As any true jewelry fan knows, chains and necklaces are essential. They can add sparkle to the plainest clothes and help transform day wear into evening wear. They also symbolize personal style. Trends in neckwear can change at dizzying speed, so fashionistas need to stay on top of what’s hot. Fortunately, many of the styles from the last two or three years are still chic, yet 2021 jewelry definitely has its own look.
Everything Old Is New Again
Collecting antique or antique-inspired jewelry has become huge, especially among younger women. The in-thing for 2021 is adorning clothes with small, vintage touches. There’s just something about owning and wearing an elegant, historical piece.
With that in mind, some buyers scour estate sales or resale shops, looking for original necklaces. Others opt for new jewelry with historical flair. For example, many women looking for specific items get help over at Adina’s Jewels, where they can browse items such as vintage chains.
Chains Are Big and Bold
Statement necklace popularity waxes and wanes in the fashion world, but there’s no doubt about its standing in 2021. Big, bulky, chain statement necklaces are red hot right now. Even women who would otherwise go for delicate necklaces add interest to their clothes by wearing outsized, eye-catching chains. Whether they are gold, silver, or bronze, the pieces give any ensemble a cool, rebellious touch.
Fashionable women worldwide are pairing chunky chains with athleisure wear or creating a little drama by wearing outsized necklaces with dresses and heels. The key when wearing large pieces is to let the chain be the focus and otherwise go jewelry-less. If you are indecisive, buy a statement piece from a licensed jeweler. They are informed on the latest trends but also quality so you cannot go wrong with your decision.
Beads and Shells Add Fun to the Season
Quirky and fun, beaded necklaces have been everywhere for the last couple of seasons and are still the rage in 2021. Cosmopolitan fashion writers suggest readers up to their style game by wearing chic, colorful beaded necklaces. Stylish choices include a confetti necklace made in a multitude of dazzling colors.
Shell necklaces and pieces that combine shells and beads are trending. For example, one designer offers a rainbow beaded necklace with pearls and cowrie shells. According to Town and Country magazine, sophisticated women who want a unique casual look are wearing shell necklaces in all shapes and forms.
Necklaces with Bags Are Very In
Another look that has carried over from previous seasons is the necklace bag. In 2018 the runway first featured necklaces that included tiny versions of designer bags instead of the usual charms or medallions. The style became a huge craze, and in 2021, women can find dozens of versions.
Although the first necklace bags were designed to hold items like a credit card and tube of lipstick, tiny bags have gotten tinier each season. The 2021 batch includes pieces that are so small they are actually more adornments than bags. Major designers offer necklaces that include minuscule versions of their signature bags.
Charms Are So Chic
Another trend that borrows from seasons past is jewelry featuring charms. But these are not the jangly pieces of school days that were often part of bracelets. Today’s best-dressed women add charms of all kinds to pendant necklaces.
As work-from-home has become more popular (and often necessary), women have focused more on neck-up jewelry that adds interest to Zoom calls. Pendants are a popular choice because they are fun and versatile. When worn alone, pendants are interesting, and adding charms turns necklaces into conversation pieces. Charms that reflect wearers’ interests or beliefs also allow them to tell their stories. As a bonus, when charms are worn around the neck, they do not produce the distracting noise they do on bracelets.
Many women wear medallions on their pendants, too. When they add charms, they create a buzzy, cool look that is still professional.
Ladylike Pieces Are Standouts
In today’s anything-goes fashion world, women are unafraid to wear unisex jewelry or even pieces like chain links traditionally considered masculine. Yet, there is still a place for classic feminine pieces within all of this free-spirited diversity. In 2021, delicate, girly pieces are as on-trend as ever.
For example, many women wear necklaces that include tiny locks engraved with meaningful dates, names, or other information. There are also crystal chokers that add sparkle and crystal necklaces with chains so thin that they appear that crystals are simply floating. Delicate initial necklaces make a personal statement and are subtle enough to be worn with anything.
Nothing Takes the Place of Pearls
As always, in 2021, pearls have a place on the runways and the necks of fashionable women. However, today’s versions of the delicate gems are not your mother’s style. Many designers are offering new twists on old looks.
The classic necklace that is passed down through generations may always be appropriate, but it is not exactly a fashion statement. Instead, the fashion-conscious are optioning for choices like strands of uneven natural pearls. Some of the most daring layer multiple strands in various lengths to create a fresh, new look. Oversized pearls are trending, and many pieces combine pearls and other gems.
It’s Hip to Stack Jewelry
Stacked necklaces and chains remain incredibly popular. While getting the look is entirely a matter of taste, following a few rules helps create a polished look.
On-trend women layer necklaces of different lengths, often beginning with a very long chain and adding three more or shorter necklaces. The look must work with the outfit. For instance, wearers might want to add longer chains with off-the-shoulder or strapless tops and reserve shorter pieces for casual or business wear.
It is also a good idea to begin with a favorite piece and then work around it. Pendants, charms, and medallions worn on chains should also be appropriate for the occasion. For instance, a large, heavy gold medallion works better over a favorite t-shirt than a cocktail gown.
Spring, 2021 fashion looks feature a range of necklaces and chains. Chunky chains are just as hot as delicate necklaces. Vintage pieces are trending, as are colorful bead and shell necklaces. In 2021, necklaces with designer bags, charms, and pendants are everywhere, as are pearl necklaces in fresh designs. One trend that has carried over for several seasons is stacking multiple necklaces and chains to create a unique look. It is just as on-trend in 2021 as ever.
