College Cool: A Fresh Pick List of Back-To-School Jewelry
With the semester off to a new start, jewelry is back to being a “class act” when it comes to looking the part. Wearable wisdom as we like to call it, from textbook classics to studied trends, here’s a look at the back-to-school forecast for the burgeoning jewelry term.
Hardware
Thanks to the rise of chunky silhouettes, gender-free industrial jewelry is turning heads and how. Straight from the runways to our style folders, handle heavy hardware with inspo notes from the top shelf of a fixture store (safety pins, padlocks, keys), effortlessly nails down a fluid but statement vibe in your jewelry box. Refreshing and mysterious as the uber unconventional accessory, streetwear style staples feat edgy heavy metal chains, iced-out nail bracelets, rings and sleek handcuffs are now enjoying mainstream cult status. Existing in an aesthetic universe all its own – this XL style statement characterised by industrial elements and clunked up jewels configures among the tentpole pieces to pull from your back-college-bling stash for a varsity style that is copy-worthy.
Pinterest @kay80littlelady
Charms
Re-triggering a recent interest in playful styles, a fistful of charming baubles can personalise any look with a sense of eclecticism. From minimalist to maximalist, charms make for the perfect transitional pieces that work from day to night or date to party. Cool, customisable and catchy, charms are great for building bespoke jewelry looks that incorporate the wearer’s individuality. Detachable coins, lobster clasps, lettered initials or zodiac symbols all work their “charm” for the perfect insta photo op.
For starters, curate a balanced blend for daily mix and match. Go bold at the beginning with pre-stacked pieces for anchoring options that look solid. Fit in some delicate elements for a stylised graze that can go from classroom to club with effortless tinkering.
Enamel Jewelry
Hella fresh and oh so pretty, the colourful glow of this joyful jewelry trend is just irresistible. Opt for the high-glam road by stacking enamelled pieces in unusual colours for an arresting effect. When it comes to enamel, luxe pieces are the better option as they look well made and well finished up close or afar because the devil truly is in the details.
Whether you like your inlays with pavé stones, food shapes, funky anime characters or initialled – add pops of colour to your go-to-grind. Think dramatic colourways and cutesy styles that elevate any look, from band t-shirts, shoegaze sneakers to baggy bottoms sprawled against the sandwich guy’s graffitied walls.
Source: Pinterest @ghaghashvili
Source: Instagram @imentalbi03
Anklets
Nothing spells whimsy like the feminine and tactile anklet. A jewelry trend that’s definitely going to blow up everywhere, take a style swing with the free-spirited ankle-stack that can be piled with chain links or charms in equal measure. Whether you wanna play footsie in simple, femme chains or go for the home run in high-voltage shine, there’s something uber nostalgic and suppa flirty about the humble anklet.
Silver
Silver jewelry is having its long-overdue moment and there’s no better closet ode to the versatile metal than locking it around your neck, hand or ring stack in a sophomore litany. Whether you feel casual or fancy, add instant polish to your back-to-school fits in signature silver pieces that are trans-seasonal. From neutral finishes to maximalist etching, shop a silver edit for a crisp fit that feels wearable and so effing cool. Do yourself a solid and treat your outfit to a punched-up version. You could even add runway details, like glass beads, seed pearls and enamel charms that can transform a boring staple into Insta bait. Silver tends to complement all skin types making it the perfect core piece for showing off hybrid elements.
You can add storied pieces with iconic luxury tech in two-tone options. Or add a dash of playfulness with a delicate shadow of cool-toned pieces. Go for a more polished ensemble by amping up contrasts with the seaborne pearl or an edgy black diamond.
