First Published: 17th May 2023, written by Olivia Doonan | Last Updated on 6th January 2024 | Reviewed and Edited by Chloe Safilo
Costume jewellery has been a popular choice for accessorising outfits for many years, offering an affordable and versatile alternative to fine jewellery. However, costume jewellery can go in and out of style like other fashion items as trends change. In this blog, we will discover how to determine if your old costume jewellery is out of style and what you can do with it.
Recognising Outdated Costume Jewellery
Fashion trends are constantly changing, and it can sometimes be challenging to keep up with what’s currently in vogue. To determine whether your old costume jewellery range is out of style or timeless, consider the following factors:
- Design: If the design of your costume jewellery is reminiscent of a specific era or trend that has since faded, it may be out of style. For example, oversized statement necklaces and bracelets were popular a few years ago, but today’s trends may lean more towards delicate and minimalist pieces.
- Materials: Costume jewellery often uses materials that can go in and out of fashion, such as certain colours of metals or specific types of stones. For example, sterling silver, silver and rose gold was popular a few years ago, but yellow gold may be more in demand now.
- Condition: Even if the design and materials are still fashionable, the condition of your costume jewellery can affect its style. Costume jewellery is generally not as durable as elegant fine jewellery, so if your pieces are showing signs of wear and tear, they may appear outdated.
If you find some of your old costume jewellery is no longer fashionable, you have a few options. One possibility is to sell costume jewellery that is no longer in style, which can help declutter your collection and make room for new, on-trend pieces.
Breathing New Life Into Outdated Pieces
If you have discovered that some of your old costume jewellery is out of style, don’t despair – there are ways to breathe new life into these pieces:
Restyling: Sometimes, all it takes to update an old piece of costume jewellery is a bit of creativity. Consider repurposing elements from outdated pieces to create something new and unique. For example, you could remove an interesting pendant from an old necklace and add it to a modern chain or cord.
Upcycling: Another way to give outdated costume jewellery a new lease on life is through upcycling. This process involves transforming an old item into something new and functional, such as turning a vintage brooch or earrings into a hair accessory or using old earrings to decorate a picture frame.
Mixing and Matching: One of the benefits of costume jewellery is its versatility, which means you can often mix and match pieces to create new, on-trend looks. Combine your outdated costume jewellery with more contemporary items to create a unique and fashionable ensemble.
Tips For Keeping Your Costume Jewellery Collection On-Trend
To ensure that your costume jewellery collection stays fashionable, consider the following tips:
Stay Informed: Keep up to date with the latest fashion trends by following fashion blogs, designers like Ted Baker, magazines, and social media accounts. This will help you stay informed about what’s currently in style and emerging trends.
Regularly Review Your Collection: Periodically assess your costume jewellery collection to determine if any pieces are no longer in style. This will help you maintain a current and fashionable assortment of accessories.
Rotate Your Pieces: To keep your collection fresh and exciting, rotate the costume jewellery pieces you wear regularly. This can help you discover new colour combinations and prevent your accessories from becoming stale or outdated.