Trending Chains for Fall 2025: The Styles to Know Now

As we step into fall 2025, chains are making a bold comeback—reimagined with fresh textures, statement pendants, and nostalgic nods. Whether your vibe is maximalist or minimalist, there’s a chain style to elevate your autumn looks. Here’s what to watch (and wear) this season.

1. Chunky Chains & ‘80s Revival

The spirit of the ‘80s is back—and with it, oversized links and bold hardware. Heavy, chunky chains in gold, silver, or mixed metals are showing up across runways and street style alike.

These chains act as jewelry statements on their own—no pendant required. They pair beautifully over high-neck knits, leather jackets, or a crisp button-down left slightly undone.

Style tip: Let one chunky chain be your centerpiece. Keep other jewelry minimal so it steals the show.

2. Pendants & Charm Chains

While bold chains make their mark, pendants are reclaiming their power. Oversized pendants on long, dramatic chains are a key theme this fall.

Expect motifs inspired by nature, abstract shapes, or vintage medallions. The juxtaposition of a delicate chain with a bold pendant offers balance—and delivers visual intrigue.

Style tip: Layer a slender chain beneath your pendant for depth, or let the pendant hang solo over a simple top to maximize impact.

3. Layered Necklaces & Mixed Link Stacks

Stacking necklaces continues to be a fall staple—but with more intention this season. Think contrasts in link style, textures, and lengths.

Combine a delicate rope or wheat chain with a medium cable or box chain, and perhaps finish with a pendant or locket. The goal is a curated, “collected-over-time” look.

Style tip: Use a layered chain that graduates in length (e.g., 16", 18", 22") so each layer is visible without tangling.

4. Pearl Accents + Chain Hybrids

Pearls are no longer safe and dainty—they’re bold, expressive, and seamlessly integrated into chain styles.

Look for designs that mix chain links with baroque pearls, micro-pearls threaded into chains, or alternating link-and-pearl segments. These hybrid looks bring softness to edge and modernity to tradition.

Style tip: Pair a pearl-chain hybrid necklace with muted colors—think camel, charcoal, or forest green—to let the glow radiate.

5. Cord + Chain Mixes

For those who like a bit of contrast, cord necklaces (leather, waxed cotton, or suede) paired with metal chains are gaining traction.

They bring a textural, casual element to your look—ideal for layering with more polished chains.

Style tip: Start with a cord-and-chain pendant at the shortest length, then stack more refined chains beneath for dimension.

6. Mixed Metals & Unexpected Finishes

Gone for good is the rule that your jewelry must match. This fall, mixing metals—gold, silver, rose gold—is not just accepted, it’s encouraged.

Also watch for brushed, hammered, or matte textures on chains that lend visual interest and a handcrafted feel.

Style tip: Use one strong metal (say gold) as your base, then sprinkle in accent chains in silver or rose for dimension.

7. Quiet Luxury & Understated Chains

Even among bold statements, there’s room for restraint. Sleek, understated chains—think ultra-fine link necklaces or “barely there” designs—are trending as part of the quiet luxury movement.

These chains offer an elegant complement to your bolder pieces or shine on their own for a minimalist look.

Style tip: A delicate chain is ideal for layering beneath sweaters or dresses with cozy necklines—it won’t interfere, but still contributes.

Final Thoughts & Styling Inspiration

Fall 2025 is all about contrast—chunky versus delicate, metal against pearls, cord with chain, bold pendants with minimalist layers. The key is being deliberate in how you mix textures and lengths so your look feels cohesive, not cluttered.

When shopping, consider:

• Statement chain pieces: chunky, large-link necklaces that can stand alone

• Pendant chains: with a focal charm or medallion

• Delicate layering chains: to pair underneath or beside your statement pieces

• Hybrid designs: chains mixing pearls, cords, or unexpected finishes

• Quality and finish: to ensure your chains last through the season