I’m all for a good jewellery trend, especially one that you can wear over and over again. Lately I’ve been obsessed with silver jewellery, rope pendant necklaces and pieces with seashells.
But there’s a resurgence of a trend that I don’t quite understand: the belly chain.
Of course, in the early to mid-2000s, I was obsessed with it because all my favorite pop stars like Britney, Shakira, and Christina were wearing it on their abs, and even though I knew as a teenager that this look was impossible to achieve, it only made me aspire to it even more.
Now as an adult, I can’t help but find those clothes, for lack of a better word, a little lame. And, to be honest, they weren’t very practical either, as I usually paired them with low-rise jeans and butterfly tops.
So when I saw the body chain make a comeback, thanks in part to Kim Kardashian’s collaboration with Swarovski last year, I wasn’t too thrilled.
But as Gwyneth and Cynthia proved at the launch event late last year, body chains can also be incredibly minimal and chic when worn over a sleek dress or tailored separates.
Always keen to try out trends in the name of fashion, I brought along a beaded Anni Lu dress on a recent holiday and wore it with high-waisted linen trousers and a crop top, proving that you don’t need abs to feel fabulous in this dress.
This summer I plan on wearing this with a low cut sarong at the beach and over a satin slip dress for everyday wear.
With that in mind, here are some lovely belly chains that you can wear this summer and beyond.
Astrid & Miyu, Lemon Jade Berry Chain (Gold)
Anni Lu, Fiesta Shell Necklace/Belly Chain
Lauren Stewart, Serpent sterling silver belly chain
Alexa Cz, Naiia jeweled gold body chain
Swarovski x SKIMS X-Shape Stainless Steel Body Chain
Asos Design Waterproof Stainless Steel Belly Chain
Designb London Cord Belly Chain with Flower Pendant
Lucy Williams Cobra Snake Belly Chain
Silence + Noise Delicate Beaded Belly Chain