The simple cord necklace will dial up everything you own to 100% summer - from £16.50

Every so often, an accessory buzz comes along that fits the mood, and this summer the buzz belongs to the silk scarf, and the pendant cord necklace.

This isn’t a new affair, if you were around in the 90s you’ll remember supermodels Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell layering their cord necklaces with the same carefree confidence they gave their chokers and slip dresses. Fast-forward to 2025, and they’re back with a modern glow-up.

A cord necklace is the easiest and most affordable way to freshen up your summer rotation. Though the original home of the cord necklace, Tiffany, where the cord is a twist of silk, and the amulet solid silver, gold or jade - and costs thousands of pounds - our edit starts at £16.50.

Plus, the cord itself, whether it's leather, rope or braided cotton captures the current boho revival with it’s considered, carefree appeal.

There is a style to suit all jewellery wearers too. From gold-dipped seashells to semi-precious stones, sun pendants, amulets and metallic swirls and M&S, Massimo Duttti, and Zara have created considered versions, though the new-in M&S styles selling out as fast as they land.

Otherwise for investment pieces that will stand the test of time, head to Liberty London whose range includes By Alona’s 18ct gold-plated Odessa pendant necklace and Monica Vinader Aria cord necklace which you can wear tied long or double it up as a choker. That brings us to styling. Cord necklaces look great layered with other pendants; nothing says summer quite like a dreamy tangle of jewellery.

Throw one over a white oversized shirt, let it peek out from your bikini top on the beach, layer with your favourite blazer and cami top, or wear with a floaty maxi dress and strappy sandals for that just-back-from-vacation kind of mood. Either way, you’ll want to wear yours with everything all summer.

So, whether you're into beachy shell charms, spiritual talismans, molten metal pendants, or just want something that says “I’m on holiday” even when you’re at your desk, this is an accessory moment worth getting tied up in.