I Hate to Break It to You, But Dainty Jewelry Is Losing Ground to This Daring Trend

Controversial statement coming in three, two, one… chunky jewelry is on its comeback tour. Before you close out the tab in utter grief, let us explain: statement jewelry has had a big presence (quite literally) in recent runway collections. Although the influx of chunkier pieces might have seemingly come out of the right field, especially considering the current cultural obsession with quiet luxury, it's not really all that surprising if you look at it from a wider lens. Duality is often the driving force behind every trend in fashion. Therefore, it only makes sense that as many people have been inspired to adopt minimalist aesthetics, they've looked for other ways to fill the gap in their wardrobes—hence, the appeal of statement jewelry. Of course, this jewelry trend didn't become a thing overnight; it's something that's slowly been building over the past few seasons.

One of the first examples of daintier pieces beginning to head ground to this trend can be directly traced to the revival of '80s-inspired earrings in the runway collections of Saint Laurent, Chanel, and Ferragamo. Since then, we've seen a trickle-down effect, as countless other runway shows have become inundated with every type of statement jewelry imaginable. Oversized rings? Stacked to the brim. Chunky ear cuffs? They're everywhere. Big 'ole bangles? We're basically stuck in cuffing season. Love or hate it, there's no denying that big jewelry is officially back. But if you're still in denial about dainty pieces being on the back burner (for now), let us pull the receipts. We've compiled examples of the chunky jewelry trend in the recent S/S 25 collections and the real world. Plus, we've curated a selection of the best statement pieces to purchase for spring. Even if you're a dainty jewelry devotee, you might find a statement piece ahead that can change your mind.

On the Runway

WHAT: Saint Laurent S/S 25

Styling notes: Continuing previous collection themes, Saint Laurent's spring show included a plethora of chunkier pieces that were styled in creative ways. From extra-long beaded necklaces layered over printed blouses to oversized cuff bracelets peeking out of the cuffs of leather coats, the show proved that statement pieces can be approachable (if appropriately styled).

WHAT: Sportmax S/S 25

Styling notes: Saint Laurent wasn't the only show that embraced statement jewelry; Sportmax did, too. With their spring collection, we saw streamlined silhouettes given a splashy twist with silver and gold cuffs stacked to the brim.

WHAT: Tibi S/S 25

Styling notes: Even Tibi's spring show took the same methodical approach to making staples feel more tailored to the individual through statement jewelry. For example, the white button-down shirt was made a bit more unique by adding a chunky lariat necklace styled in a bolero-tie-esque way with matching chunky hoops.

WHAT: Dries Van Noten S/S 25

Styling notes: If any spring collection showed that bigger jewelry is, in fact, better, it was Dries Van Noten's runway show. While the collection was brimming with over-the-top maximalist design details, the jewelry truly shined—from the oversized rings to the embellished bangles to the extra-long dangly earrings.

WHAT: Gucci S/S 25

Styling notes: While some runway shows leaned fully into the tenants of maximalism, Gucci was about finding the middle ground between the two dueling aesthetics. That approach was embodied most adeptly through clean-cut silhouettes, such as a sleek white gown, which was given a 'little something extra by adding chunky collars and stacked cuff bracelets. It was a reminder that statement jewelry could be effortlessly incorporated into anyone's wardrobe (no matter their sartorial tastes).

WHAT: Rokh S/S 25

Styling notes: The delicate balance between maximalism and minimalism wasn't the only example of polarity in spring collections. In Rokh's runway show, ultra-feminine tailoring was given a more "masculine" spin by adding large silver chains, anatomical ear cuffs, and stacked ear climbers. By embracing chunkier jewelry, each look was made all the more compelling.

In the Wild

WEAR: Black Turtleneck + Printed Pencil Skirt + Black Frame Bag + Resin Bangle + Resin Ring

Styling notes: It's not just recent runway collections that have adapted the chunky jewelry trend, as we've seen the fashion crowd wearing it out in the wild, too. But the primary difference between versions of this trend from the past versus now is that it's tamer in styling overall—e.g., rather than leaning fully into maximalism, tailored pieces are pulled together with chunky resin pieces, as shown above.

WEAR: Black Blazer + Black Turtleneck + Silver Ear Cuffs + Silver Threader Earrings

Styling notes: If you're the type of person who lives in all-black basically all year, the easiest way to break up your looks is with a bold ear-stacking moment (as shown above).

WEAR: Black Blazer + White Button-Down + Black Trousers + White Barrel Bag + Chunky Beaded Necklace + Chunky Gold Ring

Styling notes: Whether or not you work in an office setting, when you want your staples to feel less corporate, consider adding a chunky beaded necklace. It's the perfect way to naturally draw attention to well-tailored suiting separates.

WEAR: White Halter Dress + Snakeskin Clutch Bag + Stacked Chunky Gold Cuff Bracelets

Styling notes: The simple satin dress in the back of your closet can be transformed into a sophisticated going-out look when styled with a few stacked cuff bracelets and a snakeskin clutch bag.

WEAR: Two-Tone Chunky Ear Cuffs + White Blazer + White Button-Down + White T-Shirt + Black Tote Bag + Black Trousers

Styling notes: One of the easiest ways to add visual intrigue to your tried-and-true staples is to mix and match metals with your jewelry. However, if you're unsure how to pair gold and silver pieces, start small by pairing mismatched ear cuffs together (as shown above).

WEAR: Chocolate Brown T-shirt + Matching Relaxed Trousers + White Shoulder Bag + Two-Tone Resin Bangles

Styling notes: When your staples are feeling a little stale, consider using colorful statement accessories as a way to give them a fresh spin. For example, you can make your classic neutral-toned t-shirt and trousers more visually dynamic with the addition of two-tone chunky resin bangles that color palette perfectly.

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