Twenty years after the first film, Andy Sachs returns to the Runway universe. But the young assistant who in 2006 needed Nigel to transform her wardrobe no longer exists: in The Devil Wears Prada 2, the character played by Anne Hathaway appears as a confident, seasoned woman with a style that needs no permission.
Her evolution is reflected in menswear-inspired cuts, oversized shirts, printed dresses, and vintage pieces. Yet among all these wardrobe changes, one detail endures: a gold necklace with a T-bar clasp, worn solo or layered with a classic strand of pearls.
Now that the sequel is available on Disney+ streaming, the jewel chosen by Andy has become a new fashion obsession and promises to move quickly from screen to everyday looks.
What is a T-bar necklace
The T-bar necklace, also known as a T-bar necklace or toggle clasp necklace, is recognized by its distinctive clasp: a circular ring through which a small horizontal bar is threaded.
Unlike traditional closures, this mechanism does not hide behind the neck. It is worn forward and becomes the centerpiece of the piece, providing a graphic, modern, and slightly vintage detail.
Its origin is tied to the old chains of pocket watches. The bar allowed the chain to be attached to the lapel of a gentleman’s vest and prevented the watch from sliding. Over time, that functional feature was revived by contemporary jewelry and transformed into a decorative accessory.
British designer Tilly Sveaas introduced a version of the design to her 2016 collection, inspired by antique family jewelry and the chain of a pocket watch. Since then, the T-bar has become a hallmark of her brand.
The detail Andy Sachs repeats throughout the film
The key to the wardrobe choice lies in repetition. Andy wears the necklace not only in one important scene, but folds it into outfits that are very different from one another, as if it were a piece from her own jewelry box rather than an accessory chosen for each look.
She combos it with a masculine-inspired white shirt, a Gabriela Hearst printed dress, suit ensembles with pinstripes, and more relaxed pieces. In several scenes she also overlays it with a pearls strand, achieving a blend of classic and modern.
The styling accompanies the new identity of the character. Andy already knows the fashion rules, but she does not seem interested in following them literally. Her wardrobe mixes designer pieces, vintage finds, basics, and recurring accessories, creating a much more personal image than her transformation in the first film.
The sequel’s costume designer was Molly Rogers, who had worked with Patricia Field on the original film. For this new phase, the designer aimed to present a more mature Andy, experienced as a journalist, with a different relationship to fashion.
Why the T-bar necklace works with any look
The great appeal of this jewelry lies in its balance: it has enough presence to transform a simple ensemble, yet its clean design allows it to pair with prints, tailoring, or more striking pieces.
Unlike a heavily ornamented choker, the T-bar necklace functions almost like a basic. It can accompany a white shirt, a plain tee, a crew-neck sweater, a plunging-neckline dress, or a blazer.
Moreover, the front clasp directs the gaze to the center of the look and adds a sense of symmetry. That is why it proves especially flattering with V-neck pieces, unbuttoned shirts, and lapelled jackets.
How to style Andy Sachs’s favorite necklace
Alone and on a basic piece
The simplest way to wear it is atop a plain white tee, a solid-colored shirt, or a simple sweater. In this case, the clasp becomes the single focal point and instantly elevates the outfit.
With a pearl strand
This is the most characteristic pairing for Andy in the film. The informal nature of the gold chain contrasts with the classic elegance of the pearls, preventing them from feeling too traditional.
The key is to choose two different lengths: the pearls can sit closer to the neck and the T-bar a few centimeters lower.
With delicate chains
It can also be layered with one or two thin chains. To avoid a crowded result, vary the lengths and maintain a sense of harmony between the metals.
Over a men’s shirt
A loose shirt, slightly opened at the neckline, is one of the best allies for the necklace. The golden detail softens the garment’s structure and adds a feminine touch without sacrificing modernity.
With tailoring
Andy pairs it with blazers, waistcoats, and dress trousers. The jewel breaks the rigidity of the suit and adds personality, especially when worn over a black blouse or directly on the skin.
Gold or silver?
The gold version conveys a warmer, more vintage vibe and is the closest to the style chosen for Andy Sachs. It pairs especially well with earth tones, white, black, navy, gray, and burgundy.
Silver, on the other hand, has a more minimalist and contemporary effect. It works with denim, black pieces, light blue shirts, and monochrome outfits.
There is no need to pair all accessories in the same metal. One of the keys of current style is deliberately mixing gold and silver, as long as the pieces maintain a similar aesthetic.
The comeback of a jewelry piece with history
The Devil Wears Prada proved from its premiere that wardrobe can also be part of the narrative. Andy’s clothes explained her transformation even before the character could put it into words.
In the sequel, the T-bar necklace performs a similar function. Its repetition conveys security and coherence: Andy no longer dresses to belong to Miranda Priestly’s world, but rather takes elements from that universe and adapts them to her own identity.
Simple, elegant, and easy to pair, Andy Sachs’s favorite necklace has all the ingredients to become the next big trend. Because, once again, The Devil Wears Prada not only reflects what’s happening in fashion: it also anticipates what we all will want to wear.
