The Long Pendant: Fall 2026's Most Wanted Necklace
Extra-long chains, carved stones, charms and talismans on leather cords: the pendant necklace has become the defining jewel of fall/winter 2026, and it was made to be worn over a sweater.
A pendant is a secret worn in public. It swings when you walk, catches the light when you lean in, and rests just over the heart. This season it grew longer and bolder, and it was strung on everything from gold chains to leather cords.
What is the biggest jewellery trend for fall 2026?
Long pendant necklaces are fall 2026's biggest jewellery trend, according to Elle: oversized, extra-long and often vintage in feeling, in coloured stones, onyx or carved metal, worn over sweaters, cardigans and coats. Fforme, Coach, Celine, Balenciaga and Sabyasachi all showed them. Start with one long chain and a single substantial pendant.
On the runways
Elle's Kristen Bateman traced the trend across the season. At Fforme, supersized jingle-bell pendants, made with Alba Navarro of ANH Studio and inspired by the stylist Judy Blame, hung beneath lightweight jackets. Every model at Coach wore leather cords strung with timepieces, crystals and whistles, a joyful charm-bracelet idea moved to the neck. Sabyasachi showed pendants made in collaboration with the Met, while Celine and Balenciaga offered smaller pendants for those who prefer a whisper. Sophie Buhai, Roxanne Assoulin, Khaite and Lié Studio also make the shape.
Vogue's accessory report pointed to long charm pendants at Celine and Dries Van Noten, and Harrods highlighted heavy pendants at Chloé and Celine charm necklaces worn over camel coats.
Why it matters
The pendant is not a passing idea. Elle quotes Ryan Kleman, a vice president at Moda Operandi, saying necklaces are the retailer's largest jewellery category. A long pendant is easy to wear and personal, and it works as well with a sweater as with an evening dress.
How to wear a long pendant
- Over the knit. The defining styling of the season: a long pendant against a chunky sweater or high neck. See our knitwear trends.
- Over the coat. Celine's charm necklaces over camel coats, as Harrods noted, are the elegant way to wear one outside.
- On a cord. For a softer, more bohemian feel, follow Coach and string a talisman on leather.
- Layer two lengths. A long chain with a shorter pendant gives depth without clutter.
- Let it be the only necklace. Like one big piece, a strong pendant needs space.
Pair it with
A wide cuff worn over the sleeve completes the look, and pendants in carnelian or garnet echo the season's burgundy and oxblood. Explore more in Jewelry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pendant necklaces in style for fall 2026?
Yes. Elle calls long pendant necklaces fall 2026's biggest jewellery trend, with versions at Fforme, Coach, Celine, Balenciaga and Sabyasachi.
How long should a pendant necklace be?
This season's pendants are long, often falling to the sternum or lower, so they sit over a sweater or coat. Choose a length that lands below the neckline of what you wear most.
Can you wear a pendant over a sweater?
Yes, that is exactly how fall 2026 wears it. Elle describes pendants styled over sweaters, cardigans and coats, and Harrods noted Celine charm necklaces worn over camel coats.
What is a cord pendant necklace?
It is a pendant hung on a leather or fabric cord instead of a metal chain. At Coach's fall 2026 show, every model wore leather cords strung with timepieces, crystals and whistles.
