Statement jewelry can instantly elevate any outfit, but you might be unintentionally aging your look if you’re still holding onto dated trends or sentimental pieces well past their used-by date. These tacky and outdated jewelry trends could make you look old-fashioned—and what to wear instead to keep your accessory game chic and modern.
1. Faux Regal Jewelry
Jewelry that feels overly grand or heavily reflects specific themes or outdated eras can quickly look outdated and tacky. Though you might think this an act of self-expression or a way to up the glamor, it’s an accessory choice that makes you look like you’re trying way too hard. Instead, choose more refined, less complicated pieces; they can still be abstract, but subtlety is the key.
2. Chunky Ornate Necklaces
Once a go-to accessory, chunky statement necklaces have fallen out of favor. That doesn’t mean you can’t wear chunky necklaces but steer clear of ornate chunky necklaces for a more fashionable look. Instead, opt for delicate, layered chains that add a subtle elegance to your look without overpowering it.
3. Long Fake Pearl Strands
Wearing long pearl strands, especially if they are fake, is a look that’s had its day. A short single strand of pearls is eternally chic, but again, as far as jewelry goes, these fall into the old-fashioned camp. Matching necklaces are also a little on the boring side, so for a more modern, mix-and-match piece, different pieces that somehow work together.
4. Plastic Beaded Jewelry
Plastic beads were popular in the past, but now they can come off as juvenile. Not only do these cheapen your look, but they’re also not particularly known for their longevity. Leave the friendship bracelets to the swifties and upgrade your bangle game with natural materials like gold or precious metals for a more sophisticated touch.
4. Large Thick Hoop Earrings
While hoop earrings are always in style, ridiculously oversized hoops or large, chunky ones feel out of touch with fashion today and can detract from your overall outfit. Instead of domineering oversized hoops, opt for medium-sized or small gold, diamond, or textured hoops that provide a modern twist on this classic accessory.
5. Rings on Every Finger
If done right, rings are a stunning way to add a little excitement to your outfit through accessorizing. However, wearing large rings on multiple fingers can look cluttered and outdated. Instead of crowding your fingers with giant rings or ones that all feel the same, focus on one statement ring and pair it with minimal, delicate rings to keep your look balanced.
6. Childish Anklets
Anklets had their moment when you were a kid, but now they can make you look stuck in the past and juvenile. Try a dainty ankle bracelet in gold for a more current take on this jewelry fad. Or skip the ankle jewelry altogether and invest in a timeless gold chain necklace. Wooden beaded bracelets are also a little hippy-dippy.
7. Overly Embellished Brooches
While brooches can be a beautiful statement piece, it takes a crafty eye to pick a piece with enough sparkle to be fun without taking you into granny territory. Overly embellished or outdated designs can make you look older if you’re not careful. Choose modern, minimalist brooches with clean lines or geometric shapes for a chic update. And if you’re using a broach as a statement, keep the rest of your jewelry simple; adding large dangling earrings and a heavy necklace is jewelry overkill.
8. Shell Necklaces and Jewelry
Shell necklaces and bracelets were once a beach staple, but they now feel too casual and dated for everyday wear. Unless you’re a mermaid, give these a miss. This doesn’t mean you can’t have nautical, beachy jewelry in your everyday rotation. For a more refined look, go for timeless pearls, but keep it elegant: a short, simple strand necklace, small pearl stud earrings, or a pearl cocktail ring.
9. Tacky Colored Plastic Jewelry
Bold, brightly colored plastic pieces were fun in their 80s heyday, but that’s where they need to stay. They are tacky and childlike. If you like a bit of color, swap them out for rich gemstones for a more polished, grown-up look.
10. Oversized Beaded Bracelets
While they may have once been cute, big, bulky beaded bracelets can overwhelm your wrist and look out of place in modern fashion. Instead, go for slim, stackable bracelets that add a touch of elegance without the bulk. This doesn’t mean you can’t wear chunky jewelry, but try shopping for metals that are slightly more appealing to the eye than beaded bracelets.
11. Large Bejeweled Watches
Watches aren’t just functional; they’re a fashionable accessory if done right. However, wearing a watch adorned with oversized, sparkling jewels can look gaudy and tacky. Ditch the gem and diamond-encrusted watches for a sleek, minimalist watch with a simple face and band for a more contemporary and versatile style.
13. Dangly Feather Earrings
Feather earrings were a bohemian staple, but if you’re still wearing these, it’s time to retire them. If you want to keep a bohemian motif in your fashion arsenal, ditch the feather earrings and replace them with tasseled ones, a leather cuff, or a turquoise and silver ring for an updated yet edgy look.
14. Ornate Cuff Bracelets
Cuff bracelets can be utterly elegant when they’re done right. They draw attention to the wrists and give the wearer a commanding yet feminine edge. However, with that said, large, heavily detailed cuff bracelets, especially in bronze and metallic, can look overwhelming and out of date. Go for slimmer cuffs with clean lines or geometric patterns for a modern update.
15. Layered Charm Bracelets
Charm bracelets have had their day. While they were once a cut momento piece of jewelry, a bracelet with dozens of charms can feel cluttered and outdated. Instead, wear a meaningful charm on a delicate chain for a more contemporary and sentimental accessory.