Everyone Is Wearing Necklaces in 2026—These Are the 5 Specific Trends Set to Dominate This Summer
Trust me—these will be everywhere by July 1.
Adorning your outfits further with accessories is by far my favorite part about getting dressed, specifically with necklaces. I’m always in search of new jewelry trends to try, and now that it’s summer, it’s the perfect time to experiment. Shedded layers and more skin mean little room for experimenting with clothing, but that’s where chic, eye-catching necklace trends come into play. And I’ve discovered the top ones to try out for the season that fit many aesthetics.
Whether you’re into the minimal, quiet luxury look or you’re a bold dresser with hints of maximalist taste, these are necklace trends fashion people are wearing lately, and you’ll want to try before they’re everywhere this summer. If you’re in the market for a new go-to summer necklace trend or maybe even a few go-tos, keep scrolling to learn all the up-and-coming necklace trends for the summer.
Chunky Beaded Necklaces
Runways like Saint Laurent and Chanel signaled a new era of jewelry, featuring chunky beaded necklaces. Now, the trend has trickled down to fashion people online, sporting chunky necklaces with their summer outfits while out on vacation or as a finishing touch to a simple outfit. Chunky beaded necklaces add elements of maximalism to even the plainest outfits, so if you’re looking for ways to branch out of your comfort zone, this necklace trend is an easy solution.
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Fish Motif Necklaces
Whimsy in fashion is so back this summer. The fashion set has recently been obsessed with the fish motif, but my favorite form is in necklaces, thanks to fashion house Chloé’s S/S 25 runway collection, featuring a sea creature theme. The trend is eye-catching and chic with a touch of fun in the mix. Whether you’re into color or want to keep the motif simple, there are tons of options, and I’ve discovered some of the best ones.
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Statement Pendants
Pendant necklaces had a major moment last spring and summer, and continue to be a mainstay in the trend cycle. Namely, statement pendant necklaces. Fashion people are adorning themselves with the chicest, unique pendant necklaces in their looks. A head-turning necklace with a simple outfit has been calling my name for some time. You can add a statement pendant to a necklace stack like this look below, or you can always keep things low-key if you prefer just wearing a pendant sans stack.
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Delicate Chains
Some trends are truly timeless, like the delicate chain necklaces popping up on my feed. While maximalism is a growing trend in jewelry, some of the fashion set are loyal to simple and chic items that are long-lasting in regard to timelessness. I’m a fan of this mindset, even though I love striking jewelry pieces. The less-is-more approach is always classic, especially regarding jewelry. Delicate necklaces have been popping up on my feed in the midst of other head-turning jewelry trends, and I still find myself stopping to zoom in on each fine piece, like this look below.
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Collar Pendant Necklaces
Collar pendant necklaces have a “dated” reputation, but that is quickly changing as fashion people rediscover just how chic styling one can be. I’ve seen them styled with simple T-shirts and button-downs, and with dressier pieces from cinched blazers to long cardigan tops and blouses. At first I was surprised to see the trend so easily welcomed, but the more outfits I saw, the more I was convinced this trend is here to stay for the long run.
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Kerane Marcellus is a New York-based writer. She joined the Who What Wear team in 2025 after writing for Essence Magazine and freelancing for a number of other arts and culture publications. Fashion is a form of expression that she encourages everyone to take part in. There is no right or wrong in getting dressed! When she's not writing, she's reading in the park or gallery hopping in the city.