As a teenager, I used to collect waist belts and statement necklaces. Why? Because in the mid ‘00s, no outfit was complete without them. I wouldn’t even consider leaving the house without accessorizing my outfit to its maximum potential. With no such thing as being OTT, I of course had matching bangles, big hoop earrings and supersized rings to go with said statement necklace. And now in my 30s, I can’t believe I’ve put my much-loved classic chain necklace and subtle hoop earrings on hold to embrace bold pendants once again. While I’ll keep the waist belt firmly in 2007, I'm fully on-board with the return of cord necklaces. And once you see all the ways to style them, I'm sure you will be, too.
Spotted all over the runways forspring/summer 2025at the likes of Tom Ford and Gabriela Hearst, the style that originally dominated outfits in the ‘90s happens to sit on a happy middle ground between the statement necklaces I once wore, and my style now. And whether you describe yourself as a minimalist or a maximalist, I guarantee you’ll want to wear one of these pendants for summer.
Nnenna Echem shows how a simply black resin style can add that little something extra to a monochromatic look. And I love how she's gone matchy-matchy with her black belt, too.
©Instagram/ @ritamontezuma
If you're here for the more-is-more aesthetic, though, then you may want to take tips from Rita Montezuma who's giving a hint ofsardine girl summer with this big gold fish pendantiteration. Just how I lovered sandals right now, I'm all for the red cord on this fun style.
And if you want to make sure that the cord necklace is the outfit, then do a Dawn Tan and go for a simple white midi dress, black sandals and complete the simple-yet-chic look with a long tassel pendant. Guaranteed to gain compliments as soon as you wear them, the cord necklace is back and it's bigger than ever for 2025.
Ready to shop for your own? Luckily everyone from Missoma and Monica Vinader, to high street heroes & Other Stories and Massimo Dutti has versions to suit all styles and budgets. I've just bought the Lucy Williams silver and burgundy style so no doubt my necklace collecting habit from my teens is about to begin once again.
Shop: The Best Cord Necklaces
www.missoma.com
Missoma has so many cord necklaces right now – my favourite? This sterling silver pendant on burgundy cord. Adjustable as a long, mid-length or even a choker necklace, no doubt you'll be adding this to all your bikinis on vacay.
www.massimodutti.com
This one feels super nostalgic – the wooden pendant and tassel looks like it could have been a gem found in a vintage store. But it's actually hot off the high street from Massimo Dutti so everyone can get their hands on it.
www.stories.com
Now, this one feels fresh for 2025, doesn't it? The two tone rope cord gives a new spin to the typical '90s style black or brown cord necklaces we're seeing a lot of. Both minimalists and maximalists will be able to enjoy this one as a subtle addition to summer looks, or layered with beaded iterations.
www.libertylondon.com
Unless you've been hiding under a rock, you'll know seashell jewelleryis huge for summer 2025. Tick off two trends in one with this cute shell cord necklace and add it to cotton dresses, shorts and a vest or swimwear. Basically, wear it at all times from now on.
www.monicavinader.com
Much-loved jewellery brand Monica Vinader wants us all to get creative, and I'm ready to take on the challenge. You can shop the cord for £20 and then pick and choose the pendants you add – from this cute pearl drop to lockets and gemstones. Too cute.
linesandcurrent.com
In sterling silver or 18k gold plated brass, this swirl cord necklace is one that'll last longer than typical fashion jewellery. We love how you can adjust the cord to wear it as a long pendant (as seen on the runway at Tom Ford) or as a shorter style. So so chic.
If more-is-more is your motto this season then you'll want to take style notes from Asos. This supersize style is taking us back to the days when a night out look wasn't complete without a statement necklace and a waist belt.