FULL CIRCLE

IT was inevitable that the 1980s revival would bring back fashion’s love affair with chains. Remember those fabulous Vogue spreads with Cindy Crawford weighted down in layers of Chanel chain necklaces?

Now, labels as diverse as preppy J. Crew and ladylike Prada are chaining up oversized bags, dainty ballet flats and simple T-shirts. These can be the tough, chunky links of the more-is-more era, screen printed on the front of a T-shirt by Mighty Fine or jingling on the heels of black biker boots by Casadei.

But chains can also look refined. One only has to think of the classic Chanel 2.55 quilted handbag with a chain link handle to know that. No longer simply ovals, chain links have morphed into new shapes, such as the jagged diamonds on a crystal-dusted necklace by Lia Sophia. A bottle-green and gold link bracelet from J. Crew has a 1960s, Palm Beach feel, as does Gucci’s St. Tropez necklace with ebony and 18-karat gold links. A ring by CC Skye is even more subtle -- not an entire chain encircling the finger, just a trio of gold links on the front.

Whether you’re wearing them on your hands or around your neck, it’s best to limit those links. Otherwise, you’ll be treading into Mr. T territory. And that’s never in Vogue.