Think ’chunky gold chain necklaces’ and what do you envision? Cool, fashion brands like Foundrae or Khaite? Or Mr. T?
Until recently I’m unashamed to say that I fell into the Mr T camp. And I didn’t even grow up watching The A-Team (it was actually before my time, which I’m finding myself able to say less and less these days).
And yet there’s plenty of fashion appeal in a chunky gold necklace.
Without one, a white T-shirt and jeans can look borderline sloppy; add one with different sized links like this piece by New York designer Laura Lombardi and you’ve got instant cool-girl style.
Mesh stitch polo, Oroton, $299; Chain necklace, Arms of Eve, $110.
Where before, gold necklaces were limited to delicate chains — what kind of pendant you chose was the main decision you had to make – it’s refreshing to see even fine jewellery brands embracing chunkier, heftier chains. Blame it on street style (a tiny necklace just isn’t visible by a pap across the street), blame it on social (the flashier, the more thumb-stopping, right?); either way, we’re glad.
And we hate to say it, but size really does matter. As does length. Go too big and long with a chain necklace and you run the risk of channeling Method Man. Instead, look for a style that rests nicely in that little cradle formed by your clavicle; longer lengths should hang no lower than two inches from there.
As for styling, balance is key. Chunky chain necklaces can toughen up an otherwise ultra-feminine outfit or be layered with other necklaces for an edgier, evening-ready look. If the very idea of all those chains that will inevitably need to be untwisted already has you balking, consider a piece like this one instead, which basically does the work for you.
Left: Knit, Jac + Jack, similar here; Chain, Alkina, $44,500. Right: Tee, Em On Holiday, $85; Long chain, Holly Ryan, $900; Short chain, Holly Ryan, $920.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different textures, too: this slinky piece reminds me of something I might have found in my mother’s jewellery drawer in the ‘80s, but layer it with this choker and finish with a pearly number and voila! A look that’s nothing if not modern – and in no way something Mr. T (or anyone from The A-Team) would wear.
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