The Cord Necklace Trend Is Bringing ’90s Edge to Your Outfits

Key Takeaways

• Cord necklaces are back in style as part of a wave of ’90s nostalgia, with countless celebrities and fashion-oriented types embracing their playful minimalism and slightly grunge-inspired energy.
• They add a wearable edge to any outfit you choose, whether you pair a chic metallic pendant with a slip dress for a date or an oversized shell on a colorful cord with a swimsuit for a day at the beach or pool.

If you’re looking to lean into playful, grunge-inspired style as we head into late summer, few jewelry trends fit the bill as well as the cord necklace. The piece strikes a balance between casual and precious: The cord—which comes in all sorts of lengths, colors, and textures, from neon silk chokers to elongated neutral brushed suede—embodies laid-back cool; while the pendant—often made from a stone, shell, or sculptural twist of metal—makes the necklace look exquisite and elevated. The look was popular in the ‘90s and, as with almost everything from that decade, we’re thrilled to welcome them back into our wardrobes.

Whether you’re looking for a singular leather necklace to wear day in and day out or a special occasion piece that feels more textural and unexpected than a chain, allow the cord necklace to be the style upgrade you needed. Read on as we chronicle the return of this statement piece, from the trends that led to its revival to select styles to try.

The History of the Cord Necklace

Although we tend to associate cord necklaces with the ‘90s, the style has been around for much longer. It started in prehistoric cultures, when people would adorn themselves with strips of leather and plant fibers that held beads, stones, shells, and other bits of natural beauty. These were some of the first necklaces, before chains, collars, and the like came to be.

Cord necklaces never fully left the scene, but they visibly reemerged in the ‘70s, when hippie types embraced bohemian, nature-inspired cords with stones, crystals, pendants, and beads. In the ‘90s, cord necklaces were typically brown or black leather with metal symbols, shark teeth, and pendants. This wave of the trend lasted through Y2K, when the pendants became colorful and a bit more playful.

The Cord Necklace Trend in 2025

Today, cord necklaces come in a wide range of styles. One of the most popular variations is minimalist and ’90s-inspired, often featuring a silver pendant on black leather. You’ll also find avant-garde pendants as well as bright beads and shells on colorful silk, fitting in with the playful, nostalgic energy that’s dominated our spring and summer style (we imagine some of these are dolphin girl-approved).

@oliviarodrigo / Instagram

If you walk around in New York or any other city right now, you’ll undoubtedly see cord pieces on fashion-oriented types. It just may be the necklace of the summer, hanging over staples including white T-shirts, linen dresses, and tank tops. Olivia Rodrigo, Jennifer Lawrence, and more celebrities have embraced the trend, alongside creators and style icons galore.

How to Style Cord Necklaces

Cord necklaces are so versatile: They add a wearable edge to everything from a T-shirt to a strapless maxi dress. For a date, elevate a simple slip dress or a silky top with a cord necklace in a neutral tone—like black or brown leather with a silver or gold pendant. A style featuring a shell or beads on a colorful string is an ideal vacation accessory. For events, opt for a metal pendant on a sleek black leather or silk cord.

@andrea___ricci / Instagram

To add intrigue to your cord necklace look, don’t be afraid to play with length. The piece looks great wound closely to the neck, and one can never go wrong with wearing a super long cord with a simple T-shirt. They’re also great for layering, so there’s no need to remove your everyday necklaces. Whether alone or with a chain or two, cord necklaces are high-impact.

@briwokjewellery / Instagram

The Best Modern Cord Necklaces to Shop

Whether you love some ’90s inspo, want to embrace a little whimsy, or are feeling a little avant-garde, there’s a cord necklace out there for you. The below selects offer just a taste of the ways this is sure to become a hero piece in your jewelry collection.