Gasp! The Glam Jewelry Trend That's Giving "Money"

Harsh reality check coming in three, two, one… Not everyone has ample funds to spend on fleeting runway trends. Any fashion person can tell you that we've all experienced moments in which we've spiraled over the fact our taste is far too expensive for our budget—a realization most likely spurred by hours spent hours gawking over the season's hottest trends or scrolling through the sale-section of a luxury retailer. Whatever the circumstances, it's safe that it's common to become curious about ways to curate an expensive-looking wardrobe without it actually costing a fortune. Although many different ways exist to achieve that, none is as easy or even as budget-friendly as embracing elegant jewelry. What's the old saying, "Diamonds are forever?" There's a reason that jewelry remains an excellent long-term investment!

Even if you're not buying a big 'ole rock, jewelry is one of the few accessories that actually transcends the ever-changing trend cycle. That's no more apparent than with the '80s-inspired jewelry trend that's taken over in the last few years: chunky cuff bracelets. For the record, large bangles, cuffs, and bracelets have never entirely gone out of style, but they've become even bigger in recent years. It's no doubt in part due to their presence on the runway, which can be recently traced back to the Saint Laurent S/S 23 collection that reignited the trend. Models sauntered down the runway with stacked bangles, chunky cuffs, and oversize bracelets layered over big bomber jackets, jersey jumpsuits, and leather gloves. One could argue that the critical acclaim surrounding that collection kicked off the cuffing craze, which we saw on the runways of Tory Burch, Chanel, Alaïa, and Gucci.

The virality of chunky cuff bracelets didn't just permeate collections, though. We've seen the fashion crowd employ creative styling hacks with cuffs, too. Often using them to make their staples more sophisticated, we've seen no shortage of examples of how simply adding this not-so-small accessory can make a big difference. But if you're not convinced that cuffs can give off "trust fund" energy without the cash to back it up, keep reading.

Ahead, I've rounded up a few examples of the jewelry trend on the runway and in real life that will act as a visual blueprint for how to wear chunky cuff bracelets as if your family comes from old money. Additionally, I've curated a selection of the best chunky cuff bracelets so that you can look elegant without expending too much effort (or funds).

On the Runway

In the Wild

Shop the Best Chunky Cuff Bracelets