Chains are the Latest Nostalgic, Edgy Jewelry Trend
Jewelry is a timeless addition to any outfit, no matter the season or occasion, but runway trends in recent years have oscillated between an abundance of colorful, statement jewels and classic gold or silver trinkets. According to L'OFFICIEL's global shopping survey, though, women from Paris to the United States are choosing simple chain jewelry as a chief form of adornment this season.
A product of fashion nostalgia, chains first rose to prominence as a key accessory during hip hop's '80s reign. During the decade, the bigger, bolder, and more diamond-bedazzled the better. As '90s minimalism took over and the accessory assimilated into the mainstream, chains became more discreet. Today, they balance between an understated piece and a more sculptural accessory as chunkier iterations highlight the utilitarian linked look.
This is reflected by our survey, as American shoppers can't seem to choose between dainty and oversized chains. Both the delicate chain from The Last Line (pictured above) and the chunky Charlotte Chesnais links (pictured below) are preferred styles this holiday season with 66 percent and 63 percent of survey particpants choosing each option, respectively, over other necklaces. One thing they can agree on is color, with 73 percent American women preferring their jewelry in gold, a timeless hue.
The French also loved gold jewelry that moonlighted as classically chic accessories to be worn throughout the day just as much as the night, and 64 percent of Parisian participants preferred the delicate chain necklace from The Last Line. The Charlotte Chesnais chunky chain was a close second as 57 percent of shoppers found it trendy yet classic enough to be worn every day.
For all women who participated in L'OFFICIEL's accessories survey, the most popular jewelry pieces master the art of making a statement while staying timeless. Designers are also revaluating how best to serve their audiences, and when it comes to accessorizing, Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, and more, are opting for perennially chic and versatile styles. Right now, women want keepsakes, and they see chain necklaces as classic parts of their jewelry collection for years to come. Each piece is an investment, not a short-lived trend.
