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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Lifestyle
Ellie Davis

Best body chains to wear with your bikini this summer

After a far too long hiatus, festival season has returned and with it comes the off-the-wall fashion choices that seem to go hand in hand with the festivities.

There is something about living in a field, sleeping in a tent, and listening to live music that brings a freeing feeling that trickles into the sartorial sphere. As far as festival jewellery trends go, body bling is up there with the most popular.

But even with the break from the likes of Coachella and Glastonbury, curve-enhancing chains have had a not-so secret renaissance spearheaded by the likes of Emily Ratajkowski, Lizzo, the Hadids and Hailey Bieber. They also played a huge feature in Rihanna’s maternity wardrobe, emphasising and enhancing her bump with glitzy detailing.

Popularised in the 90s and 00s, icons of the decade (think Paris Hilton to Beyoncé) have championed the accessory – and the current iterations are as striking, particularly when paired with swimwear. The enduring nostalgia and resurgence of Y2K trends have led to millions of TikTok views for the hashtag #bellychain and the jewellery pieces have even infiltrated the high fashion arena - spotted on bare midriffs on the Chanel resort 2022 runway.

Tap into the trend to enhance your poolside wardrobe with our edit of the best below.

Jacquie Aiche 14-karat rose gold diamond body chain

Counting Rihanna among the long celebrity fan-base, Jacquie Aiche has been at the forefront of the body jewellery revolution. This piece is handmade from one-karat rose gold and set with brilliant-cut diamonds totalling at 0.25 carats.

Buy now £3460.00, Net-A-Porter

ASOS DESIGN Curve body chain in dot dash chain gold tone

Transform a colour block bikini with this body chain that has a dot-dash chain detailing. Simple but effective, it will instantly liven up your look. With the lobster clasp, you can adjust the length to suit you.

Buy now £8.00, ASOS

Astrid & Miyu Serenity Pearl Belly Chain in Gold

Astrid & Miyu has expanded its range of jewellery to include this belly chain that is designed to be versatile. You can channel Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears in the 90s and wear low rise on the hips or wrap around you neck for a layered necklace look.

Buy now £145.00, Astrid & Miyu

ASOS DESIGN waist beads in multicolour design

The beaded jewellery craze shows no signs of wavering so add to your collection of necklaces, bracelets and rings with another rainbow hued favourite. Your holiday wardrobe won’t be complete without it.

Buy now £8.00, ASOS

Pretty Little Thing Clear Beaded Tassel Belly Chain

This Ibiza-ready belly chain is all the embellishment your outfit needs for glitz, glam and edge. The jewellery piece is adorned with clear beads designed in a tassel style that’s oozing with retro appeal.

Buy now £13.00, Pretty Little Thing

Cult Gaia Asha gold-tone body chain

LA label Cult Gaia sets the fashion world alight with its accessories. The viral creations that include the now iconic Ark bag span to the body jewellery craze. This piece has vintage influences with a gold-tone underwire design.

Buy now £175.00, Net-A-Porter

joolz by Martha Calvo Stella Body Chain

Quality pieces at affordable price tags is the MO for Miami-born label joolz by Martha - and its body chain is no different. This pared-back style is gold-plated, adjustable and will bring subtle glam to your beach to bar look.

Buy now £146.00, Revolve

Bershka Star and rhinestone waist chain

This bumper package deal gives you double the body jewellery for the price of one. As part of the twofer, there’s a rhinestone adorned chain as well as one featuring star charms.

Buy now £9.99, Bershka

Missguided gold look star detail belly chain

Pair this belly chain alongside your choker, bandana top and blue eyeshadow for the full 90s aesthetic. This gold hued piece has the alternating charm details of star and a slight sparkling embellishment.

Buy now £8.00, Missguided

Paco Rabanne Silver-tone and gold-tone body chain

There is no room for subtly at Paco Rabanne - the brand famous for its chainmail dresses. Instead of fashioning the full avant-garde frock, this body chain offers the after-dark allure without the accidental flashing. It is also adorned with circular discs in a silver and gold tone detail.

Buy now £670.00, Net-A-Porter

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