This summer, fashion insiders are embracing a new way to wear necklaces—one that aligns with the understated elegance often championed by celebrated designer Phoebe Philo. Known for her minimalist aesthetic and focus on subtle sophistication, Philo has long influenced how many approach fashion, and her signature style ethos is now guiding one of the season’s most wearable trends.
Instead of chunky statement pieces or heavily layered chains, the current approach to necklaces is all about simplicity, intention, and placement. This emerging trend reimagines how jewelry interacts with the neckline, shifting attention from bold adornment to refined detail. The result is a fresh, effortless look that resonates with the spirit of summer: relaxed, breezy, and thoughtfully curated.
In the spotlight of this movement is the collarbone—a graceful, frequently overlooked area that is now gaining attention. This season’s necklaces are worn closer to the neck, lying exactly at or slightly above the collarbone, typically paired with minimalist clothing or casual attire. The result is delicate yet noticeable, enabling the jewelry to complement rather than overpower the ensemble.
Phoebe Philo’s influence is particularly evident in the way these necklaces complement the rest of the look. Whether paired with a crisp white shirt left slightly unbuttoned or a strapless top in a natural fiber, the styling emphasizes restraint and clarity. The necklaces themselves are typically fine chains with small, sculptural pendants—pieces that look as though they were chosen with care and worn with intention.
Fashion trends from style hubs such as Paris, Copenhagen, and New York have contributed to the rise of this look. Influencers and fashion experts have been seen mixing the trend with large blazers, linen items, and dresses in muted colors, maintaining a minimalist approach to jewelry. The aim is not to overdo but to enhance—employing a single element to achieve balance in the whole ensemble.
Gold and silver continue to be the leading metals in this trend, frequently finished with a matte or gently brushed texture instead of a shiny surface. There is an increasing fascination with natural shapes and uneven designs—such as pendants inspired by nature or those with slight imperfections. These selections reflect a larger movement in fashion emphasizing originality, personal expression, and skilled artistry.
This necklace styling approach is also highly adaptable. It works seamlessly from day to evening, offering just enough interest to stand on its own or to serve as the foundation for layering with other delicate pieces. In warmer weather, when less clothing leaves more skin exposed, this styling trick provides a sophisticated finishing touch that never feels overdone.
Another significant aspect of this movement is how accessible it is. Since the emphasis is on individual expression and subtlety, it’s not necessary to spend on luxury jewelry pieces. Even simple, tastefully made items can create the desired aesthetic. The main factor is careful coordination—picking a neckline that highlights the collarbone and opting for a necklace that reflects your personal style.
As with many fashion movements rooted in Philo’s philosophy, the focus here is less about following rules and more about creating visual balance. It’s about being deliberate with each element of an outfit, recognizing how proportion, material, and detail can interact in quiet but powerful ways. This summer’s necklace trend isn’t about making noise—it’s about making an impression through elegance, ease, and restraint.
In a season that celebrates freedom and lightness, this minimalist jewelry approach feels perfectly in tune. It doesn’t demand attention—it invites it, subtly enhancing the natural lines of the body and the fluidity of summer silhouettes. Whether layered over sun-kissed skin or worn with a crisp shirt collar, the necklace becomes more than an accessory. It becomes an extension of the wearer’s aesthetic.
While the emphasis on fashion remains focused on practicality and enduring style, anticipate additional variations of this trend as the season progresses and further into the future. Creators, fashion coordinators, and regular clothing fans are illustrating that occasionally, the strongest statement is the one softly expressed—subtly draped around the neck, glinting with each motion, and creating a memorable sense of understated elegance.
