Many women love jewelry and want to show off their favorite pieces. Layering necklaces allows them to do so, which helps to explain why this look remains a classic. A lady will find she can change her entire look simply by changing the combination of necklaces she chooses to wear. In addition, she can share information about her personality and what is important to her with this popular style.
However, some women find they struggle to put together a look they love. They give up on layering necklaces because the ones they choose never seem to look good together. This doesn’t have to be the case. Any lady can learn how to layer necklaces for a look they will love. The following details from Adina’s Jewels become of great help in achieving this goal.
Styles
Table of Contents
Don’t settle for one style when you are layering necklaces. Combine a choker with a negligee necklace, for example. During this Edwardian era, the negligee necklace became popular, as people loved the look of the two asymmetrical drops coming down from a centerpiece. The long length of the necklaces was perfect for that era. Today, a person can combine this style with an elegant choker for a unique look that is certain to get noticed. However, don’t assume the style is the only thing that can be mixed up when layering necklaces.
Choose a different color for each piece and don’t hesitate to mix metals. Women find when they work with a variety of necklaces the combinations are endless. Grab a pair of classic pearls and wear them with a modern necklace containing geometrical shapes. When choosing chains to wear, use different weights and textures. This reduces the risk of tangling while also adding to the unique quality of the look. For instance, start with a cable chain and add a second necklace with a Venetian chain. Other options include wheat, snake, and bead chains. Try them all to find a look you love.
Chain Lengths
When layering necklaces, select chains of varying lengths. This technique allows each piece to shine and provides a cascade effect. Women often despair because they have several necklaces, they love all the same lengths. Chain extenders become of great help in creating this look while allowing the lady to wear those pieces she loves.
Begin with a necklace that sits close to the neck and add layers. Build on the look with each successive piece. Try different combinations to see which provides the desired effect. If you find that the look is missing something, it may be a necklace of another length. Go online and begin looking for pieces that can fill this gap. Knowing the standard sizes for different types of chains becomes of great help at this point.
Collars are those necklaces that run 12 to 14 inches in length. They are not the same as chokers, which tend to be 14 to 16 inches long. One of the most common chain lengths is the princess, which is 16 to 18 inches in length, followed by the 20 to 22-inch matinee styles. Opera chains are those pieces that are 30 to 36 inches long, while rope chains come with a minimum length of 36 inches.
Keep this information on hand when shopping online. This ensures you get a piece that will complete the layered look effortlessly. However, if you find a piece you love that isn’t the right length, don’t despair. A chain extender becomes of great help in this situation or the chain may be shortened if needed.
Bar Necklaces
Women might find they have a collar they wish to wear together with a matinee style. However, this leaves the gap mentioned above that needs to be filled. A bar necklace is perfect for this open space, and women find they can choose a style that complements the other pieces she is wearing. Bar necklaces come in both 16 and 18-inch lengths, and many women choose to buy one with a 16-inch chain so they can extend it when desired. Furthermore, these necklaces come in a variety of metals, so the piece won’t look out of place when combined with her other choices.
Countless women find they want to make the bar necklace their own. They may purchase one with an inspirational word that has special meaning for them or choose to have their name engraved on the bar. Some necklaces come with added features, such as an open heart on the bar or butterfly details on the chain. Women may find they want to purchase multiple bar necklaces for different occasions. Some women experiment with layering bar necklaces in conjunction with other pieces for a look that is all their own.
Clothing Neckline
The clothing a woman wears serves as a frame for her jewelry pieces. Take this into consideration when choosing which necklaces to pair. In addition, the color or pattern of the clothing must be taken into account, as the goal is to complete the outfit. Don’t choose pieces that compete for a viewer’s attention. Which necklaces work best with different necklines?
V-neck tops look best with a V-neck necklace. A rounded necklace looks out of place when paired with a plunging neckline, so choose a chain that mimics the neckline of the top. Women need to choose a princess-length necklace when wearing a strapless or low-cut top. The necklace draws the eye upward and toward the exposed shoulders. Another option women should consider when wearing a strapless top is a choker necklace. Many ladies choose a diamond choker to add flair to the outfit.
Turtlenecks or high-crew tops need a longer necklace. Choose an opera-length necklace to ensure it can be seen. The necklace serves as a statement piece while complimenting the neckline. Halter tops or tops that cover only one shoulder look best when worn without a necklace. Consider investing in a great pair of earrings instead.
When layering necklaces, use the above information to form the basis for the layered pieces. Once this necklace is in place, begin adding others to see how they look with the neckline. If you have any doubts, stick with one necklace. Less can be more in many cases.
Odd-Number Combinations
Women continue to debate the correct number of necklaces when layering pieces. Women often rely on the rule of three when layering, but not all choose to adhere to this standard. Other ladies say an odd number of pieces is fine. Many people, however, believe three or five is the magic number when layering jewelry, as they provide the most pleasing combinations. Ultimately, the right number depends on several factors, including chain lengths, shapes, and styles. Women should experiment with different combinations to find what they like. It comes down to what the woman prefers and what she feels comfortable wearing.
Contrasting Metals
At one time, women believed contrasting metals should be avoided at all costs when it came to their jewelry. Ladies the world over sighed relief when that rule was thrown out the window, much like the rule of not wearing white after Labor Day. Women find they can add drama to any outfit when they pair contrasting metals. In addition, they may choose to use different materials completely. Add a leather cord to multiple chains for a unique layered look. The right metals and materials depend on the outfit being worn.
When a woman combines metals, she has a stylish look with an added benefit. Contrasting materials help prevent the necklaces from becoming entangled. Contrasting metals also help to achieve this goal. Find those metals that best complement your coloring for an outstanding look that others will want to imitate.
Some ladies find they wish to use different shades of gold when wearing necklaces. They like the warmth the pieces add to their outfit. Others mix gold with platinum. It’s all a matter of what the woman likes. However, experts do recommend keeping the style of the jewelry similar when mixing metals. Nobody likes a chunky platinum bracelet paired with a dainty gold chain.
Find Your Style
The above information is not set in stone. Women find there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to how they wear their jewelry. The main thing a woman needs to keep in mind when laying necklaces is they know what they like. If a woman doesn’t feel comfortable with her look, it won’t matter what she is wearing. Her lack of self-confidence will show in everything she does. Feel free to break the rules and do what you like. Every woman has her style and should dress in what she likes. She should never allow the opinions of others to change who she is.
Keep it simple. Don’t overthink layering necklaces. Women who do end up going back to only one necklace. They become overwhelmed by the sheer number of combinations they can create. Start with three necklaces and ask friends how they look. Once you feel comfortable combining three pieces, you can try five. With trial-and-error, you’ll find a look that you love. When that happens, you’ll want to purchase more necklaces and try different combinations. Adding accessories to your outfit every day will be fun once again.