News flash: belly chains are officially back on the menu for summer 2024. Here at Cosmo we’re in full Y2K revival mode, stocking up on cargo pants, butterfly tops, baguette bags... The full works.
But after seeing pics from the recent Kardashian/Jenner family vacay where both Kim K and Kylie were repping belly chains with their micro bikinis, we’re now convinced we need to add some nostalgic jewels to our summer shopping lists too.
Perfect for sunny szn and holiday wardrobes, the best belly chains will add a touch of sparkle to swimwear lewks. Don't be fooled into thinking they're for accessorising bare skin only – a belly chain layered over a plain slip dress will look hella fancy and instantly elevate a simple tank top and denim shorts combo, too. They are seriously that versatile, people.
We're not staying too true to the OG '90s and noughties body jewellery looks, though. No shade, but forget Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears styling belly chains, dangle navel rings and stick-on gems with corset tops and distressed low-rise denim. We're doing things a little differently this time around.
Yep, the belly chain has had a bit of makeover for 2024. The mantra is no longer the brasher the better, ladies. Now it's all about delicate Figaro and slender snake chains, threaded with subtle beads and crystals, that you can wear solo to add a touch of glam or layer up to make a jewellery statement.
Still not convinced you need a belly chain in your life? We've rounded up all the best gold, silver, beaded and plus-size belly chains to shop now – along with ALL the celeb styling inspo to get you in the navel-baring spirit.
Missoma belly chains
A special shout-out to one of our all-time cult fave affordable jewellery brands, Missoma. With a long list of celeb fans – we're talking verified cool girls Bella Hadid, Sienna Miller and Iris Law, plus uber-chic influencer Lucy Williams who has her own collection with the demi-fine jewellery brand – it's no surprise this isn't Missoma's first foray into body jewellery. We love the beaut gold-plated designs for their understated simplicity.
The best gold belly chains
Gold belly chains are perfect for summer looks – they will instantly add a glow to your skin and quite literally shimmer in the sunlight. Opt for a statement-making motif design or stick to a classic curb chain with hammered detailing to provide just a lil visual interest.
The best silver belly chains
For all those silver jewellery gals out there, we've also found the best belly chains to match your cool-toned metal aesthetic. As per, Rihanna was ahead of the trend. Wanna tap into the Y2K trend? Free People has nailed beach club accessorising with a charm-adorned waist chain, while Kim Kardashian's brand SKIMS has collabed with Swarovski for a blinged-out design.
The best beaded belly chains
Beaded belly chains are perfect for festivals and beach days, especially if you're worried about metal jewellery tarnishing. We love the addition of faux-pearls, coloured stones and dainty shell charms. Yep, mermaidcore is set to make a real comeback this summer. Don't believe us? Check out Cindy Kimberly's holiday wardrobe featuring shell bikinis.
Anni Lu String of Joy Gold-Plated Necklace & Belly Chain
The best plus-size belly chains
We're pleased to see a HUGE collection of plus-size belly chains online, too. ASOS has a mega collection covering coin styles, butterfly charms and chunky belt chains. Luckily, body jewellery is pretty inclusive anyway (another reason why we LOVE it), with many pieces having extendable chains you can adjust to create the perfect fit.
Rosie Davenport is a former Ecommerce Writer at Cosmopolitan UK and Red Online, covering fashion, beauty and travel reviews, as well as major sales events such as Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. Rosie has reviewed everything from Reformation dresses to the latest massage guns and knows the new brands to bookmark as well as the latest trends to follow. Before this role, Rosie was a Fashion Ecommerce Writer on publications including ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar and Good Housekeeping for nearly two years, and gained a MA from Central Saint Martins in Fashion Journalism in 2021, focussing on the rise (and rise) of fashion podcasting. Rosie has also worked at The Times, been a sub editor at The Mail on Sunday’s weekly YOU magazine and produced in-depth retail reports for the trend forecasting agency WGSN. Her career highlight? Previewing Prada’s AW21 menswear show in the depths of lockdown and interviewing Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons from her bedroom. Outside of work, Rosie can be found rummaging through vintage shops or getting lost in one of London’s iconic department stores. You can follow Rosie on Instagram @rosie.davenport
Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
