Meet Charmcore — the Kitschy Jewelry Trend Taking Over TikTok
In the latest batch of reimagined Y2K trends, TikTok has managed to resurrect a peak early '00s staple: charm jewelry. That's right — the chunky charm necklaces and metallic charm bracelets that once dominated your accessories drawer are proving to be fashion's most coveted commodity this fall. And they're not just here to take over standard jewelry pieces; bag charms are also popping up on the arms of A-listers and style influencers alike, with designer brands like Coach and Kate Spade New York releasing their own novelty pieces.
So, what's inspired this charmcore craze? For starters, few fashion accessories provide a more failsafe way to turn heads the moment you walk into a room — in part, because of their notoriously loud, jangly design. Charm jewelry also offers a more sustainable route for updating your wardrobe each season; rather than investing in a new work bag or necklace, you can simply reimagine your older pieces with charm accessories that'll add some welcomed character (and color) to any style.
Much like friendship bracelets, the charmcore trend is all about wearing things that showcase your personality and play up your interests. It's kitschy, it's niche, and oftentimes even a little tacky — but that's what makes it so fun. And if you're looking to test out the charm jewelry trend for yourself but don't know where to start, fear not — we've got you covered.
From earring charms to charm keychains that you can use to dress up your bags, boots, and more, we've rounded up the best charm jewelry to wear this season and beyond. Our top picks come from both charm jewelry brands and larger retailers like Nordstrom and Urban Outfitters. Looking for a specific style? Browse through our categories below.
Best Bag Charms
Stainless Steel Gold Initial Charms ($8)
From Taylor Swift to Sabrina Carpenter and Hailey Bieber, fashion's biggest role players are embracing initial jewelry more than ever before this season. Find your own way into the trend with this sophisticated initial charm, which has a keychain-like design that's easy to clip onto your handbag, personal carry-on, or even your phone case.
Best Bag Charms
Silence + Noise Bow Charm Dangle Keychain ($15)
It doesn't get more Y2K than this silver keychain charm from Urban Outfitters. The dangly accessory features several subtle accents like stars, hearts, and beaded strings, which contrast beautifully against dark-colored bags. Plus, it offers a noncommittal way to experiment with the metallic fashion trend.
Best Bag Charms
Custom Name Beaded Bag Chain Charm ($22)
If you're all in on the friendship bracelet trend, then you're going to adore this charm chain from Etsy. With its bright beads and customizable design, the kitschy piece feels like it was pulled straight out of a Lisa Frank catalog. We love that you can choose your own chain size (depending on the handbag you're hoping to attach it to), along with the chain color.
Best Bag Charms
String Ting Magic Daytrip Bag Ting ($92)
Your eyes aren't deceiving you — mushrooms are truly everywhere at the moment, as evidenced by this trippy handbag charm from String Ting. The heart and soul of this handmade accessory lies within its chunky mushroom charm and sweet cloud accent, which are situated at opposite ends of each other.
Best Bag Charms
Coach Motif Chain Bag Charm ($95)
Got a staple Coach bag? Consider dressing it up a little more with this motif charm chain. Crafted from a plated metal material, the accessory is equal parts stylish and functional — with a lobster clasp closure that ensures it won't fall off of your handbag. We love the mini logo and dinosaur charms, which honor the brand's signature designs.
Best Charm Necklaces
Custom Gold Charm Necklace ($20)
Unlike other TikTok trends, charmcore is surprisingly easy to replicate on a budget. Whether you're looking to splurge on a designer charm as a jewelry gift or want something more affordable to work into your everyday wardrobe — like this custom charm necklace from Amazon — there's something for everyone (hence why it's so popular).
Best Charm Necklaces
Bianca Layered Charm Necklace Set ($35)
The assortment of charms on this necklace truly tell a story of their own. From a mini cherry to a vintage-inspired heart pendant, the style is designed to stand out and channel a softer aesthetic — namely one that pulls inspiration from the coquette trend.
Best Charm Necklaces
Frasier Sterling Custom Pearl Princess Necklace ($66)
With a fan base that includes celebrities like Justin Bieber and Gigi Hadid, Frasier Sterling is known for creating some of the most statement-making, fun jewelry pieces on the market — and charm jewelry is no exception. This darling pearl necklace can be customized with initial charms in a variety of colors, so you'll have the freedom to truly make it your own.
Best Charm Bracelets
Marc Jacobs The Mini Icon Charm Bracelet ($125)
Leave it to Marc Jacobs to make the most unique designer charms and charm bracelets. This particular accessory is adorned with standard emblems like flowers and hearts, along with more brand-specific accents like the famous Marc Jacobs Tote Bag (in a much smaller form, of course) and the label's signature chunky ankle boots. What's not to love?
Best Shoe Charms
Boot charms might not get the same hype as other accessories, but that doesn't mean we love them any less. These whimsical sun charms are easy to latch onto the back of most boots, plus they add an earthy flair that feels uniquely boho. Wear them for music festivals or even to a rodeo.
Best Shoe Charms
Crocs Everything Nice Assorted 5-Pack Jibbitz Shoe Charms ($25)
With these shoe charms, you can give your Crocs new life and infuse bits of your personality into the style. The bundle includes an assortment of beautiful charms — like floral stones, rainbow motifs, and little fruit accents.
Best Jewelry Charms
Mini Heart Evil Eye Charm ($2)
Keep bad energy at bay with this evil eye charm from Etsy. The dainty accessory is available to shop in two hardware options — gold and silver — and it's easy to attach onto everything from charm bracelets and necklaces to earrings and even keychains.
Best Jewelry Charms
Fable England Enamel Blue Butterfly Charm ($24)
Channel storybook elegance with this whimsical butterfly charm from Fable England. The accessory is one of many dainty charms from the brand, which specializes in unique motifs and pendants. We love its soft blue coloring and hand-painted enamel design.
Best Jewelry Charms
Gorjana Popsicle Parker Charm ($35)
Keep it sweet and simple with this yummy popsicle accessory. The colorful charm pays homage to everyone's favorite summer treat, with a matching gold trim that elevates it with a touch of luxury. You can string it onto a charm necklace or add it to your growing collection of bag charms.
Kyley Warren is an award-winning writer, editor, and affiliate strategist with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She currently works as an assistant editor on PS Shopping and is an expert on all things related to shopping and fashion. She previously worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.