The Simple Detail Fashion People Use to Make Their Outfits Look More Elevated
Chiara Perera wears Heavenly London's Diamond Collar with a bandeau maxi dress by Dissh.
I’ll admit, I'm a self-confessed magpie. Anyone who knows me will know that I’m rarely without pearl drop earrings—sometimes I even pop them on before my morning walk. They've become part of my uniform; a piece I feel incomplete without.
I rarely wear necklaces, but for years I’ve been searching for the perfect chain to complete my jewellery capsule. Now, I think I’ve sussed the brief, and what I'm after is a demure piece that skims the clavicle and complements all ensembles. That's not to say there isn't a place for showstopping jewels, too—you are speaking to a fan of Harry Winston's designs, after all—but my favourite pieces of jewellery are those you can wear daily that become something you're seldom seen without, like a wedding ring.
Having become part of the welded-bracelet crew, I’m slowly adding to my permanent jewellery stack with pieces that speak to me. Jewellery lends a charming intentionality. I adore the allure of jewels and the ambient glisten of a snaking chain that subtly catches the light.
Minimalist jewellery usually refers to finer pieces, but the common thread across price points is a slimmer or smaller chain. The appeal of a simple necklace is the ability to wear it for a myriad occasions and layer it with others for your desired effect, so there’s fun to be had.
The notion of simplicity is personal, of course, and I believe in dressing for individual tastes and desires. The characteristics of tennis chains, for example, may not represent simplicity for some, but there’s something timeless and undeniably delicate about this style, especially when paired with classic apparel like a crisp poplin shirt and jeans. The same goes for dewdrop chains when styled with a scoop-neck T-shirt and straight-leg jeans. The styling opportunities are endless and entirely personal.
Keep reading for 22 minimalist yet impactful necklaces, and see how some of our favourite fashion people are styling necklaces this season.
A barely-there chain with an alphabet pendant is one for your everyday uniform.
Danielle Jinadu stacks dainty silver chains aplenty (and matching arm candy) for a subtle nod to the silver accessories trend.
Make like Sylvie Mus and complement a form-fitting slip dress with gold accents.
Rachael Clifton shows that drop pendants never go out of style.
Shop My Necklaces Edit:
Pearl Necklaces
High-street retailers may not be your first thought for elegant necklaces, but they provide great options if you're looking for cost-effective jewellery. I own a pair of pearl earrings from & Other Stories and I'm still impressed by the quality five years on.
Jaunty imitation pearls in a flash of oyster white—there's something joyous about this style. Plus, it bears reference to the celebrated styles of the noughties.
Fine Chains
Choker Necklaces
A diamond-imitation collar is a guaranteed way to elevate an ensemble, and Heavenly London has created one of my favourites on the market. The collar is fully encrusted so the sheen can't be missed. My preferred way of styling this is high on the clavicle with a bandeau neckline.
Pendant Necklaces
With a whimsical name like Peas in a Pod, you may assume this piece alludes to romance, but it's actually an ode to nature and the brand's stance against the effects of climate change. Read more about the origin of this necklace here.
Playful adornments have swept over the fashion world and heart pendants are dominating. Placed on a finely wired chain, this is a contemporary piece that boasts a hint of simplicity.
Snake Chain Necklaces
Droplet Necklaces
A paper-thin, diamond-clad chain with a drop tier. This one is sure way to appease the magpies amongst us.
Next Up: The 9 Most Expensive Looking Pieces on the High Street This Week
Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities.She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications, Who What Wear UK and Stylist.
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