6 New Necklace Trends the Fashion Crowd Is Embracing

As a jewelry aficionado, I'm never not in the mood to add a new piece to my collection and while my earrings and rings are near-permanent fixtures, necklaces are where I love to play around and experiment. If I'm wearing something low-key, I'll adorn it with a dainty chain while my power outfits call for something more statement-making. But no matter what, I'm never without a great necklace (or two or three, to be honest). And seeing as everyone else is thinking about dressing from the waist up thanks to Zoom life, I've been spotting a number of exciting new necklace trends already in 2021.

So what are the stunning necklaces you can expect to see more of this year? From extra-large link necklaces to throwback charm pendants, there are plenty I have my eye on right now. Here, see the six cool necklace trends the fashion set is embracing and shop my edit to update your jewelry collection.

Another year, another chain link necklace. The fashion world can't get enough of these tough links (nor can I) and the latest iteration comes in an extra-large size that makes such a stylish statement.

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(Image credit: @meganadelaide)

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2. Lovely Lariats

I was surprised to see a resurgence of lariat necklaces lately because they're a style that hasn't been in the spotlight for a minute. But lo and behold, 2021 is the year lariats are getting a chic upgrade. Instead of the dainty chains of the past, these feature bold chains and pretty beads for a wholly fresh take.

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(Image credit: @brooklynngallagher)

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3. New Nostalgia

Who doesn't love a good throwback trend? I don't know about you, but this array of kitschy beads featuring smiley faces, yin yangs, hearts, and fruit are bringing me back to the late '90s and early '00s era in the best ways possible.

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(Image credit: @emnitta)

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4. Heavenly Herringbone

I always keep several classic gold chains in my jewelry box as a simple addition to any look. Right now, it's these sophisticated herringbone chains that are grabbing my attention. They look just as good stacked or worn solo and, best of all, happen to look expensive no matter what you really spend on one.

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(Image credit: @claire_most)

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5. Mad for Malachite

We've named malachite as an overarching jewelry trend to watch out for this year, but I'd like to point out the number of stunning necklaces, in particular, that feature the rich emerald-colored stone.

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(Image credit: @missomalondon)

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6. Charm School

Okay, one more throwback trend because I genuinely couldn't ignore this one. Charm necklaces (yep, remember those?) are all grown-up with a chic new look. Think gold chains with coordinating pearl, stone, and letter pendants. Mix and match these with your other gold chains for a pop of color.

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(Image credit: @lfjewels)

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Next up, check out the seven jewelry brands you'll find in every fashion girl's collection.

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Senior Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.