I Thought This Jewellery Trend Was Over, But It Suddenly Looks Fresh Again

For the longest time, dainty was the common denominator in the leading jewellery trends. From fine layered necklaces to stacked rings and even chains cascading from the top of your ear to your lobe, delicate jewellery was not only what fashion insiders wore but also what designers and brands exclusively championed. Now, though, things are taking a turn for the maximal, with the latest slew of chunky necklaces proving that bigger is arguably better as far as jewellery is concerned.

You need only glance at the A/W 22 runways to see that chunky necklaces adorned the necks of models showcasing looks from top-tier brands. There were oversized chains at Celine, sizeable torques at 3.1 Phillip Lim and intricate pleated, beaded creations at Stella McCartney. Suffice to say, if you want to make your outfit look cool this season, you probably want to add a jumbo necklace into the mix layered over everything from roll-neck jumpers to tees and styled with more formal pieces such as suiting and shirts.

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(Image credit: @ch.phr8ph)

Make no mistake—chunky necklaces are back. 

The runway is one thing, but what of real life? Well, there's no shortage of pictorial evidence that big neck candy is back on the radar, with countless influencers putting their simple initial pendants to one side in favour of blown-up, beautiful adornments. I like to wear mine for Zoom calls, as they distract other attendees from the fact I've worn the same jumper for five consecutive days. But hey, maybe that's just me? Of course, you can pair yours with any of the aforementioned suggestions, but might I also highlight how great they look with tube dresses, linen shirts, off-the-shoulder necklines, basic vests… Need I go on? 

Have I convinced you that chunky necklaces are once again a thing? Good, as I've found the chicest pieces on the market. Scroll on to see the 18 best chunky necklaces to shop now that will ensure you look on-trend all season long.

Shop the Best Chunky Necklaces

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(Image credit: COURTESY OF CELINE)

Chunky chain necklaces were layered over basic roll-neck tops at Celine. 

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(Image credit: @femmeblk)

Here, Lydia softens her chunky rope chain necklace with a silk camisole top. 

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(Image credit: COURTESY OF STELLA MCCARTNEY)

Use your chunky necklace to give personality to your wardrobe basics.

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(Image credit: @maria_bernad)

Pair your chunky necklaces with strappy or strapless dresses and tops to show them off to their full effect. 

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(Image credit: COURTESY OF 3.1 PHILLIP LIM)

With shirts or vest tops, a chunky necklace can give your look a total overhaul. 

Next Up: These Designer-Looking Handbags Will Fool Anyone Into Thinking They're Expensive

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.