Odds are if you attended summer camp as a kid, you spent some time at the craft table stringing together beaded bracelets or necklaces to swap with your friends and bring home as a souvenir. But, while canoeing and capture the flag may be officially things of the past, playful beaded jewelry is just as fun in adult life as it is in childhood. While there are plenty of colorful, quirky options reminiscent of what you may have DIY’d decades ago, chunky strands of pearls and precious stones also offer a more luxurious take on the trend. Even minimalists can find a beaded style befitting their aesthetic via all-gold iterations or simple strands of citrine or turquoise.
Fittingly, there’s no better season than summer to show off this youthful jewelry trend—and not just because it’s when school’s out of session. Bold seasonal trends like colorful matching sets and crochet bags align with the lighthearted attitude of the necklaces, earrings, and even anklets ahead. Style with denim cutoffs and a vintage tee for a cool ensemble, or add a touch of fun to a formal dress with a pop of color. Shop 24 stylish options for leaning into the beaded-jewelry trend, no crafting required.
The Beaded Necklace
To give beaded jewelry a more sophisticated twist, it’s all about the styling. Try pairing these fun necklaces with a sleek black slip dress for an evening out. Susan Alexandra’s Happy Hour necklace is especially well suited to a post-work spritz.
The Beaded Earring
Swap out your usual studs or metal hoops for something a bit more playful. These colorful beaded options are ideal for styling with a floaty white top. Pull your hair back to show them off.
The Beaded Bracelet
Honor your friendship-bracelet roots with an upgraded iteration of the classic. Of-the-moment labels like Bea Bongiasca are creating designs that have a youthful bent but still feel so sophisticated.
The Beaded Anklet
Anklets are an underrated jewelry option, but no longer. Dress up a favorite pair of sandals with a colorful beaded style.
