A Guide to Layering Necklaces

When I was in college, I went through a brief stage where my necklaces just couldn’t be big enough. I took my love for statement necklaces to the next level – buying one in every color and style I could get my hands on. Now I take a much different approach to making statements with my jewelry – the daintier the better. What I love about this is that you can mix and match the pieces to be as subtle or flashy as you want. Depending on my mood, I can wear a plain choker as fine as a strand of hair or a combination of 4 different layered necklaces! This gives such variety to your jewelry box because you can make tons of different styles with the same pieces. Today I’m going to give you my full guide on layering necklaces!

Anchor

The first thing you’ll need to decide when choosing pieces is what your anchor will be. This is what you want the eye to go to and what will be the focus of your layering! Choosing this first will give you a benchmark for your other necklaces to measure up against. For example, if you choose a choker as your anchor, make sure the other necklace is long and simple enough. You don’t ever want the other necklaces to take away from your anchor! If you choose a lariat as your anchor, use a choker for added detail right around your neck. The goal is to use the secondary necklaces as a frame for your anchor!

In the look below, I am using this stacked choker as my anchor! To add length and detail, I paired it with this simple bar necklace from The Starfish Project (which I am going to chat more about later this month!)

Mix It Up

When you’re going for a layered look, you want it to look mismatched but purposeful. Mixing pieces with the same metal (i.e., yellow gold or white gold) will give a cohesive look without being too matchy matchy. Also, you definitely need to make sure each necklace is a different length! Not having any overlapping chains will avoid the layering being messy or tangled. A great rule of thumb to follow would be to have 3-4 inches between the necklaces. This allows each piece to look separate but make a statement together!

In the look below, I paired an ultra thin choker, similar option here, with this long lariat necklace (50% off right now!). Since I wanted to keep the overall look simple, I looked for two necklaces with delicate chains!

Consider it Done

If layering necklaces just seems too complicated for you, don’t sweat it! You’re in luck – there are tons of options that are already assembled for you. These layered sets are made to look like all separate pieces but it takes the guesswork out of pairing different necklaces together. They are easier to just throw on and go straight out the door! While the kits aren’t as versatile as individual pieces, you can definitely achieve the layered look with ease by using these!

Shop my Favorite Layered Sets:

Shop my Favorite Layering Necklaces:

Chokers:

Mid-Length:

Long: