Spring/Summer 2022 Accessory Trends

Arguably more important than fashion trends are the accessory trends. After all, these are the details that can take a basic outfit from boring to phenomenal. So, if you’ve been wearing the same combination of jeans and a T-shirt as you get lost in the mania that is the current trends, allow us to guide you a bit through the spring/summer 2022 jewelry and accessory trends because, truly, small details are all you need (most of the time).

Minimalism seems to have faded into the past as maximalism is gripping tightly to designers: from intense chokers to jaw-grazing earrings and vibrant stones, the spring 2022 jewelry trends will surely excite you. Likewise, the few accessories included in this article will elevate your outfits and allow you to stay on trend for this spring and summer.

Jewelry

#1. Cuffed and Puffed

A bangle is nice, but if you really want a statement bracelet, only a cuff will do for the spring 2022 jewelry trends! They’re big and dramatic but also elegant, and boy do they make your wrists look dainty.

Similar to the recurrence in our love for gladiator shoes, arm cuffs are an accessory trend that was popular in both the 2000s and the ancient world. Often accenting the biceps, the designs ranged from gilded shapes at Alberta Ferretti and Raf Simons to classic and minimal metal designs at Prada, Fendi, and Mossi. If you really want to play up the look, even in the cold, then simply slip the cuff on over your shirt.

#2. Play with Plastic

If the Balmain x Barbie collection proved anything to the fashion world, it was that exciting, semi-childlike looks would prevail for the spring. This vibrant and childish outlook on life was not a view to be overlooked when glancing upon the spring/summer 2022 fashion trends. Baubles from brands such as Christian Dior, Moschino, and Balenciaga all played up plastic detailing with resin jewelry. Barbie would certainly enjoy this 2000s throwback look!

#3. Sliding into Silver

Gold will never be gone, but after years of reigning as the favored metal among creative directors, it has finally been eclipsed by silver. Perhaps this jewelry trend comes from the soft punk aura of silver, considering the often-coated safety pins and studs that were added to jewelry this season. However, the metal also holds consideration for the more elegant appeal. Therefore, whatever fashion category you may fall into, there will most certainly be an option for you.

The edgier designs, naturally, can be found at Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen, and Salvatore Ferragamo. But if you happen to be on the hunt for an elegant piece that could span generations, then Balenciaga, Givenchy, and Paco Rabanne have got your back.

#4. The Bangles

Not an ode to the ‘80s girl group, but rather another jewelry trend sprouting from the 2000s nostalgia, bangle bracelets are gaining in popularity. Some were crafted to be the only needed accessory, as Oscar de la Renta aptly proved. Of course, other brands couldn’t quite resist the pile-on effect and layered bangles up to the elbow. For inspiration on this style, Sara Battaglia is holding court better than any other brand.

#5. All Choked up

While long necklaces are always beautiful, the high-rise design of chokers was something that proved just how much everyone is reaching for change. Paired with moody outfits, chunky metal chokers or thick chains were pulled tight around the necks at brands from Saint Laurent to Richard Quinn. Just start working your neck out early if you’re interested in Vivienne Westwood’s massive crystal necklace that would put Fabergé to shame.

#6. Larger Than Life Earrings

The gala season might be nearly over, but eveningwear is just waking back up for the spring and summer of 2022. While detailed pieces can be found on all accessories, it was earrings that stood out the most. The elaborate metalwork and embedded jewels sparkling on models’ ears were prominently shown off at Carolina Herrera with golden flowers, and massive crystals sparked interest at Giambattista Valli.

#7. Natural Elements

As talks of the pandemic morphing into an endemic continue, more people are really finding joy in the beauty on earth as they stray away from big cities and large groups. Perhaps because of this, stones and seashells were the additions to jewelry designs at brands from Chloe to Ulla Johnson. In addition, reaching for locally sourced (or made) creations, from turquoise to abalone, would also be an excellent way to stay on-trend while helping your local creatives.

#8. All the Hoops

The minute that hoops go out of style, the world will truly end. This might be a bit of an over-exaggeration, but considering hoop earrings are always a jewelry trend, I questioned whether or not to even include them in this article. However, as you can see, I did. So, if you were at all worried about this earring trend falling out of favor, fear not because hoop earrings were on many runways, from Isabel Marant to Fendi.

#9. Perfect Pearls

Pearls are always dreamy and lovely, adding a luxurious yet delicate touch to any look. For the spring 2022 jewelry trends, they were not only ubiquitous but also versatile, showing in a wide range of different jewelry styles.

If you know me at all, you know my particular adoration of this sea stone. Often brushed aside as an overly stuffy gem, pearls have fallen out of popularity as stones such as howlite have fallen in. This year, though, it seems that the classic airs of the pearl were needed and thus were placed heavily in jewelry at brands from Prabal Gurung to Versace and Vivienne Westwood.

#10. Get in the Chain Game

Thick chains have a lot of power and drama. These industrial jewelry elements have a powerful, scary symbolism that designers have been utilizing for a few seasons in a row (it was actually our top trend last season). However, for spring, we couldn’t help but connect them to the feelings of being trapped during the lockdown.

Chains are crucial to any jewelry, however, this year, it seems that thicker chains are the most important. Heavy interlocking links were played up at Hermes, Valentino, and Givenchy. Of course, chains didn’t only show up as jewelry but also as other accents on items, from shoes to bags and belts. This can be greatly seen at J.W Anderson with detailed chains on his loafers.

#11. Clunky and Chunky

This is a street-style trend to blame social media for, as clay and resin rings have taken over both TikTok and Pinterest. Moschino’s Jeremy Scott flirted with the playful trend of plastic jewelry in his collection. Meanwhile, at Dior, Maria Grazia Chiuri messed around with lucite bubblegum rings that were filled with embellishments. And if you can’t afford these designer jewels, then the media is filled with DIY ideas on creating this trend.

#12. Just a Bit of Pop

One of our favorite spring jewelry trends was colorful gemstones with a bit of a costume jewelry vibe (except, y’know, real). These bold, bright pieces had an eye-catching sheen and color, and we were particularly enamored with the notion of wearing them over our loungewear, like girls at a sleepover playing dress-up.

Vibrant stones are making a pop on the 2022 jewelry trends, with vibrant hues worked into earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. Colorful would be the first word that comes to mind when viewing the Moschino collection, but the bright pastels were child’s play to some of the other heavily saturated hues that made their way into jewelry. The most intense colors came from Saint Laurent, Dior, and Marine Serre.

#13. Fit to Be Tied

As someone who has adored twisting long necklaces around her waist and then once again around her neck for years, I can’t help but be ecstatic that it’s now reached trend status. Simple and long chains were often the items used by designers such as Acne Studios, Anna Sui, and Blumarine. However, Balmain took the trend one step further by creating an enlarged metal link that went across the body and doubled as a shirt.

#14. Nothing Is Safer Than a Safety Pin

There is no accessory more punk than a safety pin. And while it seems that trends this season are embarking on an era of flirtation and femininity, the punk subculture still played a role to add a bit of grunge to many otherwise preppy outfits.

Take both Moschino and Vivienne Westwood as an example. While Westwood will forever be on the punk scene, the looks created by Andreas Kronthaler were preppier than normal, and the safety pin was the accessory that kept the past alive. Moschino also used safety pins in their collection as an extra detail that juxtaposed the baby bottles on the runway.

Accessories

#15. Chain Gang, Continued

Since thick and bulky chains were prominent with this spring’s jewelry trends, you can’t really be that shocked that chain belts have also been added to the aesthetic. Both edgy and soft, the linking belt connected many creative directors and was incorporated into looks on the runways of brands ranging from Blumarine to Acne Studios.

#16. Now That’s a Wide Belt

Wide belts are a personal favorite, as they can be perfect for emphasizing your waist – particularly with the boxy silhouettes that we’re seeing much of this season. Often paired with dresses or miniskirts, this spring accessory trend was worn on high fashion runways from the likes of Givenchy to Prada.

#17. All Gloved up

When temperatures drop, showing our fashion sense is reliant upon our outwear. Thankfully, this spring accessory trend pulls in the hint of glamour that we all need. Full-length opera gloves proved to be the choice of Richard Quinn. However, Marine Serre went for a full Kim Kardashian look with a bodysuit that contained built-in gloves. Along with these notable designers, fashionistas that flocked to the fashion week in September all seemed to have one item tying together their eccentric outfits – Prada’s gloves.

#18. Mid-Calf Socks

Thigh-high hosiery was once a huge hit, but this year it seems that mid-calf socks have become the ultimate accessory trend. Partially channeling fashion icon Princess Diana in long, tube socks, this look became effortlessly chic. Notably incorporated into the Raf Simmons and Miu Miu collections, this is perfect to pair with the shoe trend of clogs.

Photos via Vogue, Livingly