Think Chunky & Trendy: Here’s What’s Catching Eyes in Fashion Jewelry and Eyewear in 2025

As fashion continues to come back into the spotlight in a post-pandemic world, consumers are changing what they are shopping for. Elaborate accessories and polished looks took a backseat to athleisure wear, as working from home took people away from office settings. But those days are in the past and consumers are dressing for style once again.

Earrings remain the top jewelry choice, according to the 2025 Gift Book Consumer Survey, which asked respondents which type of jewelry accessory they were most likely to purchase over the next 12 months. This year, 46 percent of respondents said they were likely to purchase earrings, compared to 43 percent that said they would purchase necklaces.

Bracelets, rings and hair accessories saw a small decrease in popularity, but were overall comparable to last year’s findings, while pins/brooches saw a 2 percent increase in popularity.

Silver fashion accessories, as well as home accents, were popular at the summer markets, hinting to its return as a favored fashion metal. The 2025 Gift Book Consumer Survey confirmed our editors’ suspicion, finding 65 percent of consumers preferred sterling silver or white gold.

Flashback Vibes

Interested in throwback styles, consumers have been putting ’80s and ’90s fashions back on the scene. Of note is the rise in popularity of chunky jewelry, especially large gold and silver earrings that make a statement, and layered necklaces with embellishments.

According to a 2024 article by Marie Claire, “today’s trendsetters and luxury designers are taking cues from the decade of decadence. 1980s fashion trends were all about excess … the bigger, bolder and more maximal an accessory, the better.”

Of note are large, ribbed and often-square earrings, enamel pins and decorative brooches, statement necklaces and pearl accents, as seen on the late great Princess Diana.

Today’s consumers are even taking a cue from Joan Collins in the popular ’80s drama Dynasty, whether they know it or not. The TV star sported multicolored gems, layered necklaces and chunky necklaces with added charms.

Charm Bars

Charm bars have become all the rage in just the past year, and since they provide both an in-store experience and a customized product for consumers, they’re going to be a winning addition to inventory in 2025.

Including basic chain-link necklaces, bracelets and earrings and a plethora of charms to choose from, they give consumers the ability to express themselves and create unique accessories, perfectly tailored to their taste.

The beauty of charm bars is that they can aid in the creation of a multitude of accessories, whether a consumer is looking for something more minimal or chunky and bold. Charms that feature gemstones tap into another popular jewelry trend and help to add a pop of color to the accessory.

Trendy Glasses

Glasses aren’t just a necessity for some – they are a fashion accessory that can take a look from boring to smart with very little effort. From black squared styles to cat eye to wireframes and everything in between, there is something for everyone.

For the coming year, retro aviators are a classic that is very much back in style. Both in metal frames and cellulose acetate for a lightweight feel, there are options depending on how throwback your customer wants to get. Oversized frames are also proving popular, as are a modified cat eye that feels both vintage and current. And with the 1990s having a strong resurgence in pop culture, the wire rim, smaller lens style is back in a big way.

For readers and everyday wear, the top-bar frames are a bold look that is proving trendy, as are oversized rims, aviators and cat eye. A tech-inspired edge is also garnering celebrity affection. For consumers looking for a popular shade of readers or sunglasses, lavender, 90s-inspired neon and classic black and white are great choices.

While gift stores might not be the first place your customer goes to look for eyewear, readers and sunglasses make for an easy upsell. Keep a rotating rack of glasses by books and other reading materials, along with a freestanding mirror so that they might try on the frames. For sunglasses, cross merchandise with an outdoor display, with items for grilling out, pool or beach accessories, outdoor games and the like.

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