Here at Over The Moon, we editors often turn to each other for advice when we can’t for the life of us decipher whether or not something is basic. (Yes, we can all agree on the basicness of avocado toast, but what about metallic birthday balloons? Or Sex and The City re-runs?) In the spirit of sharing this oh-so valuable information, we’ve decided to start cataloguing our spirited debates on whether or not something is basic for all of those who might find them useful.
Today, we’re tackling initialed or monogrammed necklaces.
You know the type of accessories we’re talking about—admit it: you probably own a necklace or two with a small pavé initial. And while we’re never above monogramming anything, lately it feels like every woman we know is sporting a tiny little letter on the base of her neck. Below, OTM’s editors weigh in.
Patricia Garcia: Ok, so I own a pair of dainty charmed initial necklaces. Both of them were gifts, that I loved at the time, but now every time I put one on I feel like I’m wearing something super unoriginal and predictable.
Alexandra Macon: I’m on the fence when it comes to them. I love them, but yes, they also feel a little expected at this point. I never got one when they first were on trend, and now I think it’s way too late.
Andee Olson: I think it’s cute to wear them if they’re your kids’ initials. Or those letter chokers that are big right now that spell out the whole name are neat. So basically my advice is forget about the subtle nod and just go out and get the whole name.
Patricia: See, my daughter and I actually share the same initial, so my necklaces are a little tribute to her. I agree with you Andee, and I think it’s cute when you wear your kids’ or your significant other’s initial. But when it’s your own initial, then I don’t think it works.
Anna Mack: Same. Very cute when people wear their kids’ initials, especially when they have multiple. But I’m not the biggest fan of wearing my own, unless it’s an engraved on a locket or something.
Andee: I’m a fan of vintage or heirloom jewelry with monograms on them. I wear a cuff with my mom’s name sometimes.
Alexandra: If you wear your own, I think the kind of font or lettering you choose plays a huge role on whether it comes off as basic or not.
Anna: Agreed. With the right lettering, I think it can be kind of playful, à la Carrie Bradshaw.
Andee: Sure, it’s not bad, but I don’t think you should wear it every day. And when you do wear them, they have to layered with other necklaces, but definitely nothing else with names.
Anna: I would never wear it to work, but maybe I would wear it to the club. Lol. And definitely not on a date.
Andee: It might be a good way for him to remember your name . . . no?
Anna: If he can’t remember your name, then move along!
Patricia: Andee, if you’re wearing a necklace in the hopes that it might help someone remember your name, you have bigger problems than just coming off as basic!
VERDICT: While wearing your own initials is bordering on basic territory, taking the full plunge and sporting your complete name, like Ms. Bradshaw, is just a bold accessories move. Wearing your kids’ or significant other’s initials as a small token of your affection is also totally acceptable—who can argue with that lovely gesture? But remember to layer, layer, layer. And don’t forget that the font can make or break these things. Nobody wants to see you wearing initials in Comics Sans, if you know what we mean.
