Layering Necklaces: Your Versatile Style Secret!
What’s better than one necklace? Two, three, or four necklaces! Necklaces are a versatile, stylish way to elevate your outfit, and layering them is a great way to customize any look. But how do you layer necklaces in a way that looks effortless and chic, not tangled and messy?
We’ve put together this guide to layering necklaces so you can feel confident in your jewelry styling choices. From the length of each necklace to the style of these jewelry pieces, we’ve created a necklace layering cheat sheet. Plus, keep reading for some unique and playful necklace layering ideas and necklace stacks to use as inspiration for your own style!
Layering necklaces may seem simple—just throw some on and go, right? However, the reality is that creating a necklace stack that looks balanced, intentional, and stylish takes more than just luck.
Here are our top factors to consider when layering necklaces, including how to layer pearl necklaces and how to prevent necklaces from tangling.
As a general rule, when layering necklaces, try to choose pieces of different lengths. The variation will create a balanced look, and together, your necklaces will make more of a statement.
However, it’s not just about choosing two random necklaces and throwing them on together. While some people can surely pull off a choker and an opera necklace together, they’re not necessarily the obvious choice.
Instead, it’s important to choose necklace lengths that work well together, and create a look that is flattering for your outfit.
When it comes to perfectly layering your necklaces, an important factor that many people don’t consider is the circumference of your neck. Everyone will have a different neck measurement, and this can actually impact how long a necklace will look when worn.
Take a look at this chart below, for example. An 18” necklace—a fairly common chain length—will look different on someone with a 12” neck, 14” neck, or 16” neck. While, of course, there’s no “correct” neck measurement, it can be helpful to know yours.
Knowing your neck circumference can also be super helpful when it comes to shopping for jewelry online. Any reputable online retailer will have a detailed product description, meaning you can plan your necklace stack without ever trying a necklace on.
Simply take a piece of string, thin fabric, or even an existing necklace and measure it with a ruler or flexible measuring tape. Then, drape it around your neck to visualize the length of your new necklace. No more accidentally buying jewelry that isn’t the perfect fit!
As you start to layer necklaces, it can be difficult to know how to combine them. Whether you’re wearing two, three, four, or even more necklaces, you want them to feel balanced and cohesive.
No matter what types of necklaces you’re wearing, a great way to build out your layered necklaces is to choose one “anchor” necklace. This can be a short necklace, like a choker, or a mid-length necklace. Then, you can start to add extra necklaces that hang above or below, with about 2-3” between each layer. As the necklaces get longer, however, feel free to increase that distance for a draping, boho look.
This is not a strict rule but is a great starting point when learning how to layer necklaces. Once you get this down, you’ll find that you can just follow your instincts!
Another great way to add visual interest to your necklace stack is by wearing necklaces with different textures and weights. Again, this is not a strict rule—you don’t have to ditch your dainty jewelry!— but it can certainly help to create a stylish, considered look. Keep an eye out for jewelry with interesting shapes, color, or surface qualities.
Here are some common necklace types that work well in a cool, stylish necklace stack:
Perhaps the most basic of jewelry options, fine chains are an everyday staple that you likely already love. They can be worn alone or with a pendant, and look gorgeous at most lengths. They can also be worn both casually in the daytime, or with an elegant evening look.
As a trusty basic, a fine chain necklace is also a great place to start building your necklace stack. Why wouldn’t you build your dream jewelry look around your favorite?!
Baroque pearls are unique, asymmetrical pearls that add a dash of funky style to any look. The variation in shape makes them perfect for layering, and they come in a variety of necklace types.
Consider a cool, varied chain with a baroque pearl pendant. The perfect mix of chunky-yet-feminine, the front clasp will add an extra level of detail to your necklace layers.
Or, for a statement layer, a baroque pearl necklace strand is a fabulous choice. The irregular shapes are a playful take on this classic pearl necklace and make it wearable from day to night.
Necklaces are timeless jewelry pieces, and pearls are the perfect way to make a sophisticated statements.
From tincup strands to chunky baroque pearls pieces, there’s a necklace for every occasion and style. Discover our full range of Pearl Necklaces for yourself, and make a modern pearl statement!
Another great way to add visual interest to your necklace layers is to mix up the colors of your jewelry. From mixing gold and silver jewelry to choosing vibrant gemstones, color variation helps to create balance and personality.
For example, even in the world of pearl necklaces, there is a huge variety of colors to choose from. Tahitian pearls are a unique dark color with overtones of green, blue, or purple. Which means if you’re someone who wears a lot of black, you don’t have to stop with your jewelry!
Or, for a warm, feminine touch, freshwater pearls come in a range of pink shades. With overtones of gold, blush, and even lavender, we love the way this multicolor freshwater pearl necklace will elevate your necklace stack.
Once you know the basics of necklace layering—mixing length, texture, color, and shape—it’s time to get creative with different necklace styles. While many necklace designs are commonly worn solo, you may be surprised at how easy it is to mix and match different types of necklaces.
Here are some of our favorite types of necklaces to layer:
You’ve seen how cool a classic pearl necklace looks in a necklace stack, but how about a double (or even triple!) layered pearl necklace? Two layers of pearls will work twice as hard to elevate your look and are perfectly paired with dainty, sweet necklaces.
This black Akoya pearl double strand necklace feels modern and cool, and will take your necklace stack from day to night. Wear it with denim for a laid back feel, or accessorize a slinky silk slip for a perfect party look.
Station necklaces are delicate chains that have fixed spots—stations—with gemstones or metal details. Their wearability makes them incredibly popular and extends into being easy to layer. Station necklaces can feature all sorts of gems, such as diamonds, pearls, or even simple gold or silver balls. Generally, these details are small and dainty, making them easy to style for any occasion.
A pearl station necklace is a great way to add a gorgeous pop of pearls to your look without adding too much bulk to your necklace stack. With both gold and silver options, you can customize yours to make it feel bespoke!
Pendants are key to necklace layering, as they add weight to delicate chains and turn them from a U shape to a V shape. Consider adding a pendant to your longest necklace layer for a feminine, streamlined look.
Express yourself with our pearl pendants in a range of styles, sizes, and colors—and layer them with your favorite necklaces! Discover Tahitian, Akoya, and Golden Pearl pendants, and embrace this classic pearl necklace style.
Layering necklaces is all about adding variety, and the short length of chokers makes them perfect for your necklace stack. Generally, a choker necklace will hug tight to the neck, creating an interesting look with any neckline. Try layering a choker with a chunky pearl chain and a long pendant, for a bold, stylish look!
Lariats are usually long, Y-shaped necklaces. They may feature a pendant at the end, or may feature details along the chain itself.
This freshwater pearl lariat necklace is certainly a statement, and is perfect for a fancy gala evening. In fact, the way it wraps around the neck creates its own sort of necklace layering effect!
There’s no doubt that layering necklaces looks chic, but what about when they tangle? Here are our insider tips to prevent your necklaces from tangling.
Now you understand the rules of thumb for layering necklaces; it’s time to go out and style your own looks! For inspiration, take a peek at our Shop the Look page. We’ve mixed and matched some of the most popular The Pearl Source styles to create jewelry looks for any style or any occasion.
There’s a jewelry look for everyone, so let’s take a look at some of the chic necklace layering ideas!
Whether you’re heading to brunch with friends or attending a fabulous summer cocktail party, this layered Boho Chic Pearl Look will be the perfect finishing touch to your outfit. Featuring a bold white baroque freshwater pearl necklace and a matching pearl solitaire pendant, this necklace duo is a force to be reckoned with.
Wear this necklace combo with a deep V-neck or even a simple white T-shirt. However you style it, this layered pearl necklace combination will complete your look in style.
While chokers are usually one part of a necklace stack, who says you can’t layer multiple chokers on their own?! The Chic Look is a perfect example of why rules are made to be broken and features two Baroque Freshwater Pearl Bangle Necklaces layered together, one with pearls the whole way around and one with pearls just at the end. Together, they form a structural, modern look and make a bold statement.
Wear these chokers alone, or complete the look with the matching Kaia Earrings. From the boardroom to the dance floor, this unique layered necklace look is for the adventurous!
Remember, layering necklaces is all about showing off your style, and making something new from the pieces you already have. We love how The Summer Look takes traditional pearl necklaces, and makes them into a floaty, carefree vibe. These freshwater Keshi pearl necklaces create a feeling of dynamic movement, making them perfect for daytime, summery looks.
Wear them alone, or add even more necklace layers to hone your unique style.
From casual daily looks to glamorous nights out, jewelry has always been a wardrobe staple. However, to really make your looks your own, layering necklaces is the way to go. From delicate chains to chunky pendants, mixing and matching necklaces will help you show off your style, and make the most of your jewelry collection.
Using these tips, you’ll be able to style any outfit with chic layered necklaces and bask in the beauty of pearls. And for even more necklace layering inspo, don’t forget to check out our full collection of pearl jewelry. Discover timeless pearl necklaces— like Akoya pearls, freshwater pearls, and Tahitian pearls—in a range of colors and fashion-forward styles.
Get creative with layering necklaces, gold and silver, and pair them with matching rings, bracelets, and earrings. This is your new secret to fabulous style!
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Content Writer and Editor at The Pearl Source
Kate Muirhead is the editor and content writer for leading pearl retailer The Pearl Source. She believes in the power of signature jewelry, and that collecting it is half the fun.
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