Why a Beachy Beaded Necklace Is Secretly the Best Fall Accessory

I’m Julia Gall, a former Marie Claire editor and current Marie Claire columnist. I'm a fashion writer and stylist based in New England. When I’m not working, I usually chase after my toddler and dog on the beach or throw something together in the kitchen from my farmers' market haul.

What I love about the Marie Claire reader is that they are curious, driven, and very considered consumers of fashion. This perfectly aligns with my professional and personal passion: the intersection of fashion and sustainability. Sustainable style varies for everyone, but I love diving into topics like wardrobe care and longevity, shopping your closet with new styling ideas, and highlighting designers and brands that prioritize the planet and people. In my first column, and in future ones, I hope to inspire new ways of dressing seasonally—looking at what you may already have with fresh eyes and making small tweaks through accessorizing or styling to create a big impact. I’m so excited to share my insights with you all here!

I’m no stranger to the “never-take-it-off” summer jewelry piece, but when my stylish friend Jamie gifted me a more glam version of a puka necklace for my July birthday, I couldn’t believe how much I enjoyed it with literally everything I wore afterward. I had a similar feeling with a shell pendant necklace a few years back that I ended up wearing for an entire year. That said, I don’t see myself stashing away a beachy beaded strand for fall just yet. Using it as a centerpiece, I tried to add other jewelry and scarf elements to make it feel less bare and breezy and a little more “fully dressed” for cooler months. In fact, this is a wardrobe mantra I really try to live by. I don’t necessarily believe in swapping out wardrobes seasonally, especially where I live in New England, where the weather can be so unpredictable (and typically quite chilly). I love getting the most out of my pieces and experimenting with unusual ways to layer and accessorize with certain fabrics that seem more “seasonal.” It’s a delicate balance that prioritizes sustainable style and turns out to be just as gentle on my budget as it is on the planet. This “beaded necklace for fall” idea is no exception and offers a fun challenge to shop my wardrobe and test my styling skills. Here’s what I came up with.

The Opener

Building on the all-white vibe of my beaded gift, I naturally layered pearl strands to elevate the look. The original necklace is from IN2, and there’s also a version with a pearl, which seems even better suited for this vibe. Necklace layering can sometimes be tricky, so adjusting the lengths is very helpful. I personally prefer to keep full strands short and have charms as the bottom layer. I thought this look would be fun for a night out, and this mirrored linen shirt makes the perfect base for the transitional season. I’m wearing this with a black pleated mini skirt and ballet flats to complete that classic pearl vibe.

Round Two

Adding icy crystals is a way to make a stylish shift away from being too bohemian. I included a few in different shapes, opting for bolder silhouettes than the typical tennis necklace style. I didn’t want this look to feel too dressy, so I paired it with a playful wool twinset, a textured black bucket hat, and a wool skinny scarf in a fun plaid to bring it into fall. Crystals paired with a sweater still feel a bit like '10s J.Crew, but honestly, I’m not mad at it. However, I’d recommend anchoring the look with loose jeans and slim sneakers for a vibe that feels more 2025.

Third Impression

Adding the beaded necklace to my everyday charm necklace became a routine I followed all summer long. I added a weightier gold chain with texture to bump up the richness. I like how this layered look harmonizes with my fall print-on-fall print approach, without any elements competing against each other. I also like how my daily glasses give it a more 70s vibe, so I’ll throw on a pair of kick-flare pants and boat shoes for a touch of yacht rock that will make my beaded necklace feel right at home.