I like a good seasonal refresh when it means digging out old accessories that instantly feel very now again. However, not all of them are happening. I’ll tell you about the trends I’ve seen around of late and you to determine if they’re fine. Summer 2025 is having a moment with fashion throwbacks, and these aren’t just Pinterest core ideas. They’ve actually got history.
1) Chunky Gold Jewellery
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In the ancient civilizations of the Romans, Egyptians, and Greeks, chunky gold hoops symbolized social status. As we all know chunky jewellery became a declaration of mass culture in the late 90s and early 2000s. 2020 saw the return of chunky gold chains with all credit to Bottega Veneta.
Lately, accessories have started becoming a statement piece, the kind of in-your-face jewellery is considered timeless. The reason I think chunky gold everything is back is Saint Laurent’s Fall/Winter 2025/26 collection, where almost every look had a statement gold earring.
How can you style chunky jewellery?
In terms of style I admire a chunky gold necklace worn with a summer outfit or a linen top with a square neck. My fav accessory for office to dinner days is a chunky bracelet. It’s even better if it shows through the sleeves of an enormous blazer. And hoops, I’m pretty sure my simping has made it known already. If I had a rupee for each of my costumes I’d save them with slicked back hair and giant hoops. Try other shapes like a square chain necklace, an oval bangle and dome studs.
2) Decorated Backpacks
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By backpacks, I don’t mean your fancy, branded big purses, I actually mean backpacks. The same ones from seventh grade. Backpacks became fashionable in the ’90s when ‘Clueless’ was the code. They aren’t making a comeback, technically, they’ll always be in. They are comfortable and, unlike handbags, do have enough space for everything you might need.
People are accessorizing their bags like they’re scrapbooks with ribbon keychains, crochet patches, rhinestones and everything you can imagine. If you don’t want to decorate them personally then there’s always the choice of placing on badges, stickers, and foulards.
3) Heeled Loafers
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Heeled loafers first stepped onto the scene in the 1950s, originally as penny loafers worn with school uniforms and trench coats. Then Gucci came in during the 1960s with their iconic horsebit version, and suddenly loafers weren’t just for bookworms anymore. They were fashionable. They have been in and out of fashion in last few years.
They’re returning because they fit the bill. They’re competent to look put together but chunky and playful enough to feel modern.
Here’s how I’d put them on. Maybe try them with customized shorts and a tucked in tee for a smart casual. Or go with wide leg pants and a cropped button up shirt. If you want to have fun with it then put them on with white crew socks and a mini skirt. They even look cute with flowy dresses and you can add a sport coat on top if that’s what you’re into
4) Reticules
Source- etro.com
It all started when Victorian women decided to get into slimmer dresses in the late 1800s. Now, before this dramatic change, they’d carry a pouch under their dresses. A new problem arose, ‘Where would they keep their essentials?’ That’s pretty much why these tiny handbags called reticules came to be. They were mainly hand crafted out of net, satin, silk or velvet. I think that’s sufficient of a history lesson.
These bags are making a return. In the spring-summer Milan Fashion Week, Etro brought them out with almost every look. Valentino has also created quite a bit of hype for these. They’re not trying to be everyday bags. They’re just here to sparkle.
5) Foulards
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It apparently originated in East Asia. The Europeans seemed quite intrigued by foulards, and they became neckwear for men and women. For years to follow, these became staple streetwear. Foulards are made primarily of silk but sometimes of a silk and cotton blend. They’ve got subtle patterns, tiny florals or solid colors.
I didn’t expect to love these, but here I am tying one around my ponytail like I’m a French film extra. These silky squares were a hit in the ’50s and ’60s, often worn by screen queens.
You can wear a foulard in so many ways, it’s kind of wild. Try folding it into a little neck cloth with a button up shirt and those chunky gold hoops. Use it to tie your ponytail or braid it into your hair. I’ve also seen people wrap them as headbands or knot them onto bags like a charm. Boys can bring it off too. Just push one under a jacket or wrap it around the neck to look sleek. You can wear it around your wrist or use it like a skinny tie if you want to look trendy.
Are these summer 2025 accessories worth the fanfare or totally overstated? Write about your favourite (or least favourite) in the remarks. I’m inquisitive to know which one you’d really wear!
