As most of my friends eagerly cull their wardrobes, I keep holding on to my adolescent favourites. It’s no news that fashion works in cyclical patterns where old trends constantly become new, and I believe in bringing those cherished pieces back into my wardrobe. But even I wasn’t ready for the revival of the most worn piece of jewellery from the early 2010s – the chunky statement necklace.
Once favoured by most girls in my school and worn over anything from a bodycon mini dress to a t-shirt and jeans, the chunky statement necklace was a true icon of its time. And now, over 10 years later, this key piece is back in action, across catwalks, red carpets and street style moments. And what better time to embrace it than the festive season, as many of us head home for the holidays. Whether you’re rediscovering your old Topshop necklaces tucked away in the bottom of your childhood bedroom cupboard or buying into the trend for the first time, here’s the ultimate guide to the statement necklace revival.
The Origin Story
It’s impossible to tell the tale of this Millennial style icon without talking about the J.Crew Bubble necklace. Originally created in 2010, when fashionista and now-ex RHONY Jenna Lyons was at the helm of the American brand, this piece of jewellery had a chokehold on street style during this period. With its cascading rows of resin gems, the necklace had an extendable back so you could wear it high up as a collar piece or dangling lower as an oversized boho pendant. This specific piece started a revolution as similar pieces overtook the high-street, with clusters of crystals, plastic beads and clanking metal pendants popping up everywhere. That same year, the launch of the Lanvin x H&M collaboration established the trend further, with the late creative director Alber Elbaz being at the forefront of the chunky necklace revolution.
The Catwalk Comeback
Over a decade later, this past September marked a new chapter in costume jewellery trends. Across shows in London, Paris and Milan, statement accessories were back in action. British designer Simone Rocha presented her elevated take on childhood imagination and the joy of dressing up with a plethora of floral details, including delicate bouquets blooming around the models’ necks. Budapest-founded brand Nanushka went with a more industrial approach to accessorising – bundles of metallic beads layering over clean, but voluminous silhouettes.
Schiaparelli’s Daniel Roseberry continued his own legacy of surrealist jewellery, this time in the form of stones that lit up, while Matthieu Blazy’s first collection at Chanel featured natural materials like coral and pearl arranged into blooming florets. And just like that, the chunky necklace was back!
How To Style It Today
Whether you’re cosying up with your family in matching PJs, walking around wrapped up in a practical puffer coat or showing off your new going-out dress, a bold statement necklace can wrap your whole fit with a figurative – or even literal – bow. But what are some of the tricks when it comes to wearing a chunky necklace in a contemporary way? Instead of layering it over the top of your button-down shirt or dress, like you did back in the day, consider it your glamorous base layer. Tucked inside a suit jacket and only partially on show, the necklace will feel more unexpected. Opting for monochrome pieces that match the colour of your top will feel extra modern, as will layering multiple chunky necklaces and mixing different types of metals. If going for a formal look, take inspiration from Ariana Grande and her stylist Law Roach, who supersized Glinda’s charm necklace for the Australian premiere of Wicked: For Good. A large centre pendant, in this case a butterfly, will transform even the simplest of outfits into an eye-catching moment.
Ready to delve into the world of chunky necklaces? Here are 10 shoppable pieces – some pre-loved, some new – that will elevate your next party look.
Follow