With a serious ’80s comeback on the horizon (scratch that—it’s already here), costume jewelry has rejoined the chat. For years, the fashion world stayed loyal to chunky gold hoop earrings and understated pendant necklaces, rarely straying into anything too showy. But that’s no longer the look the cool crowd is leaning toward. Instead, oversize studs, cuff bracelets, and chokers are all experiencing a high right now, thanks to brands like Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, and Alaïa.
There’s only one problem. While the above brands might be designing pieces that look like what we’d call “costume jewelry,” they certainly aren’t pricing them like the costume earrings and bracelets my grandmother always had in her jewelry box. Luckily, they aren’t the only brands who think this retro trend is worth getting in on. In fact, the stores I hear named most often when I ask fashion people what jewelry they’re wearing aren’t expensive at all. Nine times out of ten, they name Zara, J.Crew, or Anthropologie, though you’d never know it by looking at the pricey-looking jewels.
See why so many budget-friendly style experts are buying their baubles for less than $100 at the above three retailers to cosplay as the lotto winner by scrolling down.
