If you thought the colorful beaded necklace trend was just for summer, think again.
The “candy necklace” has been everywhere—chunky beads, semi-precious stones, unexpected color combinations and necklaces that look a little like the jewelry we wore as kids, only much more grown-up.
And while I loved them with white tees and summer dresses, I actually think they're even better going into fall.
The secret is all in the contrast.
WEAR YOUR CANDY NECKLACES WITH CHUNKY FALL KNITS
Once fall arrives, our wardrobes naturally get heavier and more neutral. Out come the chunky cream sweaters, chocolate brown cardigans, denim, camel jackets and oversized button-downs.
Add a colorful beaded necklace and suddenly those basics feel completely different.
Think:
- Chunky cream sweater + light amethyst beads
- Chocolate brown knit + turquoise
- White button-down + Tiger’s Eye
- Denim shirt + striped agate
- Grey sweatshirt + colorful semi-precious stones
It's that unexpected bit of color that makes the outfit.
CHOCOLATE BROWN + COLOR IS SO GOOD
Chocolate brown is one of the colors I can't get enough of right now, and it happens to be the perfect backdrop for this jewelry trend.
Instead of automatically reaching for a simple gold chain, try turquoise, Amazonite, amethyst or Tiger's Eye against brown.
Even better? Layer the beads with the gold jewelry you already own.
The result feels collected rather than overly coordinated—which is exactly what I want.
THE GROWN-UP CANDY NECKLACE
This isn't necessarily about wearing a rainbow necklace.
The versions I'm loving use semi-precious stones, interesting natural variations and richer colors, which give the trend a more sophisticated feel.
I've been going through BaubleBar, and they have some especially good options right now.
The Joyce Semi-Precious Beaded Necklaces are great if you want a bolder strand. I love the Tiger's Eye, Light Amethyst, Amazonite and Rutilated Quartz.
The Jamie necklace mixes stones and colors for more of that collected, vintage feeling.
And if you want something quieter, the Mini Jane in Deep Mocha or Amaris in Striped Agate gives you the look without quite as much color.
HOW I'D STYLE THEM
My favorite way to wear this trend is actually the simplest:
Great jeans. Chunky sweater. Beaded necklace. Done.
I don't want the rest of the outfit competing with the jewelry.
Try a stack of beads with a simple white tee and cardigan. Add one over an oversized button-down. Let a turquoise necklace sit against a chocolate brown sweater. Or mix a shorter beaded strand with your everyday gold chains.
It's an easy way to make the things you already own feel new again—which is always my favorite kind of trend.
THE DEAR LUCY EDIT
After almost 20 years of buying for retail, I've learned that the best trends aren't necessarily the ones that require an entirely new wardrobe.
They're the little things that make you excited to wear your old favorites differently.
And that's exactly what these necklaces do.
So no, I'm not putting the candy necklaces away with the summer clothes.
I'm wearing mine straight into fall—with chunky sweaters, great denim and probably more than one necklace at a time. 🍬✨