The Chicest Jewels To Wear With A ’90s Bandeau
A bandeau neckline allows gleaming gold, diamonds and colored gemstones to take center stage. Here are our tips on how to style a strapless look with everything from delicate, understated designs to standout statement jewels. By CHARLIE BOYD
Choose a statement choker
The SS24 runway collections signaled that if you’re not wearing a chunky chain necklace this season, you should be wearing a choker. A strapless dress such as Frame’s stretch-knit maxi design is the perfect companion to any statement choker – bare shoulders and a low, straight neckline offer plenty of space for a striking piece to stand out. Try a floral style that harks back to Y2K rosettes – Saint Laurent’s chiffon and cord choker is adorned with ruffled blooms and is available in either cream or black. The floral theme continues with Marni’s gold-tone torque choker – pair it with a strapless top and jeans for smart-casual insouciance, or an LBD by Maygel Coronel for after-dark dressing.
MAYGEL CORONEL+ NET SUSTAIN Sinú strapless draped ruched stretch-jersey mini dress$146.00View Product DetailsSelect a SizePetite - out of stockOne Size - out of stockExtended - out of stock
MARNIGold-tone choker
FRAMEStrapless stretch-knit maxi dress$189.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizexx small - out of stockx small - out of stocksmall - out of stockmedium - out of stocklarge - out of stockx large - out of stock
KHAITEJericho strapless ribbed-knit top$345.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizex small - out of stocksmall - out of stockmedium - out of stocklarge - low stockx large - low stock
Find the perfect pair of hoop earrings
Hoop earrings never go out of fashion but, this season, there are some styles that feel especially on-trend: chunky silver styles and extra-large designs are back, big time. Pair silver-hued hoops by Khaite, Isabel Marant and Laura Lombardi with a bandeau by Mônot or Pucci for a ’90s or 2000s feel. Alternatively, opt for smaller huggies that can be layered up the ear to avoid any hoop droop. If you’re planning to escape for some sunshine, a classic pair of hoop earrings will go perfectly with a bandeau swimsuit – Gemella’s ‘Double Bubble’ and Melissa Kaye’s ‘Lulu’ designs are ultra-precious pieces that will scintillate by the pool.
LAURA LOMBARDI+ NET SUSTAIN Cusp platinum-plated recycled hoop earrings
GEMELLADouble Bubble 18-karat gold diamond single hoop earring
MELISSA KAYELulu medium 18-karat gold diamond hoop earrings
Try whisker-fine chains
Just because a bandeau makes your décolletage the focal point, doesn’t mean you have to stick to chunky, commanding jewels. A delicate arrangement of fine chains and pendants can be just as impactful, but be careful to choose varying lengths to ensure an equal spread of sparkle across the chest – and no nasty tangles. Stone and Strand’s elegant ‘Twinkle’ choker is a great starting point that will pair perfectly with a fine chain, such as Yvonne Léon’s 8-karat mixed-metals style. If you need a piece that does all the hard work for you, then try Marla Aaron’s double strand necklace – simply fasten the clasp and you have a ready-made #neckmess in seconds. Pair with stretchy strapless tops by A.L.C., Wardrobe.NYC and Gauge81.
MARLA AARON14 and 18-karat gold necklace
TIBIStrapless ruched stretch-jersey midi dress$240.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size0 - out of stock2 - out of stock4 - out of stock6 - out of stock8 - out of stock10 - out of stock12 - out of stock14 - out of stock
STONE AND STRANDDisco 10-karat gold diamond necklace
WARDROBE.NYCStrapless cropped stretch-jersey top$89.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizexx small - out of stockx small - out of stocksmall - out of stockmedium - out of stocklarge - out of stockx large - out of stock
Pick a pair of ultra-long earrings
Shoulder-skimming earrings should be a go-to accessory when working out what to wear with a ’90s bandeau. While a collared shirt or tee might snag on long earrings, strapless styles allow them to swing and sashay unhindered. Chunky yellow gold designs – such as David Yurman’s 18-karat gold ‘DY Mercer’ style – will elevate a simple black bandeau like Anine Bing’s ‘Halle’ bustier top. Meanwhile, lovers of understated, elevated jewels will appreciate how Anita Ko’s simple streams of diamonds effortlessly complement a white jumpsuit – try pairing them with Alex Perry’s ‘Hayden’ draped crepe design. A long silhouette also allows for supersized stones – consider Shay’s ‘Portrait’ design, featuring large blue topaz and agate.
DAVID YURMANDY Mercer™ 18-karat gold diamond earrings
ANITA KOOlive 18-karat gold diamond earrings
ALEX PERRYHayden strapless draped crepe jumpsuit$629.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size4 - out of stock6 - out of stock8 - out of stock10 - out of stock12 - out of stock14 - out of stock1618 - out of stock
Opt for modern pearls
Pearls illuminate the skin in a very different way to diamonds; they exude a natural glow, rather than an intense sparkle. A bandeau allows pearls to do what they do best – placing them upon the collarbone will light up your complexion. Choker-length necklaces by Pacheree, Mizuki and Mateo will chime perfectly with sleek, strapless evening gowns by Rick Owens, Christopher Esber and Michael Lo Sordo; while Sophie Bille Brahe’s ‘Colonna Grande’ pearl earrings are a sensational style that belong with Safiyaa’s strapless crepe jumpsuit.
MATEO14-karat gold pearl necklace
MICHAEL LO SORDOStrapless velvet and mesh maxi dress$302.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size4 - out of stock6 - out of stock8 - out of stock10 - out of stock12 - out of stock14 - out of stock
MIZUKI14-karat gold pearl necklace
SOPHIE BILLE BRAHEColonna Grande 14-karat recycled gold pearl earrings
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