You wouldn’t believe what’s coming back in the fashion world today! 2023 has been a rollercoaster of accessory trends, from body chains to colorful bangles. Among those, there have been some seriously chunky jewelry. Brace yourself for some seriously in-your-face bling!
If you stick with me, you can learn why you want to start keeping some chunky jewelry on your hand, on your neck, and your ears.
What Makes Chunky Jewelry Unique?
People these days are yearning for jewelry that makes a statement. Gone are the days of delicate and subtle accessories. No, sir! Now we’re all about making our presence known from across the room. Who needs a megaphone when you can wear a chunky necklace?
While it does dominate the outfit, it also personalizes it and makes a bold statement on behalf of the wearer. It’s a visual representation of their personality and attitude.
Minimalism vs. maximalism – an ongoing shift
Minimalism, in simple terms, is the practice of avoiding unnecessary things and embracing the simplicity of things. This has begun to rise in personal aesthetics and interior design. Maximalism adopts the exact opposite, hence the name. It’s an aesthetic that overindulges in the plethora of what is.
Millennials have adopted minimalism into their cultural foreground in the past decade. However, Gen Z has proceeded to lean into maximalism in retaliation. Endorsing “more is more” is embracing eccentricity, expressivity, and individualism. These changes are reflected in the attire they sport.
Materials Used in Chunky Jewelry
Chunky jewelry is as versatile as a yummy bowl of pasta: it can be made of or through almost anything. The only requirement is it is considerably large. Most notably, chunky jewelry follows the Y2K aesthetic, bought in gold and silver, adding the desired shine. It can also be made of plastic, steel, or any gemstone variant.
Styles and Designs of Chunky Jewelry
These styles are all about embracing your unique fashion sense and exuding confidence. You’ll find classic statement necklaces that instantly transform any outfit, trendy chain-link necklaces that catch everyone’s eye, and bangle bracelets that demand attention. Remember chunky rings, showcasing intricate designs and large gemstones, making a bold statement with every twist of the ring.
[insert collage of chunky jewelry]
Choosing the Right Style of Chunky Jewelry
‘But how should I choose the right piece of jewelry for me?’ It may be a question on your mind; don’t worry. We can go through everything to consider.
- Your Style: Decide on a piece that completes your outfit. Don’t be afraid to be expressive or commit to it! To put into imagery, different styles, like the 90s-throwback-fashion we’ve been seeing a lot of, punk clothing with dangly chain necklaces, and the hippie catalog with colossal gemstones all incorporate some form of stocky accessories.
- The Occasion: The jewelry adorning your frame should match the experience for which you’re dressed. Don’t show up in Prada to a Costco! Think about how you dress differently for casual evenings versus formal outings. Do you need a modest fit? Or are you looking for a striking statement piece?
- How it Complements Your Body: The correct jewelry flatters your frame! It doesn’t overshadow it. Everyone is different, so what may suit you may not fit your friend and vice versa. Whatever it may be, the accessory should befit the wearer.
Lastly, be sure to experiment! You only know what you like best. Try on different sizes and styles to see what suits you best. Don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone and explore everything.
Incorporating Chunky Jewelry into Your Style
The first and foremost rule of fashion is color coordination! When choosing the correct jewel to add to your outfit, make sure it directly complements or contrasts with your outfit! You don’t want to show up to the function with a mismatched color scheme!
Tip: Look at the color wheel to find complementary colors for the accessories you want to try on! Silver goes exceptionally well with shades ranging from sea blue to turquoise green and emerald. Gold, conversely, complements warmer and richer colors like dark brown, black, and grey, as well as neutral shades like olive green, tan, and beige.
Styling them doesn’t have to be too complex! They can elevate a casual outfit or perfect an already formal one. Pair it with a simple t-shirt and jeans for a chic daytime look, or use it to accessorize a little black dress for a black-tie event.
Mixing Chunky Jewelry with Other Jewelry
Layering, an age-old concept, is brought back with a 21st-century twist. Rihanna, fashion icon and R&B singer turned business mogul, topped off her 2023 Met Gala look with extensive jewelry layering. She and many other notable figures showed off dozens of tiny necklaces overlapping along their necklines. This could mark the rise of an old fad returning to popularity.
Layering jewelry is like baking a cake, layer-by-layer, with each piece telling its story or having its flavor. It’s the pinnacle of self-expression, an artistic voyage where necklaces intertwine, bracelets stack up like glorious stacks of currency in a vault, and rings create a symphony of bling on your fingers.
One such variant of layering is combining a chunkier piece of jewelry with a more delicate one. Remixing the different textures and characteristics of necklaces, bracelets, and rings creates an intricate and unique design evoked in the depth of its essence.
Gender and Chunky Jewelry
Chunky jewelry isn’t restricted to a single gender. These ornate pieces can be seen on the necks, wrists, and ears of everyone—an impressive display of unity and self-expression through chunky apparel.
The designs of the more recent creations are androgynous, floating the line between masculine and feminine, defying traditional norms and embracing the diversity of 21st-century fashion. Pendants are being worn unisex, without distinction. The same goes for rings donned on fingers and bracelets slipped on the wrist. The wearers’ gender identity has no influence anymore; it is solely personal preference.
Bling It On
How big are the necklaces you wear day-to-day? Are they big enough? Bold enough? Do they stop everyone in their tracks to admire your poise? If not, you should invest in some certified-heavy bling. It should be big enough to dissuade you from needing to hit the gym out of sheer functionality!
Start your own chunky jewelry collection with Shop LC.