Necklace layering — it’s the styling trick that never sleeps. And with good reason. It’s a great way to give any outfit a kick. Just ask layering pros like Beyoncé and Leandra Medine, who rarely set foot in public without three to a half-dozen mismatched chains cascading down their clavicles.
You’d think that nailing the layered necklace look was as simple as putting on two or three different chains and walking out the door, but there’s actually something of a science to it. Each layer’s length, weight and pendant size must be carefully considered — invite the wrong guest to your neck party and it’ll end up a tangled mess.
Still, that’s not to say you can’t pull off the look, or that it takes much study. Click through the slideshow above for a crash course in how to layer necklaces, along with some handy visual aids.
[ Next: The Cool Girl’s Guide to Layering Jewelry ]
Necklace Layering
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Method 1: Uniform Chains
Let us begin at the beginning. Before you start mixing chains of various weights and textures, make it easy on yourself. Stick to one uniform chain style and instead play with length. Stagger your necklaces so that each chain, charm and pendant occupies its own real estate. (That way, no one necklace overshadows the others.) For an unequivocally true match, opt for pieces from the same collection.
Image: @farisjewelry
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Method 2: Choker Enthusiast
It's near impossible for chokers to awkwardly tangle when worn together. So, when you're ready to take things up a notch weight- and texture-wise, try using a couple of chokers as your starting point. Choose one with a thicker chain, one with a thinner chain, one with cutesy baubles, one without. Add in a short-ish necklace with some delicate charms to counterbalance the bling up top.
Image: @missomalondon
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Method 3: The Pile-On
Once you're comfortable with the basics of necklace layering, it's time to mix and match chains of various weights, textures and aesthetics. (Fun fact: combining thinner and thicker chains actually helps prevent tangling.) Again, make sure each piece settles naturally in its own spot, so you don't end up with a jumbled mess. Also, don't shy away from lariat necklaces — they add instant length (and drama).
Image: @beyonce
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Method 4: Multiple Personalities
Necklace layering is all about self-expression. To Leandra Medine, these strands of pearl and gold are more than just necklaces, they're "a couple of the ways [she] manifest[s] diverse facial expressions without using [her] head." Note how Medine uses thematically similar charms to create a cohesive neckline narrative (out of two otherwise mismatched chains).
Image: @leandramcohen
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Method 5: Charmed
Alternatively, if you prefer the look of matching chains, piling on the sentimental (or irreverent) charms is another way to make a statement. (And add tension.)
Image: @jenniferfisherjewelry
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Method 6: Chunky Chains
Proof that necklace layering isn't reserved for minimalists and festival-goers. And that sticking to one aesthetic — in this case, heavy hardware — doesn't equal a safe, snoozy look. (And that two statement necklaces are often better than one, though, for the record, larger-than-life necklaces do pair well with dainty chains.)
Image: @martineali
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Method 7: The Makeshift Collar
Again, if you're looking for something a little louder, multiple chunky necklaces resting directly on top of one another make for a cool, collar effect. Amp up the regal vibes with abstract beads and burnished gold details. And don't be afraid to complete your Nefertiti-esque neck party with some bold earrings that tie the entire look together.
Image: @lfjewels
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Method 8: Surfer, but Make It Fashion
Most of us have not worn a puka shell necklace since the age of 10, but this one feels grown-up and non-cheesy. Partly because one of its shells is gilded and partly because it's offset by similarly boho but far more adult medallion necklaces.
Image: @tohumdesign
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Method 9: Gold and Gems
There's no limit to how many necklaces you can stack, especially when they're variations of the same style.
Image: @mariehelenedetaillac
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Method 10: Get It Twisted
Finally, if your chains do end up tangled together, it's not the end of the world. Here's how you make it look (sort of) deliberate.
Image: @double3xposure
