Have you ever been scrolling through social media and locked eyes on the most amazing layered necklace inspiration? You dash over to your collection to try and recreate the look, but instead of chic you look sort of like Steven Tyler after a show? (Don’t get us wrong, it totally works for him, but it’s not exactly the look that you were going for.) We here at the Giving Tree Gallery would hereby like to help you take your layering skills from Aerosmith to, say, Alessandra Ambrosio! It is really not as complicated as it might seem and we’re confident you’ll master every layered look after making your way through our truly foolproof guide.
MULTI-STRAND NECKLACE
Before moving on to the more detailed tips, we would be remiss in not mentioning the simplest option first: invest in a multi-strand necklace! It is exactly what it sounds like: a single necklace that contains multiple strands that hang at different lengths - it’s an all-in-one, pre-layered accessory that takes the insecurity out of picking the right pieces to layer. A perfect example is the Stars' Rain Necklace by UNO de 50 seen here. For some, this is the best way to get the look they’re going for without the fear of choosing pieces that may clash. The downside to this is, of course, the lack of ability to mix it up and create different looks for different occasions; it comes how it comes and that’s that. Another simple option is to pick up a necklace set, which is a curated collection of necklaces that already go together and can be worn all at once or separately. They’re not a single necklace so there is some ability to mix it up a litte, but this option also serves to take the scariness out of choosing necklaces that will compliment one another in a layered look.
MIX THE LENGTHS OF NECKLACES
Most stylists would agree that this is definitely the most important part of layering necklaces: make sure the pieces that you choose are of various different and complementing lengths. Trying to layer necklaces that are too similar in length will result in something that looks very heavy, confusing, and on a practical note, are far more likely to tangle with each other. By that same token, mixing a really long necklace with a choker will also look very off. The goal is for every piece you wear to have enough space that it lays flat on the neck or décolletage - this allows for each piece to be truly appreciated as a part of the whole. It is easy to get your hands on a necklace length chart, which will make identifying your own pieces lengths and picking the correct ones that much easier. Ideally, the necklaces you are selecting for layering, will be adjustable. This will either look like a long tail extension at the end of the chain, or simple O rings built right into the chain. Like seen here > > >
A classic combination in layering would be to mix a collar (14”) or choker necklace (16”) with a princess length necklace (18”) and matinee length necklace (20”). Picking pieces of correct and varying lengths is the first step to a winning look!
HOW MANY NECKLACES?
Let’s talk numbers - just how many necklaces do you need for a successfully layered look? Well, that depends! A classic pairing (so two pieces) is pretty much always a good idea, so long as there isn’t too great a distance between lengths. You really don’t want more than a couple of bare inches between pieces (that’s actually a good rule of thumb in general when layering). If you go for the duo be sure that only one necklace carries a lot of interest; for instance, if one is a charm necklace, coin necklace, or statement necklace, be sure the other is a simple chain. If you want to wear more than two necklaces at once it is always best to try to stick to odd numbers. 3, 5, maybe 7 if you’re feeling super brave - you get the idea! There’s something about odd numbers that the eye just seems to appreciate more - it forces our gaze to move through more details, creating more visual interest and is thus much more appealing and memorable. Appealing and memorable are two things we should want all our outfits to be!
ALTERNATE INTEREST
Which necklace do you want to wear the most? Is there one that you are the most excited about? Make that piece your centerpiece! Everything else should work to complement your favorite necklace. If you have two that you love, make sure that any other necklaces you choose are simple and are doing the job of enhancing the ones you want to have the spotlight. The 10 Diamond Bezel Necklace by Meira T is an absolute favorite - it's sets off everything it is paired with. It also helps to alternate the interest pieces by having simple strands in between or around them (plain chains or delicate lariat necklaces) - this way you don’t have two heavy pendant necklaces one after the other hogging the spotlight and appearing heavy on the chest. Five necklaces that are all ornate, elaborate and/or loud is not the kind of attention we are looking for when layering. The goal is to always have them working together, not jockeying for attention.
WHAT’S YOUR VIBE?
It helps to have a vibe in mind when you’re putting your stacks together. Are you going for artsy? smart? meaningful? Whatever you're feeling, layering necklaces is an artful expression - an extension of who you are and who you want to be. For example, if you’re layering for work then perhaps you're looking for a "smart" look - something perhaps more reserved and subded, with simple, clean lines. It you're looking to impress - then "artsy" will likely be the vibe you're feeling. Some jewelry brands, like Bryan Anthonys and Monica Rich Kosann, create jewelry to empower and inspire. Each and every piece is created with purpose, so you can choose to layer everything that resonates most with you! A meaningful vibe with purpose and intent is pretty powerful. Check out one such stack with 3 Bryan Anthony's necklaces seen here to the left: "Beautifully Broken" is the top piece, "Tribe" is the middle and "Stength" is the bottom - all incredibly powerful pieces layered together.
COMPLEMENTING MATERIALS
Tradition would say that keeping all your pieces in the same metal is the best choice, and it is definitely a safe bet to help things appear cleaner. If you want to play it safe, then you can easily go that route and feel confident it’ll work out. Having said that, mixing metals and materials in a way that looks intentional has become much more appreciated and trendy nowadays! We would suggest not mixing more than two different metals or materials at a time; for instance, go with gold (or rose gold) and sterling silver, or gold and leather, but not gold, silver, and leather - too much happening just makes things look messy. If there’s a shadow of a doubt in your mind, just stick to the one metal or material. Just a quick side note: in general, pearl necklaces do not layer super well unless it is with other pearl necklaces, but layered pearls are super chic with the right outfit and for the right occasion!
COMPLEMENTING WEIGHTS
We are talking about literal weight here, not the appearance of weight. Making sure that you have a selection of different weights is essential for preventing tangling while wearing. A little heft to your lower hanging pieces means that they will lay flat and are more likely to stay separate from your other pieces. The weight stops them from moving around too much and thwarts them from getting caught up with one another. It really stinks to have created the perfect layered necklace look only to have it turn into a tangled mess in less than 10 minutes!
(Layered necklaces seen here all by Meira T - an affordable, uber chic designer fine jewelry line. See the collection HERE.)
MORE THAN NECKLACES
Have a little fun, because when it comes to layering, you can do it with more than just your necklaces! Anklets can be beautiful layered and many of the same rules apply in terms of varying lengths and weights, just on a much smaller scale. When it comes to layering bracelets you’ll want to make sure that they’re all around the same length, but definitely feel free to mix up the thicknesses and materials. You can get away with way more when it’s on your wrist! We would suggest only layering in one area at a time though - an arm full of bracelets with five necklaces and an ankle full of adornments is probably taking it just a little bit too far!
Layering necklaces is something that goes with almost every outfit when you do it right, and if you follow the steps above we are confident that you will do just that! Oh, and If you’re curious about layering long necklaces, we have a guide for that too!
A LITTLE EXTRA - TIPS FOR SHOPPING!
Check out your favorite jewelry sites ‘New Arrivals’ pages for a great way to discover any new emerging styles or trends. Great ideas spread like wildfire in the fashion industry and designers will often see a trend and try to make it their own. Websites often use New Arrivals to post the latest offerings from their designers so using this page is a great way to scope out looks you like and discover the designers you think do it best! You can also try using the “best sellers” filter on the necklace pages of your favorite sites. Most sites make this available and it is a quick way to learn what others are finding to be the most appealing. Those MVP’s tend to be versatile and dynamic - including functioning as a great layering pieces. If, in your search, you found a site that offers many layering options that you like and you have a birthday or holiday coming up, rack up those gift cards guys! Getting a little from a lot of people will add up quickly and allow you to shop for the complete look without breaking your bank account.
Gold Silver Dainty Layered Necklace Tips | Givingtreegallery.com
