How to Style Body Chains for Summer and Beyond
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Body chains are back, babes. Unlike the last time they took the accessories world by storm, body chains are no longer the sole domain of pop stars and the preteens who worship them. Instead, thanks to brands like Chanel, Stella McCartney, and Chloé, the sultry accessory has undergone an elevated runway makeover. This new generation of body chains combines the quality of fine jewelry with the sensual power of fine French lingerie. They're grown up, luxe, and, believe it or not, they go with almost everything.
The body chains of today boast real pearls, crystals, and precious metals, so it makes sense that the styling options have gotten the high-fashion treatment, too. No longer relegated to the realm of crop tops and low-rise jeans, celebrities and fashion houses are pairing body chains with designer maxidresses, blazers, and gowns. Ahead, we've rounded up 11 new ways to style body chains that you'll be itching to adorn yourself with ASAP.
Over a Maxidress
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Ocean-inspired accessories and maxidresses are summertime classics for a reason. So, if you're hoping to channel Botticelli's Venus this season (and honestly, who isn't?) without looking like you're wearing a costume, try a full-length body chain beautifully adorned with subtle pearls or mother-of-pearl beads. Alana Maria Malibu Body Chain Gold is your best bet.
With an Athleisure 'Fit
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Bring a touch of glamour to even the most relaxed athleisure 'fit by wearing it with a body chain. Rather than going extra luxe, we recommend opting for a body chain that incorporates crystals, semi-precious gemstones, or seashells for a vibe that's laid-back and unique. Our recommendation? Free People Ariana Ost Fox River Body Chain.
Under a Blazer
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Blazers, especially of the oversized variety, have quickly become our go-to canvas for trying out delightfully subversive trends — like the underwear as outerwear craze, for instance. Take this sultry train of thought a little further and swap out a bralette for a statement body chain.
Related: 9 Different Types of Blazers Worth Adding to Your Wardrobe
With a Plunging Neckline
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Finding the perfect necklace for a bold neckline can be difficult, especially when rocking a deep V. Thankfully, plunging necklines and body chains are a match made in heaven. You can wear a body chain, such as Alana Maria Beverly Body Chain Gold, over your dress or top like the models at the Chanel Cruise RTW '24 fashion show, or style things a bit more flirtatiously by wearing the body chain under your clothes.
With a Maxiskirt
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Add some depth to a midriff-baring matching set by wearing a simple belly chain, such as Missoma Bobble Belly Chain, around your waist. This look can be luxe and minimal — like how Kim Kardashian wore it — or amped up to the umpteenth level with lots of layered chains.
Over a Swimsuit
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We spotted body chains at Miami Swim Week long before they went mainstream on Ready to Wear runways. Not to mention, many folks still think of them as swim accessories. We love how body chains can transform a swim look, whether it's adding a playful set of brightly colored beads (i.e. Vidakush Rainbow Station Body Chain) to a basic bikini or elevating a sophisticated piece even further with dainty golden chains.
Related: The 31 Best Bikinis of 2024 to Buy Right Now
Atop a White Tank
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Breathe new life into a simple white tank by wearing it under a body chain. It's a great backdrop for delicate gold pieces and is also an excellent opportunity to experiment with bold, curve-hugging styles of chains.
Asymmetrically
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Dip your toe into wearing body chains by tossing a few asymmetrically across your chest. The look is subtle but still striking and a great way to get used to the feel and movement of wearing body chains, such as Yena by Camila Coelho.
With a Matching Set
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A delicate body chain (see: Child of Wild Marbella Body Chain) can literally hold a look together. Next time you're putting together a minimalist two-piece set, skip rings, necklaces, and bracelets in favor of a body chain that wraps you from shoulders to waist.
With a Metallic Dress
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Add an air of sophistication to a simply cut metallic dress by pairing it with a body chain, like Naiia Sasha Body Chain. Mixed metals work beautifully here, so don't be afraid to create lots of contrast with chain styles and thickness.
Related: 16 Metallic Outfits from Bold and Blinding to Subtly Shining
With Pasties
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Hear us out: Between music festival fashion, "naked dressing," and the bras-as-outerwear revolution, there is literally no reason not to wear a body chain as a top with some decorative pasties. Is it a look you could wear to the office? No, probably not, but it's still worth adding to your gothic-heroine-goes-to-lollapalooza mood board.
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