Last month, I was this close to buying a pair of little brown Zara ballet flats covered in gold studs. The texture was just so intriguing—like 3D little accents that caught the light. It was something about how they stood out, yet still felt wearable. Fast forward to yesterday, and I almost picked up a bag with the same studded details. That was when it hit me: I really like studs. So, I figured, why not write about it? Turns out, studs aren’t just a fleeting trend—they’ve been around for years, and there’s something about them that keeps pulling us in.
A Little History: Where It All Began
Studded designs have roots in the punk and rock scenes of the ’70s and ’80s, where rebellious attitudes clashed with traditional fashion norms. The DIY (Do-It-Yourself) ethic was central to punk, and people would modify their clothing with studs, spikes, and other bold details to stand out and express defiance. Think leather jackets adorned with spikes or studded boots.
It was all about making a statement—showing off a fierce, non-conformist attitude. The sharp, aggressive look of studs made a visual statement of toughness, individualism, and resistance to authority. Punk musicians and fans often wore clothing that looked rough or unconventional, rejecting polished, traditional styles. It was a way of saying, “We don’t follow the rules,” and showing rejection of societal expectations and norms.
But the studs weren’t just for the rebels; by the late ’80s and early ’90s, designers began experimenting with them in mainstream fashion, turning edgy street style into high fashion statements. Punk bands like The Sex Pistols and designers like Vivienne Westwood were known for incorporating studs into their clothing as a form of self-expression and rebellion.
The cost? Well, adding studs can be a relatively low-cost way for brands to elevate simple items like shoes, bags, and jackets into something that feels more high-end or bold.
Studs have this amazing ability to transform an item, whether it’s shoes, a bag, or even a jacket. They bring something unexpected, making an outfit feel a bit more daring, a little more fun. What’s great about them is that they’ve been around long enough to feel timeless but still have this sense of excitement when you add them to your wardrobe.
Personally, I’m loving the fact that studs are back in full force, and it makes me realize how a little hardware can go a long way in making something feel fresh and new. If you’re on the fence about adding some studded pieces to your collection, just go for it.
Our Favorite
