In tandem with the Y2K resurgence and the fashion industry’s shift away from its notorious pompous captiousness to unserious maximalist outlandishness, another trend that engrossed Tumblr vignettes in the early aughts and 2010s is once again rocking the fashion world—studs.
Metallic studs helped create an effortless punkish vibe to outfits, which made them a crowd favorite during a period when edgy and rebellious style consumed the fashion landscape. Musicians that ruled pop culture in the early 2000s—think Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Lopez, Avril Lavigne, and JoJo—incorporated them into their sleek red carpet ensembles or on-stage outfits for sweaty festival performances, sporting studded leather belts over their ultra low-rise jeans or embellished boho headbands. It girls who dominated young tweens' Pinterest boards circa 2013—such as pre-beauty mogul Kylie Jenner—embraced studded leather jackets and denim cutoffs for their grungy street attire. The universal adoption of studded clothing compelled adolescent girls to race home from school to follow grainy DIY studding tutorials online or beg their parents for a pair of the cool-girl-beloved Steve Madden studded leather lace-up combat boots.
Studded garments were the secret to projecting bravado and untouchability without making your underlying toil and resolution bluntly apparent. Now, they have returned in a chicer and more riveting way. Rather than lavishly peppering the back pockets of suffocating denim shorts with lustrous gems, brands on all ends of the retail price spectrum have been more creative with introducing studs back into the zeitgeist. Millennial-centric, ultra-wearable luxury house Khaite scattered its shoulder bags with quarter-sized studs, which have been feverishly plucked by fashion mongers including style savant Sofia Richie Grainge. Meanwhile, Christian Louboutin debuted a subdued metalhead pair of black pumps sprinkled with silver spikes for its Fall/Winter 2024 collection. While studded belts from notable fashion houses like Ralph Lauren remain popular with the masses, these adorned accessories are less clumsy and more polished than decades prior.
If you are looking for an easy way to integrate texture into your outfit, studs are the way to go. Join L'OFFICIEL as we share all of the best stud-sprinkled pieces that will curate an unflappable presence and unbridled stylishness.
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The contemporary brand founded by then-celebrity stylist Andrea Lieberman (who was responsible for putting J. Lo in her iconic green Versace gown) harnessed its Y2K expertise to develop a shapeless leather handbag dotted with large silver studs. Its compact size makes it perfect to take for a laid-back lunch with friends or afternoon grocery shopping without weighing down your shoulders.
A.L.C Simone Studded Leather Bag, $395, A.L.C
This classic deep hickory brown belt will seamlessly punctuate your neutral fall looks. Pair it with lightweight straight-leg pants to complete your office ensemble, or tie it around a monochrome figure-sculpting dress to make a true statement.
Ralph Lauren Studded Leather Belt, $295, Ralph Lauren
Women all over TikTok are calling this soft mahogany, gold-studded half-moon crossbody their fall bag. It deceptively adds a luxurious touch to any relaxed outfit and can fit all your essential on-the-go items inside.
Madewell The Essential Convertible Top Handle Crossbody Mini Bag, $138, Madewell
These innovative loafers bring a refined rock and roll energy that will elevate a weekend-friendly flowy summer dress or imbue sophisticated coolness when paired alongside a sharply tailored pantsuit.
Christian Louboutin Spikeasy Studded Leather Pumps, $1,695, Net-A-Porter
These audacious day-to-night shoes possess enduring enticement. Combine them with ruched straight-leg jeans for street-style flair or a charming slip dress for a glamorous evening of sipping cocktails.
Ernest. W. Baker SSENSE Exclusive Black Studded Leather Loafers, $600, Ssense
If you’re in the mood for a bag that fuses the edginess of studs with everyday versatility, this delicately embellished tote is your next wardrobe essential. It offers timeless elegance and coveted utility, rendering it the ideal everyday bag.
Stella McCartney Frayme Studded Grainy Alter Mat Tote Bag, $2,150, Stella McCartney
These avant-garde sky-high sandals offer a distinctly playful and slight gothic allure. They are a love letter to anyone looking for a confidence boost or to command the attention of everyone in the room. A bold shoe that is guaranteed to lift your spirits like this one deserves to be paired with a vibrantly-colored dress or a flirty maxi skirt for date night.
Rick Owens Minimal Grill Leather Platform Sandals, $1,165, Mytheresa
This chic best-selling handbag is the definition of understated beauty. It balances clear-cut sensibility and decisive sensuality while providing optimal comfort for daily use.
Khaite Elena Small Studded Textured-Leather Shoulder Bag, $1,900, Net-A-Porter
Relaxed tried-and-true denim pants got a stylish upgrade with studs cleanly embellished along the seams that will take you out of your comfort zone and become a staple in your jean collection.
Reformation Cary High Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans, $218, Reformation
