No Need to Invest to Indulge—9 Affordable Summer Jewelry Trends I'm Trying Now

Summer is always my favorite time of the year to accessorize, especially when it comes to jewelry. Since my wardrobe mainly consists of lightweight fabrics and simple, easy basics throughout the warm-weather months, little embellishments are the perfect way to add a cool factor to my outfits.

The best part about summer jewelry is that you don't have to invest to indulge. It's a flirtation rather than a commitment, which is especially great when you're feeling experimental and eager to try out some fun new trends. Affordable toppings like rainbow sprinkles and fudge make your ice cream exponentially more fun in summer, right? The same goes for budget-friendly jewelry.

Take a look below as I round up some of the affordable jewelry trends to add to your ensembles this summer.

Candy-Colored Gemstones

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(Image credit: @emnitta)

Summer is the perfect time to inject a pop of color into your look. This season, vibrant stones worked into earrings, bracelets, and necklaces will unquestionably add a colorful, eye-catching touch to your look.

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Modern Pearls

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(Image credit: @ch.ph8ph)

Modern pearls in varying shapes and sizes continue to be a favorite among the fashion set this summer. This season sees modern and fresh takes on the gemstone such as oversize sculptural variations, layered strands, and pearls mixed with other metals and beads.

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Playful Plastic

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(Image credit: @himichelleli)

As a playful continuation of the Y2K aesthetic, opt for fun and colorful takes on Barbie-girl jewelry. Think rings, earrings, and bangles made of enamel, resin, acetate, and acrylic. Don't overthink this trend—it's all about having fun.

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Chunky Chokers

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(Image credit: @katcollings)

A huge trend we saw all over the spring/summer 2022 runways were statement chokers—spotted in all varieties, from sleek and chunky iterations at Saint Laurent to thick chains at Valentino and crystal designs at Vivienne Westwood. Keep the rest of your outfit simple and let your choker shine.

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Natural Elements

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Chloé)

Summer is the ideal time to lean into natural and earthy jewelry pieces for a free-spirited, casual vibe. There are many options such as stones, seashells, turquoise and crystal beads, wood, and rattan.

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Bangle Bracelets

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(Image credit: @saraloura)

From bright and chunky to sleek metallic tones, bangle bracelets never felt so fresh. Either wear a statement one alone or pile them high to your elbow. Whatever you decide, you really can't go wrong.

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Evening Earrings

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(Image credit: @champagnemani)

It's time for statement earrings this summer. Dazzling styles such as fringe rhinestones, elaborate metalwork, and beaded drops are not just made for festive and formal occasions. You can easily wear these pieces with a tank top and shorts to add an elegant yet playful touch to your summer outfit.

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Body Jewelry

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(Image credit: @cassdimicco)

This summer sees the return of body jewelry, including waist chains and butterfly-adorned body necklaces. The aughts trend will add a pretty touch to your tank top or bikini.

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Beads

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(Image credit: @cassdimicco)

In continuation with the natural elements I mentioned earlier, beaded pieces are one of the easiest jewelry trends to pull off this season. To get in the summer spirit, simply add a beaded necklace or bracelet over your T-shirt to add a little pop.

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Up next, 12 Cheap Summer Staples That Will Make Getting Dressed Easier

Judith Jones
Senior Fashion Market Editor

Judith is the senior fashion market editor at Who What Wear and has worked in fashion for nearly a decade. Judith started on the Shop Who What Wear team, creating content and managing a team of merchandisers for the Who What Wear shopping app. She later crossed over to the editorial team, where she shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands in her shopping-focused stories and social takeovers. She has become one of the top affiliate earners during her six plus years at Who What Wear. Before working in fashion, Judith was a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) and shared her passion for travel and food. She studied at the prestigious London Academy of Dramatic Arts as well as Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York. She later studied fashion merchandising and design, which laid the foundation for her career in fashion.


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