While everyone’s scoping out micro-mini skirts and ultra low-rise jeans, this summer I’m making a beeline for the accessories. Namely, the jewelry. The old me would cling to delicate gold rings and minimalist necklaces barely visible to the naked eye, but the jewelry circling around this season is simply too good to unceremoniously fade into the background. Let me demonstrate. Comparable to the shift towards vibrant and bold colors within ready-to-wear, the jewelry sphere has also embraced ultra-saturated hues and statement shapes. Swarovski and Mondo Mondo have featured colored crystals heavily within their latest collections, and there are plenty more brands taking heed. Other jewelry trends heating up the scene? Chokers are making their return for another moment in the sun, and like just about everything else the Y2K wave has infiltrated in the form of Mariah Carey-inspired butterfly designs. Maximalism is rearing its head, and it’s a sight to see. Keep clicking to see the full roundup of jewelry trends emerging this summer, and the perfect pieces to shop as you go.
They’re decadent, over the top, and certainly a statement—big colored gems are a major theme this season and it seems like it’s just the beginning. From pink crystal to purple rhinestones, the trend feels like a reprieve from the minimalist jewelry bubble of a few years ago. Jewelry this flashy doesn’t need complex styling, stick with simple staples to let your accessories do all of the talking.
Suddenly I’m having flashbacks to perusing the aisles of Claire’s and Limited Too. A trend I didn’t see coming, butterfly designs are making a huge comeback, particularly among the Gen-Z crowd. Before you shake your head, some of the new interpretations of the early aughts trend are actually good and pretty elevated (take Jennifer Fisher’s gold butterfly ring). Even if you’re a fan of the classics, it’s okay to have a little fun.
Keeping in line with more is more, is another bauble storming the scene: baguette rings. More specifically, blinged-out baguette eternity rings are popping up everywhere, and fashion girls can’t get enough. Wear one on its own for a touch of sparkle or layer them with other big stones for the look of excess.
Here’s a clue to how old I am: I wrote a story about chokers making a comeback almost 6 years ago, and like fashion as a whole, the piece has managed to cycle back around. You may notice these have the added twist of an obscenely large pendant, which feels a bit fresh and new. Fashion insiders seem to love Saint Laurent’s heart choker in particular, so it’s one to snatch if you’re into cult favorites.
Link chains are never really “out”, but if we’re talking about what’s specifically “in” you’d definitely have to include whimsical link chains. Unlike a traditional Cuban link or snake chain, these feature intricate designs fashioned to look like paperclips or barbed wire. It’s a simple way to have more fun with your outfit and to level it up a notch.
