Wear one necklace, and you give your look a little upgrade from simple to elevated.
Wear multiple layered necklaces and now you stand out from the crowd.
The layered necklace look exudes effortless style, and layered necklaces have become a staple in fashion—from streetwear to formal attire. If you want to incorporate layers into your wardrobe, follow our expert tips. This guide covers everything you need to know about how to layer necklaces.
Basic Principles of Layering Necklaces
There’s no such thing as a “rulebook” for layering necklaces. Style is personal, and if you like how a necklace combination looks, you should wear it.
That said, there are some basic principles that can help you create a layered look with ease. If you’re new to layering necklaces, start here.
Understanding Necklace Lengths
Necklaces come in all shapes and sizes, and if you want to layer them, you need to understand your options. Here are some typical necklace lengths and how they’ll look around your neck:
- 14” – A 14” chain will hug the neck.
- 18” – An 18” necklace should come down just past your collarbone.
- 24” – A 24” chain is long enough to reach your upper chest.
- 30” – A 30” necklace will reach past your chest and rest a few inches above your navel.
Keep in mind that the circumference of your neck will affect the way necklaces sit. If you have a narrower neck, your chains will drape long and low. If your neck is wider, your necklaces will have less of a “dip” to them.
When wearing multiple necklaces, you’ll want to choose several different lengths so the chains cascade down your neck.
Choosing Complementary Styles and Weights
There are also different styles of necklaces. Some are simple and slender, like the interlocking segments of the cable or curb style. Others are more chunky and complex, like the rope (woven) styles.
Then, there are the unique statement shapes, like the lariat (a Y-shaped necklace with a hanging segment) or the pendant (a chain with something suspended at the bottom).
Mixing and matching these styles is the best part of layering necklaces. Each style adds a different “texture” to your neckline so that when you bring multiple styles together, you create a varied, eye-catching look.
When choosing your necklaces for layering, you have two options: Contrast or harmony. Pairing chunky necklaces with dainty chains will give you a cool contrasting look, while a collection of delicate necklaces appears more cohesive.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Layer Necklaces
So, how should you go about layering those different styles and lengths of necklaces? Grab your jewelry, get in front of the mirror, and follow these steps.
Step 1: Select the Base Necklace
Start with a short, simple piece that will anchor your layered look. A classic choker or 16” chain works perfectly.
If you’re planning to create a contrasting look, the base necklace is the perfect place for a chunky piece, as it creates a solid foundation for your other necklaces. However, you can just as easily start with an elegant, whisper-thin choker.
Step 2: Add Middle Layers
With your base layer in place, you can build on your look with one or more additional necklaces.
Depending on how many necklaces you plan to wear, we recommend adding one piece every two to four inches. This tiered approach keeps each necklace far enough apart to make them distinct (and keep them from tangling) yet close enough to feel coherent.
Step 3: Finish with a Statement Piece
Sometimes, two or three necklaces are enough. But when you want something bold and dramatic, you can’t go wrong with a final statement piece.
Your statement necklace can go at the very bottom of your stack, or it can fall somewhere in the middle. For maximum impact, choose a longer necklace that draws the eye, such as:
- A lariat
- A pendant necklace
- A locket
Tips for Styling Layered Necklaces
While you could easily throw on a few gold necklaces of different lengths before heading out the door, you'll create a more polished look when you intentionally layer your necklaces.
To create stylish, unforgettable combinations, follow these tips:
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Mix metals – Mixing metals used to be a faux pas in the jewelry world. Now, modern fashion has embraced the eclectic look of multiple materials. You can pair silver and gold chains together for stark contrast, or mix rose gold and yellow gold for a more subtle combination. For an introduction to mixed metals, combine several pieces of one material with a single necklace of another.
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Play with different textures – If you’d rather stick to one metal, you can add variation to your layered look by integrating various textures. Mix your gold jewelry with pearls, colored beads, or leather pieces to create a dynamic tapestry of color and texture.
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Incorporate pendants and charms – Simple chains may form the foundation of any layered look, but pendants and charms add flair. While finishing with a long, low-hanging charm is classic, don’t be afraid to fill your middle layers with smaller pendants, too. Each pendant fills the space between your chains to create a cohesive stack of necklaces.
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Avoid tangling and knots – If you’ve put in the effort to assemble a layered necklace look, the last thing you want is a tangle of chains around your neck. Flat necklaces can help you avoid knotting, as these pieces are less likely to roll and become tangled. Varying the lengths and thicknesses should also keep your necklaces from clumping together.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Layering Necklaces
Once again, there are no specific rules for layering necklaces. But some common pitfalls can keep you from achieving your desired look.
If you want a stunning, layered necklace look every time, avoid these mistakes:
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Putting on necklaces in the wrong order – To reduce the possibility of tangling, start with your shortest necklace, then add the others in order of length. This approach also lets you visualize your layered look as it comes together.
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Overcrowding the neckline – Layering is always stylish, but there’s such a thing as over-layering. Wearing several thick chains in succession can overwhelm your neck, as can having multiple necklaces of the same length. Separate chunky layers with delicate ones, and avoid wearing too many similar-length pieces.
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Wearing inconsistent styles and themes – While mixing materials and textures can create visual interest, there needs to be a consistent theme underpinning your choices. Before you assemble your necklaces, think: What kind of style are you trying to represent? Is it bohemian or modern? Casual or formal? Pick pieces that match your desired theme, then layer them according to best practices.
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Ignoring outfit coordination – Even if your layered jewelry is the centerpiece of your outfit, it’s still part of your overall appearance. Your necklaces should always complement your outfit. For example, a higher crew-neck top may look best with shorter chains, while a plunging V-neck can be accentuated with longer necklaces. The colors and materials of your clothing also play a role.
Seasonal and Occasion-Based Necklace Layering Ideas
One thing is for sure: Layered necklaces are always welcome. But the best way to layer can depend on the time of year and the occasion.
Summer vs. Winter Layering
In most cases, jewelry is not season-specific; you can wear any necklace in any weather. However, the seasons affect how we dress—and, as mentioned, your layered necklaces should complement your outfit.
On warm summer days, you’ll probably wear thin, airy clothes. To match the light, carefree vibes of summer, layer together delicate necklaces that won’t overwhelm the simplicity.
In the winter, when high necklines and layered sweaters are everyday attire, delicate necklaces have a habit of disappearing. If you reach for chunky, attention-grabbing pieces instead, your jewelry will stand out.
Casual vs. Formal Occasions
Naturally, context will also guide your clothing choices—and, with them, your jewelry decisions.
In casual settings, anything goes. Informal occasions offer the perfect opportunity to sport bold statement pieces, mix metals, and think outside the box. Now is the time to pull out your pendants, woven necklaces, and heavy chains.
When you’re attending a formal event—such as a work party or a wedding—opt for something more sophisticated, like layers of minimalist chains.
Start Layering Necklaces with John Hardy
The best advice for layering necklaces is to experiment. Start with a few necklaces of different lengths and materials, then gradually create more complex combinations in front of your mirror at home.
Of course, if you’re going to layer necklaces, you need quality pieces that will capture attention, even when they’re nestled between other chains.
At John Hardy, we offer a stunning range of sustainably crafted necklaces that you can layer with other pieces or wear alone.
Shop for necklaces today, and start experimenting with layering.
Sources:
Editorialist. How to Wear Mixed Metal Jewelry, According to an Expert. https://editorialist.com/fashion/how-to-wear-mixed-metal-jewelry/