Accessories are one of the easiest ways to refresh your wardrobe without overthinking it. Lately I’ve been getting questions from readers who are editing their closets and wondering which jewelry and handbags still feel current. It can be especially challenging when you’ve accumulated pieces over the years without doing much editing — because, let’s face it, jewelry always fits.
5 Wearable Jewelry & Accessory Updates
These are the small updates I’m seeing everywhere right now that feel wearable and easy to mix into what you already own.
1. Sculptural Pieces
Jewelry is getting a more modern, sculptural update. Think soft curves, organic shapes, dome finishes, and slightly thicker profiles. This shows up in earrings, rings, and bracelets (especially cuffs) — sometimes as one noticeable statement piece, other times as a layered look made up of fewer, bolder pieces. I’m also seeing a lot of mixed metal options, which is an easy way to pull a look together.
Along these same lines, I’m noticing heart jewelry everywhere right now, but in an elevated, sculptural way. Instead of sweet or novelty styles, the hearts feel modern and substantial. Jenny Bird just launched their Love Collection right in time for Valentine’s Day, featuring sculptural heart motifs across necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, which makes it an easy way to tap into two trends at once.
Art Heart On A String Necklace & Puffy Heart Threader Earrings c/o Jenny Bird
2. Chunky Layered Necklaces & Interchangeable Charms
Layering isn’t going anywhere — it’s just getting a little bolder. Instead of lots of ultra-delicate chains, we’re seeing thicker links, meaningful pendants, interchangeable charms, and colorful beaded pieces that add personality without feeling fussy.
Beads are showing up in more refined ways — think larger-scale stones, glass, or resin in wearable color combinations, styled simply so they feel polished rather than novelty. This works especially well with tees, sweaters, and casual outfits because it adds interest and color without feeling dressy or overdone.
3. Polished Belts with Statement Hardware
Belts are having a moment again, but in a polished, hardware-forward way. Think smooth leather with a noticeable buckle — shiny finishes, sculptural shapes, and double or triple-bar buckles — that act almost like jewelry for your waist. It’s an easy way to add interest to jeans and trousers without changing the whole outfit.
4. Trapeze-Style Handbags
Handbag trends tend to swing back and forth between slouchy and structured, which can feel frustrating when you want a bag to last more than a season. One shape I’m seeing everywhere right now — and really love for its versatility — is the trapeze silhouette. The sides can fold in for a more refined look or flare out for a relaxed feel, making it easy to dress up or down. It’s structured without being stiff, and that adaptability gives it real staying power.
5. Sleek Scarves, Styled in Fresh Ways
We’re not talking about the giant blanket scarf here. The scarves trending now are sleeker and lighter, which feels modern and very travel-friendly. Silk squares, narrow oblong scarves, and lightweight wraps are replacing bulky knits. They add interest without volume and transition easily between seasons.
I’m also seeing scarves styled in more unexpected ways — worn as a belt, draped over the shoulders and secured with a brooch, or tied at the neck with casual pieces like tees and tanks instead of dressier looks. It’s an easy way to add personality without adding bulk.
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13 Responses
To the second trend, I’ve heard the chunky, layered necklace look described as a “neck mess”. LOL! Anyhow, all of these are just “a little too much” for my style. That said, I have started mixing metals in jewelry. I wear predominantly yellow gold (I have warm toned skin), but sometimes with a little white gold or sterling thrown in.
I’m embracing the scarf trend! Not too often because it doesn’t always feel right. I do prefer a scarf that is lightweight and drapey or pliable, so I steer away from cotton which has more structure.
A note in a recent change to my reader experience… there’s still so many pop ups, but the most recent addition of asking to subscribe comes back after every link I click on. It’s frustrating.
Me too on pop up and subscribing.
Love the new accessories trend. I’m an accessories gal, always have been.
I have the Jenny Bird heart necklace with a chunky chain. I think it’s been discontinued and now it’s on a rope (not a look I like). I layer mine with another shorter chain. Too many chunky chains or beads looks heavy to my eye.
Love the new look in belts. I don’t carry a big purse anymore due to a shoulder injury. I’m sticking to smaller bags. And, I’m going to skip the small scarf trend. I just don’t like anything tight around my neck and can’t be bothered with tying one on a bag.
I guess I’ll have to be out of style. Oh no!
I am not thrilled to have chunky jewelry and giant handbags become the new trend. I feel like daintier jewelry (especially necklaces) are so much easier to wear and look more feminine. Plus I can’t help but imagine how hot those chunky necklaces will feel when I am dying in the high humidity of our summers. I do love the mixed metals look and I’m glad to see more brands creating these versatile pieces. And some of the sculptural jewelry appeals to me (just not the enormous pieces! lol). Thanks for the update!
I love the chunky necklaces so so much but I think the bubble necklaces of yore broke me or something because my neck now gets so sore and tired wearing something heavy! 😭😭😭😭😭
I love all this jewelry. I always think if you keep your jewelry it will come back in style sooner or later. I have lots of heart necklaces. Sometimes you just need a new chain.
I’m into the scarves. I bought a similar belt with the hardware at Target last week. I like the sculpture jewelry too. I’m surprised you didn’t mention brooches because I keep hearing about them on YouTube. I kept a couple of sculptured ones from several years ago.
Terri, I agree about the pins/brooches! I have always loved the look of a pin on a denim jacket or blazer. Some of my favorites were found at thrift shops or handed down from my sweet MIL. I love when jewelry is personal and tells a story, they always make me smile 🙂
Thank You for doing this post…so helpful. I have chunky, beaded, mixed and fine jewelry so plenty of options to choose from. Not keen on the large handbags as I don’t have that MUCH stuff to put in a handbag these days.
I remember when everyone had cool pins/brooches on their jean jackets–I had some cute ones–but honestly I don’t see this trend coming back anytime soon. I really like the Brown beads necklace shown in the picture–but all the links lead to other colored beads. Any idea where the brown can be found?
I am also getting the popups and asking to subscribe. Getting hard to read through your posts due to this.