Not All Jewellery Is Created Equal—These 5 Chic Trends Matter the Most in 2024
Given how much time we spend focusing on what to wear, it makes sense that we give just as much consideration to the accessories that can really make or break an outfit: jewellery. The right accessories have an undeniable impact on an outfit, and in fact, can often end up being the best way we showcase our personal style. A stacked set of bracelets here, a heavily decorated ear there, or maybe it's a sentimental piece that has been handed down through generations; we often rely on our jewellery to do the heavy lifting and take our basic uniform (blazers, jumpers, tees and jeans, am I right?) to something with a little more je ne sais quoi.
Given the fact that good jewellery should be considered an investment, it's well worth taking the time to think about what will best work for your wardrobe, particularly if you'd like to spend a little more on fine jewellery. Whilst we might have fallen victim to a couple of flash-in-the-pan ready-to-wear trends (I'm still yet to wear the extremely shoulder-padded blazer that made sense online), what ends up in your jewellery box should stay for a lifetime, but that doesn't mean it has to be boring.
So, what jewellery pieces will the style-conscious be adding to their collections this year? It's time to explore the top jewellery trends of 2024.
Before we get started, it's well worth noting that just because something is currently trending, that's not to say that what you already own is "out of date". More so, jewellery trends tend to stick around a lot longer than those of other fashion items, and pieces that are currently having a moment might mix and match just as well with your current curation (as anyone who owns plenty of vintage jewellery will tell you).
But still, should you be interested in which pieces, colours and styles are about to crop up over the next 12 months, let's look ahead, and let me assure you—it's an exciting line-up. After zooming in on runway pics, trawling through new-in sections and looking at Instagram's most double-tapped pics, I've identified six jewellery trends that'll stop you in your tracks. Don't say I don't treat you.
1. SILVER LININGS
Style Notes: Since the dawn of time, "team gold" or "team silver" has been a point of discussion. But whatever the respective connotations, it was generally agreed in fashion circles that gold held first place until the past two years saw an uptake in mixing both metals as an unexpected trend, reintroducing silver to a sceptical demographic in the process. Still not convinced? Take a look at the runways. Flashes of razor-sharp silver added cool-girl edge to the ladylike looks at Alexander McQueen, Phillip Lim and Bottega, whilst fluid designs from the likes of Georg Jensen and By Pariah are a refreshing alternative to "old money" gold.
Shop the Trend:
Good enough to persuade you to swap your everyday gold hoops for silver.
It doesn't have to be sterling silver when platinum and white gold look this good too. Trust me, this ring will suit everyone.
2. THE COQUETTE
Style Notes: Pearls, chokers, ribbons, corsages and bows. If it could have appeared in a Sofia Coppola film, it's likely to fall under TikTok's stratospheric "coquette" aesthetic. Take one part Baroque, add some '50s kitsch and a sprinkle of Harajuku kawaii, and you're a little bit closer to understanding Gen Z's take on romanticism. This is not a trend for wallflowers, and wearing key pieces like pearls and flower motifs together is encouraged, especially with slip dresses, miniskirts and a pastel colour palette.
Shop the Trend:
Imagine this with a sweetheart neckline.
It's time to fill my social calendar—these deserve to be seen.
3. OFF THE CUFF
Style Notes: Sorry, dainty bracelets, this season is all about serious hardware, and chunky bangles and tall cuffs are the arm candy of choice. Whilst 2023's quiet luxury was all about the tennis bracelet, 2024's "Birkin Mom" is a little more ostentatious with her accessorising, and a bold cuff peeking out from a crisp shirt sleeve or a bangle placed over an opera glove is peak luxury. Take it from Schiaparelli—more really is more this year.
Shop the Trend:
4. ODD ONE OUT
Style Notes: If you're guilty of losing anything that isn't nailed down, here's a styling trick that speaks your language: odd earrings. Simple to execute but delivering maximum impact, either wear one statement earring on its own or mix a pair of irregular earrings (and if nothing else, it's a guaranteed conversation starter). Take the Gucci approach and let a supersized statement earring do all the talking or channel Zimmermann's slightly wonky "high/low" mix for an asymmetric silhouette.
Shop the Trend:
Yvonne Léon has already put together the perfect pair for you.
If you're only going to wear one earring, it better be a special one.
Less of a high/low balance and more high/high.
Loveness Lee's irregular, organic shapes are made for this trend.
5. CHASING RAINBOWS
Style Notes: Summer, is that you? Well, perhaps a little bit premature, but this dopamine-inducing trend encourages the kind of colourful experimentation that we tend to save for the sunnier seasons. Why wait when we can brighten our outfits (and our moods) right now with colourful stones, bright beads and pops of metal and acrylic? This just might be the trend that a bleak start to the year calls for. Forget the forecast, I predict spells of feel-good fashion with rainbows guaranteed.
Shop the Trend:
Both minimalists and maximalists will agree that these deserve a spot in your regular rotation.
Pop on a long chain and layer up with a choker.
Silver and green make such a striking combination.
Remy Farrell is a London-based shopping editor with nearly 10 years of editorial experience covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. After graduating with a journalism degree and working on the editorial and fashion teams for titles such as Grazia, Elle, Cosmopolitan and British Vogue, she moved into the luxury e-commerce sector, working as fashion assistant at TheOutnet.com styling for the social media channels and helping to develop the collections for the in-house brand Iris & Ink. After expanding an assisting and styling portfolio that includes shooting talent such as Gigi Hadid, Victoria Beckham and Miquita Oliver, she also branched out into beauty, creating tried-and-tested reviews and diverse beauty content.In her role as shopping editor at Who What Wear, Remy is interested in discovering new and exciting brands to share with the Who What Wear readership and particularly loves uncovering hidden gems at affordable prices to make shopping accessible to everyone.Born and raised in Sheffield, Yorkshire, Remy moved to London in 2014 and lives in the Docklands with her partner and pug Billie.
-
Law Roach's World: His New Book, Bag of Choice, and What He Grabs on a Target Run
"[Styling] has made my world so much bigger."
By Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
-
I'm in My 20s—Here Are 6 Style Lessons I Learned to Look More Polished and Grown-Up
Sophisticated styling 101.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
8 Copenhagen Street Style Trends I Plan to Replicate in New York
Pared back yet never boring.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
I'm a Fashion Editor—I Reach For These 2 Pieces When I Don't Know What to Wear
Ready in 10 minutes or less.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
The Only 9 Jackets You Need for Spring, According to Fashion People
There's something for everyone.
By Remy Farrell
-
And Now, 5 Elevated Ways to Wear Your Jeans in 2024
Denim devotees, unite.
By Grace O'Connell Joshua
-
After 5 Days in Aspen, I'm Officially Hooked on Western Pieces—5 I'm Loving RN
From cowboy hats to fringe accents.
By Grace O'Connell Joshua
-
I Asked Over 2000 Women Where to Buy the Best White Shirts—They Love These 23
Your definitive guide.
By Elinor Block