Editor’s Note
**Editor’s Note:** This article, originally published in July, highlights five standout summer necklaces that transition seamlessly into fall. We’ve updated the styling tips to reflect cooler-weather layering and seasonal color palettes.
From nature-inspired pieces to unique shapes and colors, these necklaces stand out.
By Selene Oliva
July 18, 2026
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 20: Maria de la Orden wears a dark burgundy and white diagonal stripe long open coat, a sage green collared button-front blouse with patch pockets and mother-of-pearl buttons, mustard yellow wide-leg high-rise trousers with white topstitching, a dark burgundy leather wide belt with silver buckle, a dark brown leather large structured top-handle bag with yellow leather strap and gold turn-lock hardware, a gold chain necklace with green stone pendant, a black circular brooch, a gold ring, a gold bangle bracelet during the Milan Design Week 2026 on April 20, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Valentina Frugiuele/Getty Images)
Valentina Frugiuele/Getty Images
Some jewelry trends come and go, while others become timeless classics. The most popular 2026 summer necklaces seem poised to fall into this second category. Fashion is shifting direction, moving away from nondescript minimalist pieces to jewelry that excites—think natural materials, organic shapes, and details that look as though they were gathered during a walk on the beach.
Shell jewelry remains the season’s standout star, but it’s not the only one. Necklaces with leather and waxed canvas cords, sea-smoothed stones, coral, colorful glass beads, and large pendants inspired by the sea all convey the same relaxed, spontaneous, and deeply boho aesthetic that’s so popular right now. Basically, the vibe is jewelry that looks as though it was purchased on a trip, found at a seaside market, or crafted by hand.
Red takes center stage once again through jewelry. Coral necklaces are enjoying a new wave of popularity thanks to the resurgence of vintage aesthetics and, above all, the magnificent jewelry of the 1980s, now highly sought-after at flea markets and specialty shops.
Of course, these summer necklaces are perfect to wear with a bikini, a linen set, or a simple white tank top. But the real novelty of these summer 2026 designs is that they seem poised to last. Designers are taking them far beyond beach season, showing them layered over button-down shirts, tailored blazers, and cashmere sweaters—even paired with velvet—a beautiful way to keep the memory of vacation alive even during winter.
Below, five summer necklaces that are trending for summer 2026 and beyond. We’ve also included tips on how to style them effortlessly, from beach looks to city outfits.
Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images
The signature piece of the new boho aesthetic? Necklaces with a long leather or waxed-canvas cord—strictly black or chocolate brown—that hang down almost to the navel, leaving room for a single large pendant.
As for that pendant, it could be a natural stone smoothed by the sea, a seashell, a piece of coral, a stylized fish, or an organic element that looks as if it was found during a walk on the beach. The beauty of this trend: It doesn’t have to be perfect. In fact, the more it tells a story, the better.
How to style it? Wear it over a minimalist linen dress, a long black sheath, a slightly unbuttoned white shirt, or layered tank tops. An accessory like this does all the work.
Courtesy of brand
House of Hunter Pebble Necklace
$32
Amazon
Courtesy of brand
Free People Lena Semiprecious Stone Necklace
$48
Free People
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 13: Gabrielle Karefa Johnson is seen wearing a zip-up hoodie with a bold argyle pattern in black, blue, and green, partially unzipped to reveal a layered necklace with colorful beads. She pairs it with a short, fitted skirt featuring a floral print in shades of green, pink, and white. She carries a small light blue shoulder bag on her right shoulder and wears several rings on her left hand. Her look is completed with gold-framed sunglasses September 13, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images)
Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images
For a few seasons now, we’ve been collecting delicate gold necklaces with small good-luck charms. Summer 2026 has completely shifted the vibe.
The mood now is color, color, color. Beaded necklaces are back in the spotlight, worn one on top of the other. Street style stars are mixing glass beads, resin, small handcrafted elements, and vibrant hues reminiscent of the sea, sunsets, and Italian beach huts. They’re the kinds of pieces that look as though they were bought on vacation—perhaps in a small shop along the boardwalk—or handmade. And it’s precisely this spontaneity that makes them so desirable.
They look stunning over a simple white T-shirt, a ribbed tank top, or an open linen shirt. The simpler the look, the more character the layering adds.
Courtesy of brand
Madewell Semiprecious Beaded Carabiner Charm Necklace
$65
Madewell
Courtesy of brand
Conran Kremix Beaded Stone Necklace
$22
Amazon
Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images
The more modern versions alternate rough branches and irregular shapes with classic designs, transforming coral into a warm accent that immediately evokes the Mediterranean, Southern Italy, and summers spent by rocky shores and crystal-clear seas.
When worn with white, red takes on even greater intensity. Paired with black, it creates one of the season’s most elegant contrasts.
Courtesy of brand
Roxanne Assoulin Coral Branch Necklace
$260
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