When it comes to investment fashion items, jewelry ranks at the top of my list. I think of jewelry as something to be worn for occasions ranging from special events to the everyday and modern jewelry pieces, in particular, can cover both bases. Perhaps that is why modern jewelry brands have become a mainstay in the wardrobes of fashion insiders, who gravitate to their versatility and designs that feel trend-forward as well as pared-back all at once.
So, which brands are worth committing to memory? Looking to the fashion set, there are some clear favorites that range from affordable items priced under $100 to fine jewelry investment pieces that are set to be future heirlooms. Ahead, see the 6 modern jewelry brands every fashion person is wearing right now and shop pieces from their collections—from inventive takes on Baroque pearls to directional wedding bands.
L.A.-based jewelry designer Sophie Buhai is stocked in the collections of the most in-the-know fashion people, who gravitate toward the brand’s soft, sculptural silhouettes and elegant minimalism. Handcrafted by local artisans and silversmiths, each piece feels like a modern heirloom.
Paris-based brand Repossi has been designing modern, avant-garde jewelry for three generations. Continued now by the founder’s granddaughter, creative director Gaia Repossi, her pieces are known for pushing minimalist designs forward—including the off-kilter stacked Antifer rings that are now a signature of the brand.
Lauren Rubinski is known for chain necklaces and bracelets that are handcrafted in Italy by master goldsmiths. The pieces are anything but ordinary, designed to be chunky but lightweight—making them the ultimate layering items.
Completedworks, led by designer and art director Anna Jewsbury, is a brand that is constantly experimenting with materials, proportions, and designs. Looking to buy a signature piece? You’ll want to scoop up the iconic mismatched earrings.
Copenhagen-based brand Sophie Bille Brahe is the ultimate take on understated, yet sophisticated jewelry. Focused on architectural designs of pearls and diamonds, the brand puts a modern spin on the most traditional jewelry materials.
L.A.-based brand Bagatiba, founded by Jessie Andrews, is a beautiful take on modern jewelry with price points under $300. Add the brand to your shopping list if you’re looking to add some pieces into your wardrobe for the everyday.
As a leading stylist at Nordstrom, Sandy Koszarek is at the forefront of the latest trends to suggest current-feeling pieces (in addition to the classics) to her clients. Lately, there are a few key pieces she’s been offering up that her clients are particularly loving. And actually, the items in question sort of felt “outdated” or not as popular to Koszarek in the past but over the last few seasons have become incredibly forward and of the moment thanks to fresh designs and cuts.
Below, you’ll uncover a sampling of her go-to picks that are fresh for this season and beyond. You’ll also notice outfit references from Koszarek, along with her testimonials and inspired shopping picks if you’re looking to add a few new items to your own offering.
“Over the last few years, we’ve seen long blazers rise in popularity, but now, the once-outdated cropped blazer is making a comeback. I love wearing the cropped version; it feels modern and chic when styled with high-waisted denim, trousers, and dresses.”
“Square-toe heels have been so popular recently, and while pointed-toe heels have never really been ‘out’ (they’re more in the classic category), they’re back in a greater way, and I’m ready to add them as a part of my wardrobe. I love how they elongate the leg and look amazing with denim, trousers, and dresses.”
“I love a classic button-down blouse, so it was easy for me to adopt the oversize version. I wear it half-tucked, tied, or open as a light layering piece. It’s a modern take on a classic piece.”
“I remember wearing flare jeans in my teens, and now they are back as a must-have item. To create a fresh take on the trend, I style my high-waisted flares with blazers for the workplace, graphic T-shirts, and voluminous blouses for the weekend.”
“When I started my career, I loved wearing trousers and pantsuits to work, but I was also happy when the trend came to an end! Well, the once-outdated trousers are back again. I love wearing the current version styled with a blazer for work or a T-shirt and denim jacket for brunch on the weekend.”
Fashion influencer Melissa Meyers has an inspiring sartorial point of view. While age clearly has nothing to do with what you should or shouldn’t wear, she is 57, so she has that experience with style trial and error over the years. She has a sense of what pieces can potentially help build a solid wardrobe.
She actually recently shared the eight-piece early fall wardrobe that she really thinks could work for everyone because the pieces are versatile and lean into that modern-yet-classic territory.
Keep scrolling to check out visual inspiration from Meyers along with insights into the pieces she deems as fall wardrobe staples. If you’re interested in shopping, you’ll also uncover a range of product recommendations.
On Meyers: Alohas trousers and pumps; Vintage YSL blouse; Prada bag. “These items are an ongoing part of my capsule collection, especially for fall. I always love a good trouser-and-blouse combo for a more sophisticated look. Just add a classic leather bag and pumps to complete the look.”
On Meyers: Michael Stars dress. “I love this ‘not so basic’ black dress by Michael Stars—the fabric is soft and stretchy, so you don’t have to trade style for comfort. The ruching at the sides gives shape to the super-flattering waist. The perfect transitional piece, this dress will take you from day to night.”
On Meyers: Who What Wear Collection boots. “It’s all about the high boots again this season! Wearing these can elevate any look, and I’m definitely going to be pairing many fall outfits with them. They are also super versatile since they can be worn with everything from jeans to dresses and skirts.”
On Meyers: Mango blazer. “The oversize blazer is one of my favorite trends of the year and is perfect for cooler nights. It automatically elevates even a basic outfit. I love to style my patterned blazer with a simple slip dress and my solid-colored blazers with a pair of trousers or jeans for a more casual look.”
On Meyers: Neu Nomads dress. “I’ve been a fan of shirtdresses this year, from bold and bright to classic neutrals. If you are more into neutrals, this classic sustainable one by Neu Nomads is perfect—I like to wear it belted with tall boots and some bling. Shirtdresses can easily be styled up or down, depending on your accessories.”
On Meyers: Prada bag. “When choosing the perfect fall handbag to invest in, it’s best to keep the style classic. I like everything from black and neutrals to a bright pop of color. All my bags are fairly small but large enough to hold my daily essentials. A fall bag should be versatile enough to go with lots of outfits.”
On Meyers: Vintage jewelry; Chanel jewelry. “Chunky jewelry is still trending for fall. I love to add a new piece to my collection each season. Some of my favorite chunky pieces at the moment are gold oversize bracelets, hoops, and chain necklaces or pendants. These statement pieces take any outfit to the next level.”
