A few months ago, I fell prey to the shell jewelry craze. For weeks on end, I centered my entire outfit around one piece of jewelry: a gold starfish necklace. The new regimen felt totally unlike me—someone who’s generally a more simplistic jewelry wearer—but there was something so intoxicating about putting on a sea-inspired piece that made me feel like I’d be spending the day at the beach instead of perched up in my New York City apartment. But as we’ve entered fall, my beloved seasonal necklace has been forced into hibernation, and I’ve had to figure out what can fill the starfish-sized hole.
We can all agree that, no matter the season, accessories hold the power to totally revamp any outfit. The recent larger-than-life jewelry trends we’ve been seeing arise have come as a stark contrast to the quiet-luxury movement we saw last year. And it’s safe to say that after summer’s kitschy, souvenir-like baubles, bold, statement-worthy jewelry is here to stay for fall. Though fall’s jewelry trends remain just as playful, this season’s pieces feel a bit more mature than the gaudier pieces we saw in the warmer months. And the best part? While—in my humble opinion—jewelry is always worth the investment, you probably already have some of these pieces sitting on your vanity.
From resin bangles to slinky pendants, these are fall 2024’s top jewelry trends.
Chain-Link Chokers
J.Crew
Not Your Grandma’s Pearls
Anthropologie
Madewell
While yes, we saw a major wave of pearlcore in 2022, pearls are still trending in all their glory. Fall 2024 runways featured accessories that looked like they could have been snatched right out of designer’s mom’s jewelry boxes. If you don’t have vintage pieces to pick through, these options will start your collection of the next generation’s trove of raid-worthy treasures.
Chandelier Earrings
Anthropologie
Anthropologie
2 colors available
I have to admit that while I love a chunky hoop, there are times when I miss wearing the “dangly” earrings of my youth. If you, too, happen to be in a nostalgic mood, then you’d be pleased to know that chandelier-style earrings are back in rotation for fall 2024. They’re not exactly the rhinestoned, skeleton-like designs we’re used to; instead, this season’s remakes are a bit more sculptural and expressive than years past. Though at first glance they seem less versatile than your average hoop, they look surprisingly chic with outfits as simple as jeans and a tee.
Bold Bangles
J.Crew
2 colors available
Anthropologie
2 colors available
Be it in colored resin or sculpted metal, the bangle has cemented itself as the bracelet of the moment, if not the accessory trend of the season. Adding a cuff to your ensemble is a subtle, fuss-free way to enhance your look—no matter what you’re wearing. Though you could easily make a statement with just one bangle, fashion gurus have been embracing the more-is-more attitude and stacking multiple at a time.
Poised Pendants
Jenny Bird
2 colors available
Heaven Mayhem
For most of us, it’s likely been a few years since we’ve sported a longer chain. Sure, there was a time where stomach-length chains were the finishing touch to most of our outfits, but once we fell in love with the concept of necklace stacking, we left good ole’ pendants behind in the process. Fall 2024 runways were flooded with exaggerated chain lengths and subdued, sculptural charms, often paired with simple knits and chiffon blouses. If your style falls on the more maximalist side of the spectrum, fear not: these can still be layered with other statement-making pieces to pack an extra punch.
Statement Studs
Heaven Mayhem
Heaven Mayhem
3 colors available
After years of seeing ’80s-style silhouettes in fashion (think: shoulder pads, high-waisted jeans, and oversized blazers) we’re only just now seeing the vibrant decade’s jewelry creep onto the scene. For brands like Chanel and Saint Laurent, no fall 2024 runway look was complete without a pair of oversized, button-style studs. Just the other day I stopped into J.Crew to make a return and noticed a pair of coin earrings displayed at the counter. If that doesn’t tell you that the ’80s are back, then I don’t know what will.
written by TINSLEY CRISP