This summer, fashion is getting braver with accessories again. Forget delicate chains and tiny pendants—the trend is all about big, bold jewellery that makes noise, both literally and visually. Earrings that swish, bangles that clatter, and chunky pendants that demand attention are the order of the day.
The Problem with Delicate Jewellery
Delicate jewellery has become the default: two necklaces of different lengths on fine chains, one with a heart pendant, the other with an initial or birthstone, paired with tastefully small mismatched diamond hoops. While there's nothing wrong with this look, it has become a generic aesthetic. Off-the-shelf sets of two or three necklaces in every high street store feel depressingly uniform—personal style made oven-ready.
The Return of Bold Accessories
Fashion is swinging back towards braver jewellery. Brooches, signet rings, chunky pebble pendants, and floral earrings that could fill a bud vase are making a comeback. This is a reaction against stealth wealth and quiet luxury, the trend of dressing as though one inherited a Tuscan vineyard. With chunky jewellery, the carat is irrelevant; the point is the vibe, not the value. The most fabulous earrings might be vintage plastic from a flea market; the best necklace could be resin, raffia, glass beads, or painted wood.
Jewellery as a Conversation Starter
Jewellery sits in the eyeline of anyone you talk to, making it a natural conversation starter. Size matters here: a giant flower earring has a twinkle in its eye, while a tiny diamond can seem earnest. A pair of outrageous earrings suggests confidence, curiosity, and a slight disregard for universal approval. Think Iris Apfel with her favourite-art-teacher energy, or Alessandro Michele, whose years at Gucci helped rehabilitate fashion excess. Both had beautiful taste and loved excess, knowing when to stop but keeping going anyway.
How to Wear Bold Jewellery
Personality jewellery isn't just for fancy occasions. Big earrings pair unexpectedly well with messy hair and a T-shirt. With necklaces, resist the temptation to coordinate colour neatly. Instead of matching a chunky jade pendant with a green linen shirt, embrace surprise: the shock of cobalt against pale cream, or citrus yellow with grey. Jewellery is the last word of your outfit—let it create a spark rather than just nod along politely.
Styling by Melanie Wilkinson, with styling assistant Charlotte Gornall. Model Maria Diaz at Milk. Hair and makeup by Sophie Higginson using Hair by Sam McKnight and Ilia. Earrings, £48, from Anthropologie. Necklace, £40, and dress, £45, from Topshop.
