. As a gift, it sends a message that you care about that person. It all ties back to fashion being a form of communication. Just ask the question: ‘What jewelry is most representative of how much I care about that person?’ If you can answer that, then you'll 100% land in the right place and choose the most meaningful piece.
Photography by Leeor Wild; Creative direction by Diana Weisman; styling by Alexis Badiyi; makeup by Tiffany Patton; hair by Akihisa Yamaguchi; nails by Natalie Pavolski; branded fashion director: Jenna Wexler; branded fashion editor: Kate Marin; production: Danica Butkovich
