By Ella Parastaran
Charms have been trending for the past few seasons, quickly becoming a favored form of self-expression. Whether it’s charm necklaces and bracelets, bag charms, or more recently, shoe charms, personalizing accessories has become a defining part of current aesthetics. In a time when fashion is more accessible and people are often wearing similar shoes or tote bags, charms offer an easy way to stand out.
The resurgence started with jewelry. Charm necklaces and bracelets became popular again thanks to influencers like Isabella Giordan (@thestaystackedgirl on Instagram), whose playful, layered pieces highlight uniquely designed, mix-and-match jewelry.
From there, the trend moved onto bags. Luxury houses like Fendi and Miu Miu introduced various collections of unique charms in the form of mini silhouettes, objects, and small sculptural accessories. This kicked off the era of “Jane Birkinifying” your bag, a term inspired by the way Jane Birkin famously accessorized her Hermès bag with keychains, scarves, and personal trinkets. Even high-end brands like Loewe have started offering charm buffets where customers can design their own personalized keychains.
Now, the newest installment of the trend is arriving through footwear. Miu Miu’s recent sneaker drop introduced a full assortment of shoe charms designed to clip onto the laces, turning a simple pair of sneakers into an easily customizable piece. Miu Miu offers everything from dice charms, tassels, flowers, and more. Other retailers like Aritzia and Anthropologie have followed suit with clip-on charms that can be added to almost any shoe.
Part of the trend’s appeal is its simplicity. You don’t have to rework your wardrobe to participate, just clip, stack, or tie something onto pieces you already own. It’s low-effort and adds major details to any look.
At SMU, charms have taken off for that exact reason: everyone wants to feel unique. On campus,it’s common to see dozens of students carrying the same totes or wearing the same rotation of shoes. Charms offer a small but personal upgrade that makes an outfit instantly feel more individual. Emily McGrail, a senior at SMU, said she believes charms are important for differentiating your style. “People want to dress uniquely so they stand out,” McGrail says. “Among a group of girls that buy the same clothes from the same brands, no one really stands out.”
This trend also reflects the broader rise of customization in fashion. From monogrammed phone cases to embroidered clothing or personalized jewelry students are embracing opportunities to make their outfits more distinct.
On a campus where so many shop at the same Dallas boutiques, charms provide an easy, fun way to differentiate your wardrobe. They make fashion feel personal, turning a simple bag or sneaker into a story. Whether you invest in designer charms or pick up something from the market in lower Greenville, it’s a small detail that adds major impact.
Looking to add charms to your wardrobe? Check out LOOK’s picks here.
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