Every so often, minimalism takes over the fashion world, but we never lose sight of the importance of playful, flamboyant details. The back necklace, which has recently made a strong comeback on the red carpet, is an elegant reminder of this fact. The glittering chains that run down the spine create a subtle but impressive effect. The back necklace is subtle yet bold, and it can make a simple dress look a lot more interesting. These necklaces, which we usually see at special events or in looks that bring to mind the golden age of old Hollywood, are once again a red-carpet favorite. These accessories range from subtle and minimal to dramatic and sculptural. They’re more than just a complementary element; they’re the star of the show.

The history of the back necklace trend begins with none other than Princess Diana, the beloved icon of the 1990s. Diana, who always looked stunning in her backless evening dresses, chose to complement them with long necklaces that were adorned with large, beautiful stones. She carried these necklaces not only as a piece of jewelry but also as a statement. As she smashed the fashion stereotypes of the era and created a new definition of elegance, the back necklace became an indispensable part of her confident style. In 2000, the amazing Cate Blanchett graced the Oscars stage, looking stunning in a black dress with a back necklace that was adorned with gold details. Blanchett’s look was one of the most exquisite examples of how powerful simple elegance can be. The actress embraced the accessory as an integral part of her style throughout the 2010s, becoming one of the trailblazers on the red carpet who dared to reshape the look with the back necklace.

In 2021, at the “Spider-Man: No Way Home” premiere in Paris, Zendaya, one of the style icons of the young generation, took the back necklace trend to a new level. While the dress from Roberto Cavalli’s archive, embellished with metallic details emphasizing the spine, referenced the character Doc Ock from the Marvel universe, Zendaya added a theatrical yet elegant dimension to her modern red-carpet style.
At the 2025 Grammy Awards, Sabrina Carpenter redefined Hollywood glamour with a contemporary interpretation. Carpenter, who complemented her elegant dress by JW Anderson with an eye-catching diamond back necklace designed by Chopard, displayed her deep back decollete with a splendor reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe. This piece, which went down to the middle of her spine, made her one of the most talked about names of the night.

The 2025 Academy Awards showcased some modern takes on the classic back necklace trend. Michelle Yeoh completed her necklace in the form of a tie designed by Boucheron with asymmetrical earrings and a ring called “Plume de Paon” of the same brand. This harmonious choice reflected her classic elegance, while the unusual form of the necklace gave her look a modern twist.

At the 2025 Oscars, Margaret Qualley wore a black velvet backless gown by Chanel, completing the look with a diamond necklace draped elegantly down her back. While it might not always be in vogue, the back necklace can become the centerpiece of the right style. A chain hanging from a shirt or some sparkling stones sparkling through an open-back dress can make an outfit look a lot more interesting.