Cast your mind back to when collecting charms was the height of cool. You swapped them with your friends, saved up your pocket money for a new style and, if you were lucky, got them as gifts on any big birthday. But where are these highly personalised pieces now? Well, if they’re rattling around at the bottom of your drawer, the time has come to dust them off, as the trend has returned – and there are plenty more ways to style them than simply strung on a bracelet.

Bags are being blinged up with miniature coin purses, clip-on characters and joy-inducing kitsch accessories, while dainty chain belts serve as the perfect base for clip-on charms, adding a dose of personality to any classic outfit. All this and more has helped spark the great charm revival.

As with most recent trends – including kitten heels, capri pants and layered tops – the continued love for Y2K style seems to be the core culprit for the reignited interest in charms. 

Plus, as we saw with the rise in personalised jewellery, bags and the spike in slogan T-shirts, our need to personalise our outfits seems to be growing. After all, in a world of Pinterest, street style snaps and increased media coverage (you’re welcome), our knowledge, inspiration and confidence in how to style outfits is continually increasing. Charms are a quick and easy way to add this unique spin, and charm brands are crafting with this in mind.

“There’s no better way to show your personality than with a collection of charms that best represent you, whether it’s a birthstone, an astrological sign or a personal symbol,” says Emma Fox, PR officer at Pandora. “One way to style charms is what we at Pandora are calling ‘fully loaded’: a stacked-to-the brim charm necklace or bracelet that oozes style and creates a strong fashion identity. Over the years, ‘the bigger the better’ has gained significant traction,” she adds, noting that bold expression is key to the trend.

Focusing on this ‘fully loaded’ look, we’ll be threading them through shoe laces, chain belts and even our bag straps to add a new touch to every outfit. Just keep in mind that the maximalist approach is the way to go.

Images: Kenneth Jay Lane; Getty; courtesy of brands