The Maximalist Era - Even Our Accessories Have Accessories Now!

Back in my teenage years, I spent hours watching DIY tutorials on YouTube—things like studded iPhone cases, mason jar crafts, and galaxy print tank tops. While those days of oversaturated videos set to the tune of Lorde’s “Love Club” might be behind us, I can't help but feel that the DIY spirit of that era is making a fierce comeback, and this time, it's coming for our accessories.

Just last week, my TikTok feed was filled with videos of creators hot-gluing faux orchids onto strappy heels. And let’s not forget, this past summer was all about bag charms: from Hello Kitty plushies to lip gloss keychains and charm necklaces, we’ve been decking out our handbags with literally everything. The DIY mindset is seeping into every accessory category, from sunglasses to Crocs, and even digital cameras. I even saw someone attaching charms to their Rhode Pepdide Lip Tint! Speaking of accessories for your accessories, the Rhode phone case that doubles as a holder for your lip treatment is honestly kind of genius!

Whether it's on the runway or all over TikTok, our accessories are now accessorizing themselves. Keep reading to discover more about this trend and how to style it like a pro.

The Trend

This whole accessory-ception moment can actually be traced back to the style icon Jane Birkin, who famously adorned her Hermès Birkin with personal trinkets—everything from beads to vintage watches. Nowadays, the “Jane Birkin effect” has evolved into a full-on cultural movement, with TikTok creators using the term Jane Birkin-ifying to describe their decked-out bags.

Getty Images

Fast forward to today, and this trend has exploded. In April, Gentle Monster launched a collaboration with pop sensation Jennie from BLACKPINK, which included tiny charms (like the adorable capybara named Cooing) that could be clipped onto sunglasses.

Instagram/ @jennierubyjane

At Palomo Spain’s Spring/Summer 2025 show, we saw boots decked out with beads, sequins, and other embellishments. Miu Miu and Coach also jumped on the charm train with bags covered in playful trinkets, while Sandy Liang collaborated with Android to debut a printed flip phone at her SS25 show.

On TikTok, the "Birkinification" isn't stopping at bags. People are swapping out plain shoelaces for colorful ribbons, attaching charms to their boots, and even adding pretty bows to their accessories.

Even tech accessories are getting the glam treatment. Headphone cases are adorned with cute charms and bows, and Wildflower phone cases, bedazzled cameras, and fluffy keychains have all gone viral. From Stanley cups to lip gloss keychains, personalization is everywhere.

It’s safe to say that charms are having their moment, but this trend feels deeper than just another fleeting fad. In a time when micro-trends come and go at lightning speed, this hyper-personalization taps into a desire for individuality. Many of us are yearning for self-expression and a touch of nostalgia—remember when we used to customize Crocs with Jibbitz or decorate our backpacks with Tamagotchis? It’s that same energy, but updated for 2024.

The Jane Birkin-ifying trend was originally all about personalization and using what you already had to express yourself—Jane herself famously adorned her Hermès Birkin bag with personal trinkets like beads and vintage watches she collected over time. The essence of this trend was rooted in creativity, individuality, and resourcefulness, making your accessories uniquely yours without spending a fortune.

However, as with many trends, the rise of hyper-personalization has morphed into a consumerism frenzy. What once was about adding sentimental, meaningful touches has now become a market-driven phenomenon, with brands and influencers encouraging us to buy new charms, keychains, and even decorative tech accessories. Instead of embracing the DIY spirit and using what we already have, people are now spending money on ready-made charms and trinkets just to keep up with the trend.

 The irony is that this new wave of over-consumerism is far removed from the original ethos of Jane Birkin’s iconic personalization style, which was about making do with what you have, not buying more.

How to Wear It

When it comes to layering charms onto your accessories, there really are no rules. Feel free to mix up sizes, colors, and textures. For instance, on my pony hair Bimba Y Lola bag, I’ve attached a Starface x Susan Alexandra beaded lip balm holder, a silver star charm, a Peppa Pig plushie, and a Hello Kitty figurine. This is your chance to channel your inner child—think about what characters or items bring you joy. Maybe it’s a Miffy plushie, or perhaps it’s a bubblegum-scented lip gloss you can’t leave home without.

As for footwear, have fun with your laces! I’ve been inspired by the New Balance x Miu Miu collab and have started double-lacing my sneakers with raw leather straps. For a more playful vibe, consider adding mini shoe charms to your boots or sneakers—it’s kitschy, coquette, and undeniably fun.

The beauty of this trend is how customizable it is. You can go full maximalist or keep it subtle. For instance, you can pair a white shirt with baggy jeans and a "Birkinified" bag for a quirky minimalist look. If you’re leaning into a more elevated fall style, try adding leather laces to your shoes. And if you want to fully embrace your inner Y2K baddie, don’t hesitate to clip a digital camera and frosted pink lip gloss to your shoulder bag.