T-bar necklaces are here to stay
For anyone who is skeptical about the influence of entertainment on fashion—you’re in for a rude awakening. Remember when every millennial wore pink after Reese Witherspoon in Legally Blonde (2001)? Did you notice the uptick in graphic logo tees and low-rise jeans in Mean Girls (2004)? Closer to home, an entire generation was obsessed with wearing chain necklaces after Shah Rukh Khan’s character wore it in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998). And when everyone’s favourite character, from everyone’s favourite fashion movie, Andy Sachs from The Devil Wears Prada (2006) made a comeback with a sequel this year, one thing stayed with the audiences long after the movie was over—her T-bar necklace which stayed on even though her outfits went through waves of style.
T-bar necklaces, characterised by their distinctive toggle clasp—a circular ring paired with a T-shaped bar—were not fashionable when they was designed in the 19th century. Like most inventions, this, too, was designed for the convenience of a man, as a pocket watch that could be slipped neatly through a waistcoat buttonhole, which would keep put. More than a century later, British jewellery designer Tilly Sveaas reimagined the utilitarian fastening as a contemporary necklace in her 2016 collection. Its resurgence reached new heights in February 2024, when Taylor Swift wore a T-bar necklace for a dinner outing with Sabrina Carpenter in Sydney, Australia. The design quickly became a viral fashion moment. Soon after, it emerged as one of the year’s most coveted jewellery staples.
How to style T-Bar necklaces?
“The T-bar necklace is a striking design,” says Divya Balakrishnan, Vogue India fashion associate. “The toggle clasp has evolved beyond its original purpose—to fasten the necklace—into the defining design element lending a graphic edge to a neck piece,” she shares. Its appeal lies in its simplicity. The T-bar necklace offers just enough detail to make a statement without overpowering an outfit. “Style it with one or two delicate chains for a layered effect, or wear it on its own to let it stand out. Whether made in gold or silver, a well-designed T-bar necklace can instantly elevate even the simplest outfit,” says Balakrishnan.
From minimalist chains to statement styles, discover our edit of T-bar necklaces worth adding to your jewellery rotation.
Fine jewellery
Lucy Delius trombone albert clip T-bar necklace, Net-A-Porter, ₹11,05,622
Midnight diamond dumbbell T-bar chain, Tamannaah Fine Jewellery, ₹ 5,87,000
