The Throwback Necklace People in London, Paris and Stockholm Are Wearing 24/7

In my humble opinion, 2023 has been the most exciting year for jewellery in a long time. After years of gold dominance, we welcomed back silver with open arms. We drooled over large stud earrings, with Bottega's drops earning themselves their own cult following and influencing a whole range of similar styles. And now, '90s cord pendant necklaces are having a revival. 

Picture this: It's 1999. You've pulled on your cargo trousers, you've scraped your hair back with your zig-zag hairband and your wrists are adorned with snap bracelets. Now, it's time to put on your cord necklace.

Fast forward to the A/W 23 runways, where designers like Gabriela Hearst, Loewe and Proenza Schouler declared the official return of the cord necklace. 

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(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

Right now, there's an overarching nostalgia within fashion, with the best of the best '90s moments returning to claim their relevance. Thankfully, the dolphin infatuation didn't make it, and those trends that did have been elevated, refined and sophisticated for the current mood—including the cord pendant necklace.

Unlike the heavily beaded and iridescent pendants of old, the modern take is simpler, with a single pendant the sole focal point. It's an ethereal touch that can sit alongside strong tailoring and soft dresses alike. It gives a nod to the '90s without being too obvious, and its become a clear favourite amongst fashion people, as you'll see below. 

Keep scrolling to see how to style cord pendant necklaces in 2023, and shop a selection of the best around. 

FASHION PEOPLE WEARING CORD PENDANT NECKLACES

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(Image credit: @shhtephs)

Celebrate the silver wave with an elegant pendant. 

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(Image credit: @sasha.mei)

It's not just metals that feature in this trend, but stones and acrylic pendants too. 

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(Image credit: @marina_torres)

The classic heart remains a chic choice. 

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(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

Colourful pendants in abstract shapes are everywhere right now. 

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(Image credit: @vikilefevre)

The perfect finishing touch for even the simplest looks. 

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(Image credit: @monikh)

Monikh Dale proves the pendant necklace can be subtle yet effective. 

SHOP CORD PENDANT NECKLACES:

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Florrie Alexander
Acting Affiliates Editor

Florrie embarked on her fashion journey while studying French and History at university. Whilst studying in Aix-en-Provence, she began to write her dissertation on the history of fashion and the influence of Haute Couture, and landed her first role at Harper’s Bazaar. Following this, she interned for various publications including Elle, Grazia and Marie Claire before joining the fashion team at Conde Nast Traveller. There, she contributed to international photoshoots, styled pages and covers, and produced engaging digital content.

During a freelance period, Florrie honed her skills in editorial work in various digital and print publications including Vogue Italy and Departures magazine, as well as styling e-commerce photoshoots and personal shopping. Florrie actively pursues an in-depth understanding of fashion and jewellery, and after styling a jewellery cover shoot at Conde Nast Traveller chose to complete the De Beers Diamond Foundation course. Florrie first joined Who What Wear UK as a freelancer before becoming the Commerce Writer, blending both editorial and commercial content. Now, as the Acting Affiliates Editor, she monitors current trends, new-in styles, wardrobe heroes and how best to style them. In her downtime, Florrie can be found in her hometown of London, usually with a coffee in hand.