Pendant Necklaces Are Back — 5 Ways to Style Them Right Now

You know that moment when you put on a simple outfit — jeans, tee, maybe a blazer — and it’s cute, but… something’s missing? That’s where pendant necklaces come in.

They’re the accessory equivalent of good lighting: subtle but transformative.

And lately, they’ve made a full-on comeback — thanks in part to Bella Hadid, whose off-duty style has made everyone dig through their jewelry boxes again. She’s been spotted layering pendants over silk tops, pairing them with streetwear, and even rocking vintage lockets with low-cut dresses.

Basically, she made pendants cool again. But here’s the thing: pendant necklaces have always been cool. They just went quiet for a minute while chunky chains and minimalist gold collars took over our feeds.

Now? They’re back, and better than ever — a perfect blend of nostalgic charm and modern simplicity.

So whether you’re into boho vibes, quiet luxury, or everyday mom-on-the-go chic (hi, it’s me ), I’m going to show you 5 effortless ways to style pendant necklaces right now — without looking like you’re trying too hard.

Why Pendant Necklaces Are Having a Moment Again

If you’ve been scrolling through Pinterest or your favorite celebrity street style accounts, you’ve probably noticed a shift. The new era of jewelry isn’t about flashy — it’s about feeling.

We’ve moved away from logo-heavy accessories to pieces that tell a story. That’s where pendants come in.

They’re personal. Sentimental. Effortless. And they make any outfit look instantly styled — even if you’re wearing the same white tee three times in one week (no judgment, I’ve done it too).

Think of pendant necklaces as your “style signature.” One small detail that makes your outfit you.

1. The One-and-Done Pendant

Let’s start simple — one pendant, one chain, one killer outfit.

This is your go-to when you want to look chic without layers or effort.

How to style it:

• Pick a medium-length chain (anything between collarbone and bust length is perfect).
• Choose a statement pendant that has meaning — like a vintage coin, a locket, your birthstone, or even a celestial charm.
• Keep your neckline simple. Crew necks, V-necks, and button-downs work best.
• Let the pendant do all the talking. Skip the earrings or go with small hoops.

For daytime, I love wearing a single gold medallion with a crisp white shirt tucked into jeans. It’s effortless but still feels intentional.

For evening, switch to something with sparkle — a small diamond pendant or an enamel heart on a thin chain adds the perfect dose of glam without going overboard.

Pro tip: A slightly longer chain elongates your neck and draws the eye down — perfect if you’re wearing a plunging neckline or simple dress.

2. The Layered Look (Because More Is More)

Layering is the easiest way to make your pendant feel current. Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber, and literally every stylist on TikTok is doing this right now — and for good reason. It adds texture, dimension, and instant polish.

But the trick is balance. You don’t want your pendants tangling or fighting for attention.

Here’s the layering formula that never fails:

1. Start with a short choker or thin chain.
2. Add your medium pendant necklace — this is your anchor piece.
3. Finish with a longer fine chain or a dainty charm.

Mix metals if you like — gold and silver together actually look modern when styled intentionally. Just make sure your pieces share a similar vibe (like all minimal, or all vintage-inspired).

For a cozy fall look, I love layering pendants over a turtleneck or knit top. It gives that French girl on a coffee run in Paris energy — simple, feminine, effortless.

And if you’re more into summer styling? Try them with a linen shirt slightly unbuttoned or a strapless top. Instant glow-up.

3. Over the Fabric (Bella’s Signature Move)

Here’s the style move that’s been everywhere lately — wearing your pendant over your clothes instead of directly on your skin.

Sounds small, but it changes the entire vibe.

Bella Hadid does this constantly — she’ll wear a sleek pendant necklace over a slip dress, or layer chunky pendants over a fitted tank and blazer. It feels chic, a little undone, and surprisingly wearable.

Try it like this:

• Layer a pendant necklace over a turtleneck, crew neck tee, or silk cami.
• Choose a pendant that contrasts with your fabric — gold over cream, silver over black, or pearls over pastels.
• Add a jacket or trench coat for extra polish.

This look works especially well when you want to add depth to a minimal outfit. It’s giving “model off-duty” but make it real-life practical.

4. Match the Mood, Not the Trend

One thing I love about pendant necklaces is that they can change the entire tone of your outfit.

A single piece can turn jeans and a tee into something romantic… or make a dress feel edgy instead of sweet.

The key? Match your pendant to your mood — not just your outfit.

For soft, feminine energy:

Try rose gold pendants, delicate charms, or lockets with curved shapes. Perfect for date nights, brunch, or just when you want to feel dreamy.

For cool-girl street style:

Think silver hardware, bold geometric shapes, or gemstone pendants. Pair them with leather jackets, graphic tees, or cargos.

For minimalist chic:

Stick with clean lines — a thin gold chain and a tiny pendant. Effortless and timeless.

Your jewelry doesn’t have to be fancy to look elevated. It just has to fit your story that day.

5. Stack Meaning with Style

One of the best things about pendants? They carry meaning.

It could be your zodiac sign, a birthstone, an heirloom, or a charm that reminds you of something special. So why not layer a few that tell your story?

I like to think of my pendant necklaces as a timeline of my life — there’s a tiny heart I bought after my daughter was born, a vintage coin I thrifted at a Brooklyn market, and a gold disc I gifted myself after landing my first brand deal.

They’re not just accessories — they’re tiny reminders of growth, love, and self-celebration.

To make it work visually:

• Vary the sizes (one big, one small).
• Keep a cohesive color palette (gold with gold, silver with silver).
• Layer different textures (rope chain, box chain, fine cable chain).

It’s not about perfection — it’s about personality.

Quick Styling Tips You’ll Thank Me For

Because I’ve definitely learned some of these the hard way…

• Untangle your chains before wearing them. Use a little baby powder and a pin — it works!
• Mind your neckline: pendants look best with open collars, deep V-necks, or simple round necks.
• Use a chain extender if you want flexibility — one pendant can instantly look different at various lengths.
• Don’t over-polish your pieces. A little patina or wear actually makes them look cooler, more lived-in.
• Try asymmetric layering. Not everything has to line up perfectly — a little off-balance looks effortlessly chic.

Outfit Inspiration: 5 Looks to Try This Week

1. Off-Duty Chic:
White tank + high-waist jeans + gold coin pendant + black sunglasses. Simple, timeless, Bella-approved.

2. Brunch with the Girls:
Floral midi dress + dainty heart pendant + pearl studs + soft waves. It’s giving “main character in a café.”

3. Creative Meeting:
Neutral trousers + cropped blazer + geometric pendant + slick bun. Quiet power dressing.

4. Date Night:
Slip dress + gemstone drop pendant + strappy heels. Add red lipstick for bonus confidence.

5. Cozy Weekend:
Oversized sweater + layered pendants over the knit + ankle boots. The definition of effortless.

Why They Work (Even If You’re Not “Accessorizing” Girl)

Pendant necklaces are the easiest way to look styled without adding effort. They frame your neckline, add dimension, and pull an outfit together.

You don’t have to be a jewelry expert — just trust your instinct. If it feels like you, it’ll look like you.

Plus, they transition seamlessly between outfits and seasons. The same pendant that works with your summer tank will look perfect layered over your winter turtleneck.

And yes, they’re mom-friendly too — they survive school runs, coffee spills, and quick outfit changes.

Final Thoughts

Trends come and go, but the pendant necklace always finds its way back. And this time, it’s not about perfection — it’s about expression.

Whether you’re channeling Bella Hadid’s downtown edge or your own soft, effortless vibe, pendants let you tell your story without saying a word.

So go ahead — open that jewelry drawer. Pull out something old, something new, maybe something sentimental. Layer it, wear it, own it.

Because fashion should never just be about looking good.
It’s about feeling like yourself — beautifully, confidently, and unapologetically.