Cord Pendant Necklaces Are the ’90s Jewelry Trend I’m Seeing Everywhere This Fall

MARLYN SCHIFF Quinn Pendant Necklace in Brown Glaze

Listen: I’m all for a dainty jewelry moment. Tiny stud earrings, a barely-there collar chain, and delicate bracelets have a permanent role in my accessories rotation. But there’s just something about fall that has me acting up. I want to do the absolute most—wear fringe jackets and chunky boots, and jewelry that says something.

Enter: the cord pendant necklace. The casual, retro-inspired trend is making major waves in the accessories world this season and has the type of nostalgic flair that delivers exactly what we’re looking for. With its effortless ‘90s it girl energy, the style strikes just the right balance between cool and considered. A good pendant can add the right dose of personality to any ‘fit without trying too hard, and that’s exactly what we’re after.

Christian Vierig//Getty Images

In case you need a little more convincing: the trend was all over the spring/summer 2026 runways. Models walked with shell pendants at Dries van Noten, Coach had abstract stones strung on leather cords, and Tory Burch sent beaded, pouch pendants down the runway. It’s one of those trends that could fit any personal style—minimalist, bohemian, edgy, maximalist, earthy, you name it.

MARLYN SCHIFF Quinn Pendant Necklace in Brown Glaze$76Nordstrom

If you wanna go classic, Marlyn Schiff’s Quinn Pendant Necklace is a staple! The boho chic charm is hung from a durable suede cord, with an 18-inch length that makes it perfect for layering.

BaubleBar Millie Semi-Precious Heart Cord Necklace$48 at Bauble bar

J.Crew Oval Pendant Necklace with Leather Cord$49 at J Crew

MARLYN SCHIFF Oakley Faux Leather Cord Pendant Necklace$62 at Nordstrom

J.Crew Comb pendant necklace$69 at J Crew

ALV ALV Semiprecious Stone On Suede Necklace$55 at Free People

Speaking of layering, though, J. Crew has the coolest selection of styles that effortlessly stack together. My advice? Pair this classic oval pendant with a few funkier designs, like this comb and lipstick case. They’ll make your most boring outfit feel like a total statement.

Christian Vierig//Getty Images

But if simple is more your vibe, fear not. Ettika’s Polished Pebble Black Leather Pendant still nails the trend, but in a much more subtle way. Free People’s Semiprecious Stone Necklace is another fave thanks to its adjustable suede cord, which can be worn short, long, or looped around!

Don’t get me wrong here, I’m not suggesting you ditch your daintiest pieces. I’m just saying they deserve a little more interesting company. Mix ‘em with a statement piece that yaps for the whole look.

Ettika Resin Drop Cord Necklace in Olive.$48 at Revolve$48 at Nordstrom

COACH Signature Heart Cord Pendant Necklace$145 at Coach

ESALIA Brushed Gold Plated Classic Teardrop Pendant Necklace$13 at Amazon

ZHDHDQ Oval Cubic Zirconia Pendant NecklaceNow 10% Off$10 $9 at AmazonCredit: Amazon

Free People Tali Pendant Necklace$48 at Free People

Ralph Lauren Gold-Plated Lambskin Pendant Necklace$68 at Ralph LaurenCredit: Ralph Lauren

Megan SchalteggerFreelance Writer

Megan Schaltegger is an NYC-based writer. She loves strong coffee, eating her way through the Manhattan food scene, and her dog, Murray. She promises not to talk about herself in third person IRL.