Blame Olivia Rodrigo’s charm trinkets, Harry Styles’s pearls or Euphoria’s edgy baubles, but there’s no escaping the revival of preppy, daily-wear jewellery. While minimal and petite numbers were on the rise even a couple of years ago, months of isolation have steered fashion buyers towards dressy, cheerful pieces that can help zhuzh up everyday looks.
Mood-boosting colours and candy-like numbers are experiencing a huge demand, courtesy Instagram stores that are curating flashy, trend-oriented pieces. They are not just more economical than fine jewellery, but also easier to buy virtually. Instagram buying also offers a look into post-pandemic shopping culture that’s spontaneous and buyer-friendly. If you like something, you should be able to get your hands on it!
Mimi Chakraborty sports chunky gold-toned hoops (L); Sour singer Olivia Rodrigo wears a bright charm necklace
InstagramMoreover, Instagram features like Reels, Audio and Collections are making it easier for sellers to maximise their marketability. If you love shopping trendy knick-knacks and want to support small businesses through quick, affordable buys, here are some of the trends you have to dip your toes into:
Layered necklaces
Nothing says island-chic like a set of layered necklaces. Stackable pieces are trending big at the moment. Whether you’re wearing a turtleneck or a sweetheart neckline, layering necklaces can help almost any styling. You can buy individual pieces and layer them as you like or get your hands on pre-layered, colourful stacks!
Gold hoops
A hoop will always be the It-girl staple, be it big, small, chunky or petite. Gen-Z shoppers are all for the faux gold hoop trend, courtesy of J-Lo and Hailey Beiber. Instagram stores are making it easier for buyers to stock up on essential bling by offering modestly-priced pieces.
“Instagram has become a major shopping hub since people are steadily leaning towards sustainable fashion trends. Instagram lets small business owners like us thrive. You can find jewellery and lifestyle products on Instagram at a reasonable price which attracts shoppers to these social pages,” says Satabdi Palit, who runs the Instagram label The Trendy Pitara, along with her best friend Dolan Nag.
Enamel charms
Charm bracelets were all the rage in the 2010s and guess what? They’re back! These cute enamel charms are colourful and add a pop of colour to any boring monochrome look. From rainbows and clouds to ice creams, llamas, unicorns and butterflies, when it comes to charms, the quirkier the better.
Wear these charms as earrings, bracelets, anklets and necklaces, and channel your inner Dua Lipa.
Pearls galore
Pearls have the greatest recall value, aesthetically speaking. They defined Audrey Hepburn and Julia Child’s timeless fashion, and they’re now being reclaimed by Gen-Z fashionistas who are all about updating the classics. Pearls are easy to mix and match and Instagram stores are now offering made-to-order services to curate wearable pearl pieces.
Go for classic round pearls or unique freshwater picks that can add oomph to any outfit!
Chunky chain links
Retro, metallic chain links were always popular but chunky, multi-use chains are the most utilitarian things you can buy this season. They can be worn as spectral chains, mask chains, necklaces, bracelets or even as phone charms!
Mix the bright chain links with charms like coins or stones or stack them with your watch!
Hair clip
Beads, pearls, resin, charms — want them all in one accessory? Invest in hair clip cards! They line up a variety of combinations for you to choose from ensuring there’s something for everyone. If you want a statement look, take a cue from Ariana Grande and style them in your hair all at once, or wear a couple to match your outfit.
Y2K jewellery
Y2K-minded jewellery is inspired by the trends of the 2000s. So, whatever Miley Cyrus or Selena Gomez wore to the MTV VMAs in the early aughts is all the rage at the moment. From bejewelled stones and neon shades to beads and fun motifs, this is the ultimate back-to-school styling.
Scrunchies and bows
If it’s good enough for Kylie Jenner and Bella Hadid, it’s good enough for us! Though technically not jewellery, dressy scrunchies made a major comeback in quarantine fashion now that lazy hair buns are all we need. Maxi scrunchies can easily jazz up your bad hair days.
From bright colours to sleek satin picks, scrunchies and hair bows are nostalgic and efficient. Kolkata label Tisa Accessories offers curated gift boxes featuring colourful scrunchies, bow clips, necklaces, pearl hoops etc.
“Instagram shopping is on the rise because so many people are stuck at home right now! Instagram features like Reels have enabled us to create aesthetic content that gets attention and attracts potential customers,” shares Tiasa Das of Tisa Accessories, which is based in Howrah.
