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Fashion: A chunky chain is the key transitional fashion piece you need right now

For in-between seasons, a statement necklace is a real wardrobe winner, says Katie Wright

Gold & Honey Clear And Gold Oversized Twisted Link Necklace, £228, Wolf & Badger
Gold & Honey Clear And Gold Oversized Twisted Link Necklace, £228, Wolf & Badger

THIS time of year is a tricky one when it comes to deciding what to wear. The end of summer brings with it some chillier days but it’s not officially autumn yet, so we’re not quite ready for jumpers and coats.

In the fashion industry, September is all about ‘transitional’ dressing – and this year there’s one piece of jewellery that’s the perfect addition to any wardrobe, whatever the weather, and that’s a chunky chain.

The beauty of these statement pieces is that they can work well on either bare skin or layered over clothing. Try adding a gold chain over a shirt or blouse, for example – just make sure it’s a chain that sits flat against the body, so that it fits neatly under your collar.

Is bigger always better when it comes to chunky chains? Not necessarily. If you’re used to delicate jewellery and you’re not ready to go large, why not layer a few smaller gold chains to create a multi-strand necklace.

If you are making a beeline for supersized pieces, try the tone-on-tone look, teaming an off-white necklace with a cream shirt, or a tortoiseshell chain with a camel knit. Resin and perspex designs are generally cheaper than their gold-plated counterparts, offering more bang for your buck.

From subtle to mega-sized, here are our favourite chunky chains to shop now…

Astrid & Miyu Circle Link Chain Necklace in Gold, £75
Astrid & Miyu Circle Link Chain Necklace in Gold, £75
Seol + Gold Chunky Chain Necklace, £49.95
Seol + Gold Chunky Chain Necklace, £49.95
Marks and Spencer Collection Ball Link Necklace, £15
Marks and Spencer Collection Ball Link Necklace, £15
Coup de Coeur London Gold Chunky Chain Necklace, £180, available from Wolf & Badger
Coup de Coeur London Gold Chunky Chain Necklace, £180, available from Wolf & Badger
LK Bennett Brighton Tortoise Shell Resin Necklace, £85
LK Bennett Brighton Tortoise Shell Resin Necklace, £85
Alina and T White Chain Statement Necklace, from £37.88, Etsy
Alina and T White Chain Statement Necklace, from £37.88, Etsy
Oliver Bonas Alohi Marbled Resin Loop & Chunky Chain Collar Necklace, £29.50
Oliver Bonas Alohi Marbled Resin Loop & Chunky Chain Collar Necklace, £29.50
Frank Usher Resin Link Chain Necklace, £18 (was £24), QVC
Frank Usher Resin Link Chain Necklace, £18 (was £24), QVC