Jewelry is truly the cherry on top of a good outfit — so you definitely don't wanna top everything off with an outdated trend you pulled from the bottom of your jewelry box. And while some jewelry will always be timeless, there are plenty of pieces that are way past their prime. Whether too gaudy, too much of a flash trend, or some combination of the two, these are the six outdated jewelry trends you should totally retire in 2025.
Target
Once upon a time beaded jewelry was a popular status symbol among the "it girls" in middle or high school. It was a nostalgic trend that's come been recycled over the years, but it's finally time to put it rest. Why?
It's time to wear jewelry that doesn't feel so juvenile.
Anthropologie
Sometimes we fondly remember the days we used to wear chunky charm bracelets that featured our initials, hearts, stars, seashells, and more. You usually could hear us before you saw us because our favorite accessories made a lot of clinking noises. Maybe we're traumatized by how loud our bracelets each time we moved our arm during tests, but we're finally over wearing excess charms. That's not to say this style is 100% "outdated" though!
We're all in favor of this trend, but we'd rather see you choose 1-3 meaningful charms instead of squeezing 10+ on a chain link.
Pandora
Jewelry trends are supposed to be fun and cute, but this one is giving us "Mob wife" energy...you know, the trend from 2023? We know it's been a popular style that some people gravitate towards, but we prefer to see you wearing bracelets that indicate you're in your "soft girl era."
Alexis Bittar
The quickest way to age yourself is by making makeup mistakeswhile wearing the heaviest chunky gold earrings you own. Unless your goal is to walk around like you're auditioning to be an extra in a spoof of an '80s or '90s comedy, don't ever pair the two together.
As a matter of fact, give your ears a break from the heaviness of this trend.
gorjana
Thin rings seem like they're perfect for the set of Severance, but how practical are they in real life? We're afraid you'll spend your hard earned money on a cute ring set only to lose one or two of them while doing your daily activities.
Then again, we're a little biased because chunkier rings are taking center stage for their ability to infuse personality in your everyday casual outfits.
Ettika
Shell necklaces remind us of that one tongue twister that we just couldn't ever get right: "She sells seashells by the seashore."
For obvious reasons, this jewelry trend gets a hard NO from us — it's gaudy and doesn't really complement many personal styles. Even if you swear it does, we'd rather see you wear a pair of shell earrings instead of a statement necklace like this.
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It's been 17 years since Gossip Girl first premiered on The CW, thus opening our eyes to the scandalous lives of Manhattan's elite and introducing us to a new generation of stars like Blake Lively and Leighton Meester.
In the six seasons the show was on air, it captivated fans and critics alike, serving up week after week of delicious drama and continuously upping the ante for TV show fashion. ("So many designers were lining up to be a part of it — they wanted their stuff on Blake or Leighton," costume designer Eric Daman told Vanity Fair.) Click through to find out what the Gossip Girl cast has been up to since the show's success, and where they are today.
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Michael Kors
Of all the Gossip Girl cast alumni, Blake Lively is arguably the most well-known. Not only has she gone on to major roles in movies — including The Age of Adaline, The Shallows, All I See Is You, and most recently, It Ends with Us— but she's also married to fellow actor Ryan Reynolds (married in 2012).
Blake shares four beautiful daughters, James, Inez, Betty, and the youngest (born in 2023) whose name has not been announced publicly with Ryan. True to her Gossip Girl character, she's quite the fashionista! In her spare time, she likes to hang out with her BFFs, who just so happen to include Taylor Swiftandthe Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants ladies.
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Leighton Meester has a career that would make even her cunningly ambitious Queen B character proud. Since Gossip Girl's end in 2012, she's acted in films including Life Partners, The Judge, The Weekend Away, and most recently, EXmas. She even recorded and released songs such as "Good Girls Go Bad" with Cobra Starship and the solo effort "Somebody to Love," and even starred on Broadway in Of Mice and Men back in 2014.
Leighton is married to actor Adam Brody (The O.C., Jennifer's Body, Gilmore Girls) as of 2014. She has two kids – one daughter and one son.
She has been heavily involved in philanthropy while taking on acting projects, primarily volunteering and campaigning with Feeding America and the Los Angeles Food Bank.
Dominik Bindl/Getty Images
Long gone are the days when Taylor Momsen played Dan Humphrey's sweet (and a bit messed up) little sis, Jenny. The actress left the Gossip Girl cast in 2010 in order to pursue her dreams of a music career, and all these years later, she's still doing just that as the frontwoman of the uber-successful rock group, The Pretty Reckless. With four records under their belt, the four-member band has supported bands like Evanescence, Soundgarden, and Guns N' Roses, and has toured in numerous cities and music festivals.
Momsen has typically kept her dating life on the down-low. She is currently single and appears to be putting all of her energy into her band.
Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
Everyone’s favorite Gossip Girl — er, guy — Penn Badgley, followed in his on-screen sister's footsteps after the show ended, pursuing his musical interests with rock band MOTHXR. The band's most current project, Centerfold, was released back in 2016.
Badgley has since acted in several movies and TV shows including Easy A, The Paper Store, and Here Today, but his most notable work has been on the ongoing book-based Netflix series, You. He plays Joe Goldberg, a charming bookkeeper with eerily odd characteristics, especially when it comes to love.
Badgley currently has a podcast titled Podcrushed, which explores the awkwardness of adolescence and revisits guests' best (and worst) middle school memories. He cohosts with Nava Kavelin and Sophie Ansari. One episode even features ex-Gossip Girl co-star, Leighton Meester!
Badgley is married to singer and doula Domino Kirke as of 2017. Kirke already had a child from a previous relationship. Badgley and Kirke had their first son together in 2020.
Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images for Diesel
Ed Westwick tapped into his angsty side post-Gossip Girl, starring as Tybalt in a 2013 adaptation of Romeo & Juliet. Since then, he has fought crime as Kent Grainger on Wicked City, played a crime lord on Snatch, and sold double-glazed windows on White Gold. Is there any role he can't play? Most recently, Westwick stars in the movie DarkGame.
With a background in music, Westwick also currently sings in the bandFor You. Their most recent release is the song "Tailspin," and they're set to release a new single "Here Comes Trouble" in March 2024.
Westwick had been dating model and actress Amy Jacksonsince 2021, with the pair getting happily engaged during a ski trip in January 2024.
Leon Bennett/Getty Images for MBJx DAVID YURMAN
Following his stint as a wealthy Upper East Sider on Gossip Girl, Texas native Chace Crawford tried his hand at playing a greedy oil worker on ABC's short-lived TV series, Blood & Oil. He's had several film roles since – you can catch him in movies like Undrafted, Eloise, Nighthawks, even voice-actingin Belle. Most recently, Crawford stars as The Deep on The Boys.
Crawford has previously dated Carrie Underwood, Rachelle Goulding, and Rebecca Rittenhouse, though he is currently single as a Pringle.
Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images
Jessica Szohr, who played Dan Humphrey's BFF slash on-again, off-again girlfriend (needless to say, we were confused too), has been a lot busier than her character was after season four, when she was all but written off the show.
In the years since Gossip Girl, the actress scored several roles on TV shows such as Complications, Kingdom, Twin Peaks and The Orville. She even starred in Taylor Swift's music video for "22" back in 2013!
Jessica also welcomed a daughter with her longtime boyfriend in early 2021.
Jessica currently hosts a podcast called "XOXO" that dives deep into the Gossip Girl cast, crew, and behind-the-scenes moments. Some notable episodes have featured Zuzanna Szadkowski (Dorota), Aaron Tveit (Tripp van der Bilt), Kelly Rutherford (Lily van der Woodsen), and Michelle Trachtenburg (Georgina Sparks).
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Since her stint as the "bad girl" Georgina Sparks, Michelle Trachtenberg landed roles on shows like Criminal Minds, NCIS: Los Angeles, Sleepy Hollow, and Sister Cities among other numerous series and movies. She even reprised her role as Georgina for the 2021 remake of Gossip Girl on HBO Max!
She managed to keep her personal life largely out of the tabloids, including her dating life. The last update on her relationship status was in 2023, and that she was dating her talent agent, Jay Cohen. She reportedly previously dated Shawn Ashmore, Joshua Radin, and Jason Segel.
Unfortunately, Michelle passed away on February 26, 2025.
Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
Besides being a New York Fashion Week icon (we'd expect nothing less of Lily van der Woodsen's alter ego!), Kelly Rutherford has popped up in several TV shows over the years, including Quantico, Jane the Virgin, and Dynasty.
She also frequently travels to France and Monaco, where, after years of custody battles with her second ex-husband, Daniel Giersch, she has extensive visitation rights to see her two children, who reside there with their father.
"Yes, it was a challenging time. It was a heartbreaking time," she told People. "But I focus on the good most of the time, I really do," she says. "I'm very thankful of where we are. I have a great relationship with my kids."
When she's not with her kids or working on a project, Kelly is dropping iconic 'fit pics on her Instagram account.
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
Matthew Settle, who played rockstar dad Rufus Humphrey, continued acting after the Gossip Girl cast dissolved. He hasn't been on any other TV shows other than one episode of Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders in 2016. He mostly stuck to movies, acting in titles like Ouija, Marshall the Miracle Dog, and Valentine: The Dark Avenger.
Settle is also a dad of two children, having welcomed his first with actress and model Naama Nativ in 2009. He had divorced her in 2011 and went on to have a second baby with girlfriend Maria Alfonsin in 2015.
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
Though Blair's loyal maid and, ultimately, best friend, wasn't technically a main character, there's no denying that it would have been a different show without her unwavering presence! Zuzanna Szadowski has dabbled in film and television since then, appearing in shows such as Girls,The Good Wife, and Modern Love.
In 2010, she partnered with Sam Weisman to open The Sam Weisman Studio, an acting school (now closed).
Oh, and did we mention she just so happens to be one of Leighton Meester's real-life BFFs?
Which Gossip Girl cast member is your fave? Tweet us @BritandCo!
This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.
In case you missed it, Target’s latest spring fashion drop is just too good. Filled with chic, minimalist styles that span across denim and dresses, each garment in the collection definitely looks more expensive than it actually is.
I scrolled through the retailer’s new arrivals and found 15 spring-ready pieces that deliver “quiet luxury” vibes– all while being surprisingly affordable (ahem, under $45!).
Target
This polished button-down is part of a matching set, and when worn together, the pair looks extremely chic.
Target
The dropped waistline on this $25 midi skirt is an unexpected luxe-looking detail coming from Target's Wild Fable line – and I am so here for it.
Target
It doesn't get more flattering than this uniquely detailed denim jumpsuit! The tie belt really helps cinch your figure in more, though you'll still enjoy the roominess of the recycled cotton material as you move about.
Target
Slouchy and oh-so cozy, this long sleeve knit dress' wide stripe design gives the effect of coastal chic for just $40.
Target
This top reminds me of something you could find at Free People – but without the Free People price tag. The abundance of ruffles definitely gives it that fancy air for pairing with everything from jeans to maxi skirts.
Target
I feel like the fashion "it" girls are always sporting chore jackets these days, and they make the perfect light layer for springtime. While you could shop a similar style to this for $200+, this cropped design is just $45 at Target. Score!
Target
It's giving country club realness. With contrasting lining and pearl buttons, you'd never guess this sweet and sophisticated sweater polo is $28! This would make the perfect top to wear to the office or brunch.
Target
When it comes to quiet luxury, subtlety is key. That's why basic dresses like this cotton one from Target can be a sneaky way to give your looks an elevated vibe... without spending a fortune. This baby is just $20!
Target
Fancy-looking 'fits are incomplete without denim, but you don't want to reach for any old denim – you want some dark wash denim. These $32 wide-leg babies cover some of this year's most popular denim trends, too, with wide cuffs and a relaxed fit.
Target
Oh, how whimsical! This button down will totally become a regular piece in your wardrobe rotation this spring for its breezy fit.
Target
I honestly would not guess this is a Target dress if I saw it out in the wild. The bodice is beyond flattering with a v-neckline and drop waist, plus the ruffles that line the bottom hem are undeniably dreamy.
Target
This is the spring dress to rule all spring dresses! The strapless design lets you show some skin (and get some sun) while the stripes give an elevated nautical vibe you can easily take on vacay this season.
Target
The mid-weight linen material these shorts are made of lends them a satisfying breathability and slouchiness that can be easily dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. They're also part of a matching set, which only amps up the quiet luxury vibes even more!
Target
Your next office outfit has arrived! This shirtdress serves up some insanely good sophisticated vibes with a dramatic collar, button-down design, and tie belt. Pair it with some loafers and a vintage cardigan for a refined look.
Target
This utility-style shirt is made with plenty of classic details that every luxury fashion lover wears – except this piece is just $28! Luxury prices, where?
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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Chili’s has come a long way from its roots, and in recent years, they’ve been known to change their menu on a pretty regular basis – knocking off beloved menu item after menu item along the way.
I’m undoubtedly one of many loyal Chili’s customers that crave the return of certain long-lost dishes, and I still think about (to be honest, mourn) the Buffalo Chicken Salad every time I go there. RIP.
If you still dream about discontinued Chili’s menu items, this list is going to send you right down memory lane and revisit the meals we all wish would make a comeback.
Chili's
The Original Chicken Crispers were a total fan-favorite at Chili’s for years before being discontinued. They were my go-to when I went there as a kid. They came with a side of corn and friends. And that honey mustard dipping sauce? Elite.
Unlike the updated version that Chili’s offers now, the Original Chicken Crispers had a way better batter: it was thicker, softer, and more tempura-like. The newer Chicken Crispers that replaced them have a crunchier, more conventional breading, similar to chains like Raising Cane’s or Popeyes.
One Chili’s fan missing the OG Crispers on Reddit said: “I know it’s easier to keep things streamlined especially in a busy restaurant kitchen, but do they understand how awesome these were?!?!!”
There's even a petition online begging the chain to bring 'em back.
Chili's
The now-discontinued Buffalo Chicken Salad from Chili’s was like eating saucy chicken wings in salad form. Not entirely healthy, it still had some good veggies included. The dish featured crispy (or grilled) buffalo chicken strips on top of a bed of fresh greens, tomatoes, crispy tortilla strips, bleu cheese crumbles, and ranch dressing.
Chili’s still has some salads on their menu – like the Quesadilla Explosion Salad and the Santa Fe Salad – but neither are quite as satisfying as the Buffalo Chicken Salad.
Snappr / PEXELS
Some of the best menu items at Chili’s are sandwiches (in my opinion), which is why fans were devastated when the chain took the Philly Cheesesteak away. It had some thinly-sliced steak, grilled onions, peppers, and melted cheese, all piled on top of a toasted hoagie roll. A classic!
It was so hearty and tasty, but most of Chili’s current sammie offerings are focused around chicken only. Womp womp.
Chili's
Known as quite the legendary appetizer, Chili’s Shanghai Wings are now nowhere to be found. These wings were lightly fried and coated in a sweet and tangy Asian-inspired sauce. They were also topped with a bout of crunchy rice noodles that made every bite heavenly.
Of colors, you can still order wings as an appetizer at Chili’s, and there are plenty of flavors to pick from like Honey Chipotle, Nashville Hot, and Sweet Chili Zing, which is slightly similar to the Shanghai Wings flavoring – but it’ll never beat the OG!
Allrecipes / Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
The Awesome Blossom was essentially Chili’s version of the Bloomin’ Onion from Outback Steakhouse – a massive, hand-battered, deep-fried onion cut to resemble a “blooming” flower. It also came with an addictive dipping sauce.
It was a cult-fave for years but Chili’s sadly discontinued it due to health concerns… it allegedly had over 2,700 calories.
Chili's
Combining everything diners love about nachos with a classic handheld burger, Chili’s Nacho Burger boasted heaps of queso-style cheese, guac, pico de gallo, jalapeños, and crunchy tortilla strips. It disappeared from menus, though, and fans have been mourning its loss ever since.
Los Muertos Crew / PEXELS
Chili’s has featured a ton of different taco recipes on their menu over the years, but you can no longer order ‘em – fajitas are the closest thing you can find.
From Crispy Chicken Tacos and Shrimp Tacos to Pork Carnitas Tacos and Buffalo Chicken Tacos, these handheld delights shaped the Chili’s I had come to know (and love) as a kiddo.
Chili's
I love nothing more than bleu cheese on a burger, which is why I was pained to learn that the Chipotle Bleu Cheese Bacon Burger was taken off Chili’s menus. It truly had a rich flavor, thanks to the cheese, bacon, and the smoky chipotle sauce it was smothered in.
Polina Tankilevitch / PEXELS
Featured primarily on the kids’ menu, the Chili’s Grilled Cheese had become a total staple for young ones and adults alike. It boasted some buttered-up and toasted bread that was loaded with gooey, melted cheese. It doesn't get better than that, right?!
One Chili’s fan wrote on Reddit that: “my kid only liked the grilled cheese and we’d go every other week, then they dropped it.”
Another enthused diner said: “IT WAS SO GOOD TO THE POINT I COULD DIE EATING IT! I was so disappointed to find out they dropped it and didn’t say a word about it.”
Chili's
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We may have left mountains of homework and questionable cafeteria food behind years ago, but that doesn't mean we can't learn anything from educational podcasts. From online classes to language apps, we’re all about expanding our knowledge, especially if it’s fun.
When your commute turns into a bore or you’re up for picking up a new skill, these educational podcasts will drop some serious knowledge on you, no backpack required.
What began as a Kickstarter project has now become an extremely popular trivia podcast. Half quiz show and half offbeat news, Good Job, Brain! will have you laughing and dominating your next trivia night.
Curiosity Daily is an award-winning podcast that allows you to learn a little bit more about the world around you. It takes listeners through research-based life hacks and the latest science and technology news, allowing you to walk out into the world more knowledgable.
Hidden Brain explores something we all strive to understand better - our thoughts! Each episode teaches about social psychology and the neuroscience behind our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. What I love about this podcast is how practical and applicable the information shared truly is.
Ologies is designed to be a crash course on all things science. It talks about everything from dinosaurs to space to the human body, giving you all sorts of information you never knew you needed or wanted. The host is able to interview experts in the field, giving you a really comprehensive look on the subjects tackled.
This podcast is filled with valuable information that is going to make your life better. Its two female hosts talk about everything from sex and relationships to health and career. They break down really complex topics in a way that feels accessible, educational, and engaging.
This podcast dials you into the "herstory" you never learned. It tells the tories of girl bosses from queens to warriors to scientists and artists.
Radio journalist Mike Pesca leads this Slate podcast, which covers three hot, political topics a week. From JFK to debates, The Gist will keep you in the know.
HowStuffWorks writers Josh and Chuck educate listeners on everything from the ecosystem to Jack the Ripper and sharks. What stuff should you know? Take a listen to how sushi works or the science behind3D printing.
Mo’ money, mo’ problems, right? Not if you’re Planet Money. They’ll teach you how to handle your money, check your finances and work with the economy, all without being a bore. Where to start? Learn more about homeowners insurance policies or free money.
TED talks are known for their thought-provoking topics and speakers. This podcast is a coproduction of powerhouses NPR and TED to bring ideas, creations and problem-solving tips to the table. Listen as individuals share their ideas each week, like singer-songwriter Megan Washington, who talks about how singing achieves stillness.
Former pro-athlete Lewis Howes takes business, leadership and personal development to the next level. The School of Greatness features top professionals who aim to inspire and encourage growth in their listeners. Ready for change? Find out the 10 essential truths needed to upgrade your life or discover simple ways to overcome stress.
Angela Duckworth, a research psychologist, partners up with tech and sports executive, Mike Maughan, to answer all of your science questions. They answer them in a knowledgable and non-condescending way, no matter how silly the question may seem.
We all know sometimes the internet can bombard us with info, and it's hard to decipher what's true and what's not. Science Vs explores the science behind popular claims and trends, interviewing experts and conducting in-depth research to help you decide what's worth following.
Which educational podcasts have you listened to recently?
Lead image via Ivan Samkov/Pexels
This post has been updated.
