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 Matthieu 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 to create an unexpectedly cool contrast.

  • LUCY DELIUS
    14-karat gold pearl beaded necklace
    $2,345.00
  • KHAITE
    Keefe silver-toned resin earrings
    $970.00
  • LIZZIE FORTUNATO
    Souvenir gold-plated multi-stone beaded necklace
    $535.00
  • LE SUNDIAL
    Venice Opera tasseled sterling silver bronzite earrings
    $980.00

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.

  • LE SUNDIAL
    Venice Opera tasseled sterling silver amerthyst necklace
    $1,310.00
  • MARISA KLASS
    18-karat gold, aquamarine and leather necklace
    $3,275.00
  • LIÉ STUDIO
    The Lola sterling silver aventurine earrings
    $345.00
  • YSSO
    Helen gold-plated lapis lazuli necklace
    $955.00

Another piece that works beautifully from dawn to dusk is Marisa Klass’s necklace made up of five semi-precious stones. Available at NET-A-PORTER for a limited time, it’s strung with a cluster of planet-like orbs, including moss agate, carnelian and chiastolite – a stunning piece that adds a sense of playfulness and tactility.

A statement beaded necklace effortlessly elevates eveningwear, as seen on recent PORTER cover star Penélope Cruz at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, when she paired hers with a chic black-and-white dress and sleek sunglasses,

If, however, earrings are more your speed, Lié Studio’s ‘Lola’ pair, detailed with pretty aventurine drops, 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 Ileana Makri’s necklace in vibrant turquoise and garnet.

  • LIZZIE FORTUNATO
    Neptune gold-plated multi-stone necklace
    $625.00
  • TOHUM
    Evil Eye gold-plated, seashell and ceramic necklace
    $740.00
  • ILEANA MAKRI
    18-karat white gold, turquoise, garnet and diamond necklace
    $8,740.00
  • JULIETTA
    Rhodium-plated jasper necklace
    $300.00
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 follow actor Greta Lee’s lead with a glittering blue top. 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.

  • JIA JIA
    Gold multi-stone necklace
    $3,840.00
  • ANANYA
    Chakra 18-karat white gold multi-stone bracelet
    $6,170.00
    Select a Size
    15 - out of stock
    16
    17 - low stock
  • MARLA AARON
    Itty Bitty Strand + Babylock 14-karat gold agate necklace
    $1,610.00
  • TOTEME
    Drop gold-plated jade earrings
    $590.00

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