It has been twenty years since Andy Sachs threw her ringing cell phone into a Paris fountain, turning her back on Runway and the demanding whims of Miranda Priestly. But as audiences flocked to watch Anne Hathaway reprise her defining role in The Devil Wears Prada 2, one thing became abundantly clear: Andy’s fashion evolution is far from over.
Gone are the chaotic style transformations of her early assistant days. In their place is the wardrobe of an established power editor; sharp, effortless, and grounded by a single hero piece that has set off a global jewellery movement: the T-bar necklace.
Throughout the sequel, Andy’s signature styling anchor is a solid yellow-gold toggle necklace. Whether layered over crisp poplin collar shirts, nestled under sharp waistcoats, or juxtaposed against soft seed pearls, the clean, graphic lines of the T-bar bring structure and intentionality to every ensemble.
While the exact piece worn on set carries a eye-watering five-figure price tag, the silhouette’s appeal lies in its rich heritage. Originating in the Victorian era as a functional detail designed to secure pocket watch chains to waistcoats, the T-bar balances historical sentiment with clean, architectural modernity. It isn’t loud or trend-chasing; it’s a modern heirloom.
To recreate this refined editorial look without needing Runway’s fashion closet budget, British jewellery house Dower & Hall offers an exquisite range of hand-crafted T-bar chains and pendants. Known for their timeless British craftsmanship and heavy-weight precious metals, their designs bring the exact weight, sheen, and polish needed to pull off Andy’s polished aesthetic.
Here is how to style the look using Dower & Hall’s signature pieces:
1. The Power Editor Stack
Andy’s most talked-about look pairs her gold T-bar with a delicate strand of pearls.
- The Formula: Anchor your neckline with a heavier gold Dower & Hall T-bar necklace sitting at 45cm to 50cm. Layer a shorter, luminous freshwater pearl necklace or choker just above it, sitting right at the collarbone.
- Why it works: The opposition between organic, soft pearls and structured, metallic hardware captures modern luxury at its finest.
2. Tailored Minimalist
When styled with tailored blazers or silk button-downs, less is more.
- The Formula: Wear a standalone Dower & Hall chunky T-bar chain over an unbuttoned collar. Let the toggle clasp hang naturally in the center as a focal pendant.
- Why it works: The central T-bar adds hardware detail to clean tailored lines without looking overly accessorised.
3. Mixed Textures & Metals
For a softer, evening approach, opt for a T-bar integrated onto a delicate chain or paired with subtle gemstone accents.
- The Formula: Choose a finer Dower & Hall T-bar necklace length and layer it with mixed-chain textures, to create visual movement without overcrowding your décolletage.
- Why it works: Combining delicate links with the defined geometry of the T-bar creates dimension, softening the overall look while keeping the overall palette light, fluid, and refined.
Trends come and go, but as Andy Sachs proves two decades later, true style lies in confidence, classic tailoring, and signature jewellery that anchored your identity. Discover the full collection of hand-finished designs at Dower & Hall to build your ultimate capsule jewellery stack.
White Pearl Nomad T-Bar Necklace
Charlotte is the founder and editor-in-chief at Your Coffee Break magazine. She studied English Literature at Fairfield University in Connecticut whilst taking evening classes in journalism at MediaBistro in NYC. She then pursued a BA degree in Public Relations at Bournemouth University in the UK. With a background working in the PR industry in Los Angeles, Barcelona and London, Charlotte then moved on to launching Your Coffee Break from the YCB HQ in London’s Covent Garden and has been running the online magazine for the past 10 years. She is a mother, an avid reader, runner and puts a bit too much effort into perfecting her morning brew.
