The Era of 'Chaotic Customization' Is Upon Us: Inside the Gen Z-Fueled Accessories Trend

Just last year, it felt like the trend cycle was stuck in the “clean girl,” neutral-toned, minimalism-centric era of “quiet luxury” and “stealth wealth.” Stars like Sofia Richie and Gwyneth Paltrow led the charge for the anti-bold aesthetic movement, convincing shoppers to buy staples that are more “wearable” and understated. While there’s nothing wrong with a chic, calm and organized capsule wardrobe, the fashion crowd now seems to be moving in a new direction.

Instead of trying to fly under the radar, shoppers are beginning to embrace more maximalist, individualized modes of dressing, ushering in a new era of “chaotic customization,” as it’s been dubbed by trend forecasting agency WGSN. Particularly within the Gen Z crowd, finding ways to express one’s identity through clothing has become a top priority. Accessories-wise, this idea took off in January when Jane Birkin‘s hefty handbag adornments went viral on TikTok, inspiring users all across the internet to decorate their own bags with unique tchotchkes representative of their personalities.

Shortly after that, Hailey Bieber‘s skin-care brand Rhode released an iPhone case in which customers could insert their favorite lip products, literally carving out an opportunity for people to partake in the phenomenon of an “It” item while still incorporating a personal touch.

According to data from WGSN, accessories for accessories are set to continue to resonate with shoppers and infiltrate the market into 2026, driven in part by “the acceleration of industry ambitions to tackle the environmental impacts of material extraction, creation and reuse.” Searches for accoutrements like phone lanyards have already gone up 25% year-on-year, while hashtags like #BagCharm on TikTok have increased 317% in 2024. The trend is predicted to peak in fall of 2026.

One designer who’s particularly well-suited for the “chaotic customization” trend is Susan Korn, the designer behind jewelry and accessories brand Susan Alexandra. Beyond her existing kooky and kitschy pendants and keychains that can be mixed and matched with other products from her brand, Korn is now partnering with Bose on a limited-edition bundle of decorative stickers and headphone charms, expanding the boundaries of what everyday items can be personalized.

“Customization resonates deeply with consumers because it allows for self-expression in a world that often feels homogenous,” Korn tells Fashionista. “When you customize your Bose headphones, you’re taking an accessory that might be overlooked and turning it into a platform for [storytelling]. It’s all about elevating the everyday experience, making even the simplest items feel special and intentional. It’s about finding joy in the details and encouraging people to embrace their own joy too.”

In a recent interview with Fashionista, Ashley Harris, the designer of Don’t Let Disco, a jewelry brand that sells one-of-a-kind pieces made from internationally sourced beads and deadstock materials, explained the purpose behind her products: “The whole idea is that our pieces are supposed to remind you [of moments in life] and make you feel something…It’s [for] someone who’s brave in their fashion choices, who walks to the beat of their own drum.”

If you’re looking to participate in the trend, WGSN suggests “jewellerification embellishments such as charms, beads and chains” and using “recycled materials or reuse deadstock and upcycled vintage components for one-of-a-kind qualities.” IRL DIY experiences are another way to implement this concept.

There are plenty of examples out there already (and they happen to make great gifts). Below, see and shop our favorite pieces to give your wardrobe a chaotically customized touch.

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Source: Fashionista.com