Couture. That word alone sparks a fire in every fashionista’s heart. Once the latest couture collections arrive, you start lusting after the incredibly hip and cutting edge dresses on the Ellie Saab runway and turning your head away from one Chanel skirt and jacket set to focus on the upcoming ones becomes a battle. The appeal of couture fashion is undeniable and we can’t help but fall inexplicably head over heels for these spectacular creations. This summer, designers from revered fashion houses like Alexis Mabille and Christian Dior premiered glimpses of their fall 2008 couture collections. Each of the collections had their own distinct tone and flavor, but we noticed a few trends, and we have assembled a guide to a handful of jewelry that will lessen the ache you have for those candy colored Dior dresses.

We were so inspired by the fashion we saw on the runway during the couture shows that we decided to pull out some of our favorite jewelry designs to show you that couture isn’t really about the dress or the rest of the outfit; it’s about how you dress. Craving elegance at your next big party? Drop earrings are so chic and elegant that they add a dash of glamour to every outfit. The Arena CPH Barbie Silver Earrings, Melinda Maria Etched Triple Leaf Earrings, and Brian Danielle Diamond Long Earrings are perfect examples of earrings that will deliver on that promise. The Wendy Mink Telly Earrings have a truly spectacular design. While these aren’t typical drop earrings, the effect of a double hoops that suspend pastel semi-precious stones has quite simply stolen our breaths away.

Take inspiration from the Givenchy couture model above who paired her outfit with a sometimes forgotten or underplayed accessory, a headband. We forgot how fun it is to wear your jewelry in unexpected places. For a fun twist, pull your hair back into a messy bun and add the Blu Royalty Headband. Since you can choose between navy, black and teal, there’s no reason why you can’t start building your outfit from a headband.

We found a good deal of cuff bracelets and pearls on the runway during the couture shows, which is great because we’re not ready to let go of these accessory staples. Jessica Elliot Silver Wrought Iron Cuff is so stunning! The innovative clover cutout design is so fabulous, and this cuff bracelet is the perfect width. Pair it with the Anna Beck Sterling Silver Large Basket Weave Drop Necklace to complete your outfit, but if you’re loyal to gold jewelry or simply need a gold cuff bracelet for your next big occasion, look no further than another one of Jessica Elliot’s designs, the 18k gold vermeil clover cutout cuff.

We’ve been fans of the R.J. Graziano Long Pearl Chain simply because of its unusual eye-catching gold chain link design between the pearls. The 36″ chain is the perfect length if you love to double your necklace strands. Pair the pearl necklace with the Pade Vavra Large Shell and Pearl Cluster Necklace for a stunning contrasting effect that will be unforgettable. Necklaces with a beautiful flawless pendant is one of today’s biggest fashion trends, and we feel the Brian Danielle Hammered Diamond Necklace is one of the trendiest and most versatile necklaces we carry. It’s one of those pieces that looks stunning under both sunlight and the streetlights. Even if you’ve limited yourself to simply gazing at couture creations from afar, there’s no reason why you can’t indulge yourself a little bit and acquire jewelry that would fit right in on the runway as well as at your next black tie party.

Runway and detail photos courtesy of Style.com