Sure, we all know what wardrobe essentials for work professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you’re buying one for the first time or replacing one you’ve worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.

We haven’t done a hunt on statement necklaces for work in yeaaaaars… but I thought it might be interesting to take a look and see what’s on the market right now. I have two thoughts here: the first is that delicate necklaces don’t read well on Zoom, so if you’re doing stuff virtually and want to wear a necklace it’s probably better to choose a statement necklace.

The second thought is that if you’re trying to keep a minimal work wardrobe while we figure out … *gestures wildly* … all this (including a postpandemic office dress code, once we’re, you know, through the pandemic), a statement necklace is going to be an easy way to “dress up” simple clothing, from a gray pants and a gray t-shirt, to a sheath dress, to a plain white button-front blouse. (I will note that scarves can also serve this function…)

Readers, what are your thoughts — if you’re working from home, are you reaching for necklaces right now for Zoom calls and the like? Are you a fan of statement necklaces now (or have you been in the past)?

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Chain necklaces in gold and silver tone are HUGE right now — the pictured one above is $29 at Madewell, where they’re showing it layered with others. The very similar “paper clip necklace” at J.Crew (available in both short and long sizes) is one of their bestsellers right now, ranging from $128-$168.

There’s a very similar necklace for $94 at Reiss, and, to be honest, almost every single mall store right now has a ton of these in stock in varying widths and metals and lengths. You can find more upscale options by searching the phrase “chain collar” at places like Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdale’s.

I feel obligated to tell you that Banana Republic is STILL selling their “Notorious” collar (so-named because of RBG!), AND that it’s on sale for 40% off.

Is the collar still “in”? I’d love to hear from readers — for my $.02, it was always a tricky look to pull off, and I think for the regular office it’s a bit much. I do think, however, that if you have a special occasion that the collar has probably achieved classic status — so I’d still buy it if it’s meaningful to you. It’s versatile enough I think you can wear the collar t-shirts, sheath dresses, suits, and cocktail attire like jumpsuits or dresses.

There are versions of this Kate Spade necklace at both Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s (in reds) — I think it’s a lovely pop of color and would be nice with anything from neutrals to contrasting colors (such as green or red) to complementary colors (pinks, purples). It’s $148 at both stores, and Kate Spade has both the pictured pink and the red one (for $118).

There isn’t a TON on the market like the necklaces right now, so I wouldn’t say it’s “on trend,” but if you love it, go for it. (Actually, there ARE a bunch of similar necklaces right now at Talbots, so if you’re a fan, FYI!)

Another necklace that’s more on the unusual side, but gosh I love the color. (Think of popping this on on a day when you’re feeling washed out — the brightness from the white pearls and lipstick red? Yes please.)

This one is $486 at Nordstrom.

I almost didn’t include this one because it’s so similar to the first affordable option — but I love how you can really see what a statement this makes when you’ve got several widths and lengths of chains, as well as mixed metals.

The pictured necklace is $2500 at Neiman Marcus (“from the chain collection”) and has a single toggle clasp; they also note that it can be worn as a bracelet.

If you want a muuuuuuch more affordable option, I really like this $52 option at Nordstrom – a set of two layered necklaces with mixed metals.

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