The Fashion Memo

Trending Now: Beaded Jewelry

L-R: Jenny Walton, Greta Lee, Elly McGaw

From single-strand necklaces to stackable bracelets, boho beads are no longer the reserve of beach vacations – they’ll add a free-spirited feel to eveningwear and polished tailoring in the city, too. Read on for this season’s most covetable pieces – and how to wear them now

Words Colleen RossFashion editor Viktorija Tomasevic
Fashion
A beaded necklace adds personal flair to any look – and can elevate chic eveningwear with a showstopping finishing touch, à la Penélope Cruz

All roads lead back to Chanel – or at least they do as far as this season’s beads revival is concerned. Creative director Mattieu Blazy marked his spring/summer 2026 debut for the storied French house with several looks dripping in beaded jewels, ranging from celestial orbs to dainty seed stones that paid homage to founder Coco Chanel’s signature pearls. Celine’s Michael Rider got in on the action, too by layering piles of fine colorful beads over sleek black-and-white tailoring, creating an unexpectedly cool contrast.

The key takeaway from these runway collections is that beads look just as impactful (if not more so) styled with polished workweek separates and evening ensembles as they do with swimwear and breezy cover-ups. Case in point: stylist Elly McGaw, who used Le Sundial’s ‘Venice Opera’ necklace to frame the lapels of a blazer while out in the city recently. Emulate her entire outfit or wear yours as a back necklace so that the tassel drapes along the back of a plunging gown for dressier occasions.

Another piece that works beautifully from dawn to dusk is Carolina Bucci’s ‘Alphabet Downtown’ necklace. Named after the New York City neighborhood, it’s strung with a cacophony of spherical semi-precious stones, including lapis lazuli, rose quartz and tiger’s eye, which not only add a sense of playfulness but tactility, too. If earrings are more your speed, Jil Sander’s agate pair is an effortlessly chic way to elevate everything from crisp button-downs to LBDs.

For an elevated take on boho, look no further than Lizzie Fortunato’s ‘Neptune’ necklace. Exclusive to NET-A-PORTER, it spotlights shell, coral and amazonite beads that evoke the colors and textures of the seashore. Use it to bring a touch of coastal charm to a sleek slip dress. Similarly, Tohum’s ‘Evil Eye’ style – another NET-A-PORTER exclusive – features an eclectic mix of conch shells and characterful charms in vivid shades of blue. It makes enough of a statement on its own, but if you firmly believe in more is more, stack it alongside Ysso’s ‘Helen’ necklace in lapis lazuli, which is also in our NET SUSTAIN edit.

Beads add a laid-back boho vibe to those favorite summer dresses
Be playful with varying lengths (as seen here on fashion consultant Ramya Giangola) and color, like actor Greta Lee, who makes a joyous statement with her glittering blue top and vibrant green necklace

Elsewhere, bring positive energy to everyday looks with styles by Jia Jia and Ananya. Jia Jia’s necklace is crafted using verdant chrysoprase beads believed to promote joy and abundance, whereas Ananya’s ‘Chakra’ bracelet harnesses the metaphysical properties of jade – a symbol of clarity, love and harmony. Complement the vibrant green hues with a white dress or a glittering blue top like actor Greta Lee. Finally, if you prefer something a little more delicate, reach for Marla Aaron’s aptly named ‘Itty Bitty’ necklace threaded with a rainbow of agate beads – a style so charming, you’ll have a hard time stopping at just one.