Is Silver Jewelry Making a Comeback? How To Style in 2022
Team Silver or Gold?
When it comes to jewelry, are you more of a gold or silver person? While some of it is very personal, just as in fashion there are general trends that seem to capture the general zeitgeist.
If you’re like most folks (myself included) as of late, you’ve probably been heavy into the gold tones. But let me tell you, DON’T GIVE AWAY YOUR SILVER PIECES, as it’s making a comeback, and a huge one at that.
The History of the Silver Jewelry Trend
Image Via: Mejuri
1990’s and 2000’s
In the 90’s and early aughts it was all about silver. I was completely devoted to silver or white gold jewels having stored away all the gold pieces, even my Tag Hauer watch, from the previous decade. G-d forbid if Greg had proposed with a gold ring in 1995, I might have said no - just kidding, kind of. LOL!
2010
But seriously in that time and place, gold felt dated and dare I say slightly tacky. Fast forward to circa 2010 and the pendulum swung the opposite way. It was time to take out the gold jewels once again. As far as gold jewelry was concerned, there were the chunky times and delicate layered times - but all and all, it was anchored by the theme of warmer gold tones.
2015
Around 2015 is when it became ok (if not encouraged) to mix metals. Wear both gold and silver and wear them all at once. It was a Free to be You and Me period - at least when it came to jewelry. In fact, I think mixing metals made the outfits more complex and interesting. And gave the wearer a je ne sais quoi appeal.
Silver Jewelry in 2022
There has been quite an uptick in the popularity of silver jewelry. There are a few reasons for this…
The Y2K obsession.
Yes, all things Y2K are reemerging - and with these fashion influences at the forefront, it makes sense that the complementary jewelry trends are coming back too. The good news for those of us not hopping on the micro mini trend for the second time around, incorporating some of these architectural, silver jewelry pieces into your outfits can help it feel both modern (and retro) while still feeling authentically you.
Bright colors.
The whole dopamine dressing trend which consists of bright, colorful, joyful dressing, pairs well with the cool, clean feel of silver. Basically, silver is kind of void of color so it plays nicely with bright colored clothing.
Casual dressing.
You can absolutely wear gold accessories with casual, loungewear pieces. However, there is something inherently more casual about silver and therefore it pairs perfectly with the more laidback looks that we are all wearing more of these days.
What to Look for in Silver Jewelry?
The fun thing about the new look for silver is that it’s kind of anything goes. That being said, I’m noticing a few iterations that seem to be gaining a lot of traction.
Chain Links
Chain link necklaces (in gold) have crossed the line from trend to mainstay. Adding some silver versions to your stack is a great way to freshen things up.
Abstract/Architectural
Because silver has a quiet, coolness to it, it lends itself to bolder designs.
Classic hoops
Yup, just that, a classic hoop, big or small, in silver is literally all that.
Cuff bracelets
A shiny silver cuff or a piece that wraps around your wrist (a la Zendaya at the Dune premier) can feel edgy and classic at the same time.
Statement rings
Mixing a bunch of silver rings or opting for one chunky, look at me ring feels super current.
Tennis necklaces and bracelets
Using a tennis necklace or bracelet to bring in the silver shine and ground the stack (on either your wrist or neck) helps the bling feel more wearable.
Asymmetric/mismatched earrings
Harkening back to all things Y2K, mixing up the ear game is uber cool.
The bottom line is jewelry is meant to last a lifetime even though certain styles popularity wax and wane. In fact, I’d argue that jewelry should ideally be immune from the trend cycle - AND that knowing what is being touted as “in” can help you in picking the pieces that feel most right for you at this moment.
I’d say the time is now to break out your silver or invest in some new pieces.