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How the Playful Kidcore Accessory Trend Won This Fashion Season

From bag charms to camp-inspired jewelry, reconnecting with your inner child became this summer's hottest accessory — here's how to navigate the tricky trend with chic, grown-up flair.

By Lauren Alexis Fisher Plus Icon

Lauren Alexis Fisher

Recent Articles by Lauren Alexis Fisher

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August 12, 2025, 5:52pm

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a street style image of an hermes bag with bag charms and playful puffy heart rings

Getty Images; Courtesy Notte Jewelry

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It’s not just the sinister stare of Labubus dangling from designer bags on every corner — fashion is fully in its playful era. Whimsical bag and shoe charms are everywhere, jewelry suddenly looks like it’s been hand-crafted at summer camp, and kitschy beaded bags are causing shoppers to descend into TikTok-viral treasure hunts. Summer’s hottest accessories aren’t just a flirtation with nostalgia; they’ve transcended into a full-blown childhood regression. Fashion’s drift toward kidcore has been building for years, but this summer, we’ve officially hit its peak. Yes, it may be fun and games, but the trend of reconnecting with our inner child may also be a deeper response to the not-so-carefree times we’re living in.

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Once relegated to niche Etsy corners and cool girls who wear brands like Susan Alexandra and Lisa Says Gah, kidcore has exploded into the mainstream with an unapologetic burst of color, kitsch, and charm — literally. The aesthetic is defined by playful accessories that look lifted from a toy box: think chunky, colorful beaded jewelry, charm-laden designer Crocs, and mini bags in the shape of animals and summer fruits. High fashion fully embraced whimsy during the spring 2025 collections, with designers like Chloé delivering runway versions of jelly sandals, Coach accessorizing its buzziest sneaker with massive Barbiefied pink Cadillac shoe charms, and Moschino topping off its spring looks with bags featuring scribbled children’s artwork. Designer runway show settings and seating arrangements themselves for spring 2025 also leaned into childlike wonder, with Bottega Veneta using animal bean bag chairs as its show seating and Coperni hosting its runway at Disneyland Paris. On TikTok, Gen Z shoppers are hunting down Y2K-era accessories and handmade baubles with a near-religious fervor, turning DIY aesthetics into status symbols. Fashion’s most coveted items look less museum-worthy and more like an arcade game prize.

Clockwise from top left: A poodle plush on Fiorucci’s Spring 2025 runway; Moschino’s Spring 2025 collection featuring a bag with children’s artwork; Labubus dangling from a Miu Miu bag; Coach’s shoe charms on the Spring 2025 runway; a Louis Vuitton covered in bag charms; Chloé’s take on jelly sandals on the Spring 2025 runway. Getty Images

It’s certainly not luxury fashion’s first stint with kidcore, though. Take Fendi’s Monster Bag Bugs, for instance: the furry charms made their debut on the house’s Fall 2013 runway, parading in a rainbow of colors and fluffy textures — pioneering as the original Labubus. The playful little creatures had fashion firmly in a chokehold for many seasons. Yet, even at their peak, they never strayed quite as deep into childhood nostalgia as today’s playful accessory trend wave — where both the luxury designer options and the consumerist frenzy have reached unprecedented heights.

Preceding Labubus, Fendi’s Monster Bag Bugs first made their debut on the brand’s Fall 2013 runway. Getty Images

Summer fashion is always more playful, but the timing and over-the-top extent of the current kidcore explosion is anything but random. The rise of Labubus, kiddie jewelry, and charm-laden accessories has coincided with a wave of global political, economic, and social unrest. “There’s a big psychological shift toward nostalgia, and it tends to intensify during chaotic or turbulent times,” explains behavioral scientist, data psychologist, and bestselling author Patrick Fagan. “Right now, things are particularly stressful, so people want to escape into childhood.” He points to Terror Management Theory, which suggests that when we’re faced with uncertainty, anxiety, or even subconscious fears around mortality, we revert to behaviors (or items) that feel safe or comforting. “Nostalgia works in a similar way: it’s something fixed and comforting to hold onto.”

Roxanne Assoulin’s Happy Cord Bracelets channel the camp jewlery of our youth with colorful beads and puffy heart charms.

The rise of nostalgic, playful accessories isn’t just about safety — it’s also about injecting a much-needed dose of joy into a time weighed down by constant doomscrolling. “We often have positive emotions and social connections to these [nostalgic] items, which means that we are drawn to them effectively, so we tend to purchase them because they remind us of the past, or they are just a bit of frivolous fun that you don’t have to take so seriously,” explains consumer psychologist Cathrine Jansson-Boyd, Ph.D. In other words, these accessories offer a brief reprieve from real-world heaviness. And because the trend has become so visible and enjoyed, Jansson-Boyd notes, joining in doesn’t just help you channel the carefree energy of your youth, it also reinforces a sense of community and belonging in an otherwise uncertain world.

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The appeal of nostalgic, kidcore fashion isn’t limited to this season’s standout accessories. It also coincides with the rise of dopamine dressing — the trending concept that wearing bright colors, whimsical textures, or joyful pieces can literally boost your mood by stimulating feel-good brain chemicals.

Loewe’s viral, meme-inspired tomato clutch in collaboration with Paula’s Ibiza retailed for nearly $3,950 and sold out almost immediately. Photographed by Adam Mansuroglu

But here’s the twist: on one side, unpredictable tariffs and economic shakeups; on the other, luxury brands pushing childlike “It” pieces with equally grown-up price tags. So how do you join in without blowing your budget on a fad? Easy: edit ruthlessly. This is not the season to hoard $600 designer bag charms or buy beaded bags in every kitschy pattern possible. One standout piece can deliver all the serotonin you need. Pick something you’ll wear on repeat: a beaded necklace that layers into your daily stack, an anklet that makes every step sparkle, or ’90s-inspired sandals that won’t gather dust after one wear.

Whether you love or hate the Labubu takeover, summer’s playful accessory trend far surpasses that — it’s about leaning into fun, expressive fashion to reclaim a small, tangible sense of joy. So, why not step into pink jelly sandals, embrace grown-up versions of dress-up jewelry, and buy the beaded bag that doesn’t take itself too seriously? We all deserve a little escapism. Ahead, the best mood-boosting accessories to shop now — because for the first time in a long time, fashion is telling us to have FUN.

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Shop Summer’s Playful Accessories

Martha Calvo 14-Karat Gold Crystal and Pearl Necklaces

$260

Buy Now at net-a-porter

The heart of summer’s playful accessory trend? Bright beaded jewelry (bonus points if it’s rainbow) that transports you straight back to summer camp. This double chain necklace set, featuring crystals, pearls, and a sun motif, puts an elevated spin on a signature kidcore piece and will add the perfect pop to your go-to white tank.

Loewe Eyewear Paula’s Ibiza Cat-Eye Sunglasses

$390

Buy Now at net-a-porter

These Loewe cat-eye sunglasses bring color, whimsy, and all the fun to your Euro Summer vacation looks, but they’ll also serve as a welcome pop of flair against your more muted transitional wardrobe when paired with a white tee and your favorite denim.

Roxanne Assoulin The Super-Size Happy Cord Bracelet

$110

Buy Now at roxanne assoulin

If you were an ’80s or ’90s kid, consider Roxanne Assoulin’s Happy Cord Bracelet the adult version of your favorite childhood jewelry. Available in a range of colors (as well as a necklace version), this bracelet can take a maximalist look up a notch or serve as the single pop of color if you favor a more neutral, minimalist wardrobe.

Gigi Hadid x Havaianas Slim Square Flip-Flops

$48

Buy Now at havaianas

Yes, flip-flops are summer 2025’s hottest sandal trend, and if you really want to have fun with it, this square-toe style from Gigi Hadid’s collab with Havaianas feels like eating orange dreamsicles as a kid. Style them with all your breezy white linen dresses and denim cutoffs for looks that can take you from the beach to sunset spritzes.

Éliou Chiki Gold-Plated Resin And Pearl Wrap Necklace

$160

Buy Now at moda operandi

Jewelry brand Èliou has a penchant for modern jewelry with a playful twist, and this wrap necklace featuring a yellow resin flower is no exception. Tapping into fashion’s ongoing obsession with corded pendant necklaces, this vacation-inspired floral design will brighten the most minimal of summer uniforms.

Staud Tommy Beaded Bag in Swimmers

$295

Buy Now at staud

Beaded bags quickly emerged as one of summer’s most coveted accessories, and there’s no doubt that Staud’s best-selling Tommy Beaded Bag is leading the pack. Available in a wide range of playful patterns, from garden vegetables and beach bums to this swimmer style, the colorful shoulder bag has landed a cult following for its ability to add some fun to any look without taking itself too seriously.

Vivaia Round-Toe Slippers in Butter Yellow

$109

Buy Now at vivaia

These comfortable slide sandals look exactly like something I would’ve worn as a kid, and that’s kind of the whole point. The on-trend butter yellow hue paired with the 3-D butterfly motifs are bound to bring a little joy and sunshine when paired with muted linen pants or sundresses.

Maison Irem Bag Charm Moppie Keychain

$98 $140 30% off

Buy Now at shopbop

If you’re looking for an alternative to Labubus (which are currently nearly impossible to find in-stock online), say hello to this little bag charm cutie that comes complete with a paracord keychain and pearl bow detailing. Attach it to a more streamlined straw bag, canvas tote, or neutral leather carryall to let the charm do all the talking.

Chloé Jelly TPU Sandals

$590

Buy Now at net-a-porter

Jelly sandals got the designer treatment this season, putting a fashion-forward twist on the jellies of your youth. Chloé’s thong jelly sandals have made a splash this season, offering a chic, grown-up take on the ultimate childhood shoe. As spotted on the fashion house’s spring 2025 runways, they look elevated when paired with ethereal, boho dresses.

Lost Pattern Daydream Reversible Sunhat

$65

Buy Now at lost pattern

Whether you opt for the rainbow tie-dye side or the checked side, this reversible sunhat from Lost Pattern captures the feeling of long summer days on the beach as a kid. The best part? It somehow manages to look even cooler when styled as an adult.

Notte Jewelry Star Glow Puff Ring

$65

Buy Now at notte

There’s no better way to add more fun to your ring stack than with Notte’s nostalgic collection of puffy rings. Consider it the more luxe, adult version of a ring you would’ve won at the arcade, only this one features a colorful crystal on an iridescent Mother of pearl star. Available in a range of bright color combos, it instantly sparks all the whimsy and joy.

J.Crew Handknotted Raffia Fish Bag with Straw Fringe

Buy Now at j.crew $148

Putting a playful twist on summer’s classic straw bag, this J.Crew also taps into this season’s fisherman trend. Part fish, part fringe, and fully guaranteed to add a cheeky (but chic) topper to all your summer getaway looks.

Julietta Amore Necklace

$275

Buy Now at juliett

Julietta’s bold, statement-making jewelry has been dominating the fashion scene this summer —from oversized seashell pendants to chunky beaded heart designs like this one, which strikes the perfect balance between playful and polished. It will serve as a rich pop of color as you transition your wardrobe into fall, too.

Marc Jacobs The Daisy Crochet Sack Bag

$350

Buy Now at shopbop

Black crochet meets vibrant floral patches in a bag that’s equal parts minimalist and fun, making it the ultimate summer beach bag.

Maile Harper Pink Cherry Thong Sandal

$295

Buy Now at maile

Who says you can’t mix pink with red? These puffy, two-tone thong sandals deliver an elevated take on the flip-flops of your youth and look especially sweet when paired with an A-line mini dress.

Notte Jewelry Build Your Own Seaside Souvenirs Necklace

$69

Buy Now at notte

Notte’s ‘Build Your Own Seaside Souvenirs Necklace’ is the ultimate summer camp activity: first, choose a colorful cord necklace (from a range of pink, purple, red, orange, or blue), then, top it off with a summer-inspired pendant charm — there are lobsters, sunshine, jellyfish, hearts, and more. Wear it solo, or stack it with multiple corded necklaces to double down on color.

Free People Breezy Anklet

$38

Buy Now at free people

Yes, anklets are back, and they’re the perfect accessory to get playful with this summer. Free People’s range of seashell, beaded, and bandana ankle bracelets are perfect for mixing and matching for a contrast to your favorite trainers or sandals.

Bogg Bag Tote Bag

$70

Buy Now at bogg

$70

Buy Now at nordstrom

Consider it the Crocs of beach bags — Bogg has become a favorite among TikTokers for its kitschy style and vibrant colors that pack a punch.

Ray-Ban x A$AP Rocky Wayfarer Puffer

$202

Buy Now at ray-ban

Continuing to make the case for puffy accessories, Ray-Ban’s collaboration with A$AP Rocky unveiled its line of Wayfarer Puffer Sunglasses in a range of vibrant colors that balance the line of playful and cool.

Susan Alexandra Mini Martini Bag

$108

Buy Now at susan alexandra

Okay, fine, a dirty martini might not exactly transport you back to your recess days (hopefully), but this playful beaded bag from kidcore master Susan Alexandra brings the same level of fun, just for adults.

Coach Cherry and Motif Bag Charm Set

$190

Buy Now at coach

From dinosaurs to fruits and rainbow hearts, Coach’s collection of bag charms add a playful twist to all your bags, offering just the right dose of fun without veering into full-on Labubu territory.

Jennifer Behr Makana Gold-Plated Shell Necklace

$725

Buy Now at net-a-porter

I mean this in the best way possible: this is the luxury, adult version of the dress-up jewelry you played with as a kid. The vibrant colors mixed with the bright seashell and beaded necklace offer a level of sophisticated whimsy that proves dressing up never stops being fun.

Anthropologie Shoe Charm and Laces Set

$28

Buy Now at anthropologie

You’ve heard of (and probably already own) bag charms, but what about shoe charms? Brands like Coach and Anthropologie are ushering in jewelry for your favorite shoes — with equally fun laces to pair. Do you need jeweled watermelons and pearls dangling from your favorite white sneakers this summer? I think you do.

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Meet the Author

Lauren Alexis Fisher is the Senior Style Commerce Editor at WWD and Footwear News, where she writes and edits fashion, beauty, and lifestyle stories. Previously, she served as Senior Editor at Cosmopolitan and Market Editor at Harper’s BAZAAR, where she oversaw digital content from fashion features to news and product reviews. With over a decade of experience as a digital fashion editor, she’s an expert in scouring the internet for the greatest emerging brands, top-rated products, and latest trends to shop.

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How the Playful Kidcore Accessory Trend Won This Fashion Season

Recent Articles by Lauren Alexis Fisher

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Shop Summer’s Playful Accessories

Martha Calvo 14-Karat Gold Crystal and Pearl Necklaces

Loewe Eyewear Paula’s Ibiza Cat-Eye Sunglasses

Roxanne Assoulin The Super-Size Happy Cord Bracelet

Gigi Hadid x Havaianas Slim Square Flip-Flops

Éliou Chiki Gold-Plated Resin And Pearl Wrap Necklace

Staud Tommy Beaded Bag in Swimmers

Vivaia Round-Toe Slippers in Butter Yellow

Maison Irem Bag Charm Moppie Keychain

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Notte Jewelry Star Glow Puff Ring

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Marc Jacobs The Daisy Crochet Sack Bag

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