Silver, Gold, or Both?: The Rise Of Over-Accessorization

Image Courtesy: Pinterest

Y2K fashion is notorious for its boundary-pushing pattern-mixing, unorthodox silhouettes, and over-the-top accessorization. The first decade of the new century redefined individualism in fashion; brands competed to create their own identity and appeal to their own “ideal girls.” When thinking back on this time, extravagant runway shows are often the first thing that comes to mind - the flashy fabrics and unique identities created by the clothing the models wore. 

Now, a decade later, we are seeing the time-defying trends of mixed metals, costume jewelry, and unique silhouettes instead of tight, fitting clothing resurfacing. 

Image Courtesy: Pinterest

We are coming out of the SKIMS, FashionNova fashion fad, where the trend was: the tighter and more fitted the better. Neutrals are out in street fashion and going out style; instead, we are getting back to the individuality of our own branding, becoming our own “ideal girl” through clothing. Micro-sunglasses, belts, chunky necklaces and bangles, statement bags; accessorization became a lost skill in the rise of fast-fashion, taking over the last few years of media. Thrifting and the curation of style are back, with statement pieces being sought after by fashion lovers everywhere. Scouring apps like Depop to find curated items, or rummaging in person through your favorite local thrift store, in a literal sense, brings these pieces from the early 2000s back in a very real and physical way. Items discarded from the backs of closets are being found and dated back to the coveted decade of fashion culture that redefined individual style.

Image Courtesy: Gucci

While these vintage gem finds are being recycled and reworn, fast-fashion brands have caught onto the new trends, also mass-producing new styles of accessories that fit into the newest recycled cultural fad. Brands like Miu Miu and Gucci, specifically, have jumped to curate mini-sunnies that fit into the ways of the 2000s. Onto the more shiny side of things, Jewelers such as Tiffany and Co. and David Yurman are also expanding the horizons of single-metal statement pieces. Instead, these brands are creating rings, pendants, and bangles that mix metals within the pieces, instead of us consumers having to curate a stack of jewelry that perfectly mixes on our own. 

Image Courtesy: David Yurman

Curation in accessories is back, and here to stay. Individuality is now the leading lady in fashion culture, and the push for editorial-style looks that capitalize on the vision of the wearer is the newest phenomenon in the streets. Social media has played a huge role in the push for more individuality in style, with many people showing off their own jewelry stacks online and their curation skills, inspiring their followers and the entirety of the audience to follow suit. The boundaried categorization of “Gold or Silver?” no longer exists; instead, statement pieces are in, bright colors, bold shapes, and originality are the newest goals for fashion lovers everywhere.

Strike Out, 

Writer: Ava Binkowski

Editor: Isabelle Kim

Graphic Designer:

Tallahassee