This summer’s biggest trend, quite literally, is chunky jewelry. Unlike most seasonal trends, this one is not going anywhere anytime soon. Once you fall for chunky jewelry, it quietly becomes part of your personal style, to the point where people can’t imagine you without it.
No one embraced the spirit of chunky jewelry quite like the late, great fashion icon Iris Apfel. Long before oversized bangles and sculptural necklaces took over the fashion world, she built an unforgettable personal style around maximalist jewelry. Her bold accessories became a reflection of her fearless personality, making it almost impossible to picture her without them. And from what we’re seeing now, maybe we’re all channeling our inner Iris Apfel this summer.
Whether it’s a beach day, a city stroll, dinner plans, or a night out, chunky jewelry belongs everywhere. After all, an accessory is the finishing touch that can completely transform any outfit.
Although the chunky jewelry trend can be traced back to the 2010s, fashion has been moving in this direction again over the past few years. Schiaparelli was among the first to bring statement jewelry back into the spotlight in 2023 with its surrealist accessories. And as maximalism gradually made its way from the runway into everyday wardrobes, surrealist jewelry evolved into something far more wearable.
This change became even more visible on the latest runways, with Sarah Burton’s debut Givenchy SS26 collection showcasing oversized necklaces and statement earrings, while Zimmermann’s SS26 collection featured sculptural jewelry alongside its romantic summer aesthetic.
This summer, the bigger the better. Less layering of dainty pieces, and more styling with larger accessories. Sometimes, all it takes is one great find to become the centerpiece of your wardrobe. My go-to summer outfit formula starts with a white tank top, relaxed linen trousers, oversized sunglasses, kitten heel mules, and as much chunky jewelry as I can get. Colorful resin bangles, sculptural earrings, and playful shapes always work together. The only rule I stick to is keeping each jewelry category consistent: silver with silver, resin with resin. Another key element is to let just one jewelry category do the talking.
During the day, style a sheer cape top with denim shorts, flip-flops, and oversized resin bangles for an effortless summer look. For evenings, pair a simple midi summer dress with sculptural gold earrings, chunky gold rings, and strappy heels. For me, everything else in your outfit can change, but a great chunky ring stack can remain your signature finishing touch. The trick is this: chunky rings are the ultimate day-to-night jewelry, and, sometimes, even piece you’ll wear for a lifetime, like Dua Lipa’s chunky engagement ring, which has quickly become one of the most talked-about jewelry pieces of the year.
In the summer, chunky jewelry can take the form of an abstract shape, like fruit, flowers, or seashells. Pair oversized shell earrings with a monochrome matching set for an effortless vacation look, or let a stack of colorful resin bangles elevate a simple white sundress. One of my personal favorites in my jewelry drawer is a pair of oversized cherry earrings, which I happily wear with everything from a white tank and denim shorts to a simple midi dress. Whichever way you choose to style it, chunky jewelry is the perfect trend to express yourself and be as loud as you want, like Apfel proudly did.
And when fall arrives, Valentino’s FW26 collection proves that oversized jewelry also works just as well layered over knitwear and tailored coats. You can also layer thick bracelets over fitted long-sleeve tops and style oversized chokers over turtlenecks. Voilà , you’re ready to take this “summer” trend into the cooler months.
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