You love wearing necklaces and have lots of ‘favourite’ ones. But how do you choose which one to wear when they’re all so gorgeous? You enviously watch that fashion queen as she strolls down the King’s Road, a master of necklace layering and not a tangle in sight. How does she do it? What is the secret behind how to wear multiple necklaces, and, more importantly, how to do it without ending up with a tangled mess?
The art of necklace layering is one that any lover of accessorising has to learn if they want to add that distinctive finishing touch to any outfit. Along with wearing just the right amount of bracelets or picking the perfect Boho earrings, knowing how to layer necklaces without tangling is the key to polishing your look.
Layering necklaces doesn’t really go through ‘trend cycles’, and it is down to personal choice. Some people prefer to go minimalist, while others are almost ‘Mr. T’ standards when it comes to layering. This blog will explain how to find that happy balance, offering expert tips on layering necklaces, from selecting an ‘anchor’ necklace to incorporating pearls, and, of course, avoiding the dreaded tangle.
In this necklace layering guide, we’ll answer some of your FAQs, and even give you tips on insuring your necklaces just in case the clasp fails and it’s lost forever. Let’s get layering!
What is necklace layering?
Necklace layering is exactly as it sounds – wearing multiple necklaces to create a striking and bold look. This stylish technique combines textures, lengths, and designs to create a multi-dimensional effect. Whether it’s boho chic or sleek minimalist, layering necklaces can have a striking impact on your look and even be used to create a visual story through your choice of designs.
It can be frivolous or dripping with personal meaning, but achieving the right look is far more than just ‘chucking a few necklaces on’ and seeing what happens (Hint: They’ll probably end up a tangled mess!). There’s an art to wearing multiple necklaces, and if you follow a few simple steps, you can achieve a signature look that looks amazing.
Step 1 – Anchor your design
The first thing you need is an ‘anchor’ necklace. This is your feature necklace around which your layering is built. Often heavier than your satellite necklaces, the anchor or focal necklace sets the tone for the whole look. Anchor necklaces are usually shorter in length, or may even be a choker style that sits above the rest of your layers.
Step 2 – Introduce textures
Layering necklaces that are all very similar to one another will not achieve the desired effect and may even appear a little strange. To avoid this, add contrast by incorporating different textures and styles. This could be a matter of different weights or sizes of links in your chains, adding layers that include beads or more intricate elements, or introducing a natural aspect, such as seed pearls, into the design.
Step 3 – Add a charm as a focal point
Layering necklaces is like creating a work of art, and every great painting has a focal point. Your jewellery focal point can be a charm that reflects your personality, a treasured family piece, or simply a charm that you love wearing. Along with your anchor necklace, your focal point is a necklace or charm that you’d also be happy to wear on its own.
Step 4 – Think about your body
In the same way that a particular hairstyle will suit certain faces or a specific colour suits your skin tone, necklace styles work differently if you have a long or shorter neck. Chokers look striking on someone with a long, slim neck, while a slightly longer anchor necklace that sits just above the collar bones may be more suited to someone with a shorter neck. Your skin tone can dictate whether gold, silver, or even rose gold looks best. The trick is to experiment and see what you feel comfortable wearing, and what looks right against your skin.
Step 5 – Watch out for buttons
When layering necklaces, consider the top you’ll be wearing. You don’t want part of your layered look to be hidden by a blouse, while buttons can be anathema for longer necklaces and catch easily, ruining the look and possibly even breaking a chain.
Step 6 – Ignore all of that!
Rules are made to be broken, and if you prefer a freer, more spontaneous look, then all bets are off. You can create your own signature look by simply plunging your hand into a pile of necklaces and creating a layered style with what comes out. Play around with placement – if everything is perfectly aligned and it looks dull and boring, try introducing a little dash of asymmetrical layering to add creativity and flair.
What types of necklaces can be used for layering?
When it comes to the type of necklaces you can use for layering, there are no hard and fast rules. Any necklace can feature in a layered look, from a choker to a long chain, with lengths of different-coloured beads and so on. Introducing different types of necklaces into your layers adds interest. Pearls are right on trend now, so your focal point could be a pearl choker or a string of pearls as your anchor necklace.
However, our top tip is to get a cohesive look; there should be something that links them all together. For example, an ombré effect using graduated coloured beads, ranging from deep marine blue to pale sky blue or dark purple to light pink, works well because the colour theme is cohesive. Likewise, choosing metals that complement one another, or a particular style such as Art Deco or Modernist, gives each section of your look a link to the layers above and below.
Getting the lengths right
Part of the art of learning how to wear multiple necklaces is to get the lengths right. There has to be a difference between the length of each necklace to avoid the dreaded tangles (more on that in a minute), as well as preventing necklaces from clashing with one another. Allow at least an inch of space between each layer. This will allow each necklace to sit comfortably, while also letting its individual beauty shine.
Help! I’m in all kinds of trouble here!
Wearing a single necklace on its own poses no risk of tangling. Add just one more, and all of a sudden, you’ve got a knot that would tether the Titanic, and you’re trapped forever in a chain tangle of epic proportions. If you’re going to learn the art of layering necklaces, you need to know how to layer necklaces without tangling.
The tangles happen when necklaces within a layered look are too similar in length. When that happens, the links in each chain, especially if they’re of similar sizes, twist together. If you have charms on your necklaces, they can also act as pivot points, around which other necklaces tend to loop themselves. The clasps can also act as tangle points, particularly if they’re all sitting slightly asymmetrically from one another.
To avoid terrible tangles, select layers of different lengths and chains of varying dimensions and weights. Keep your adornments and charms to a minimum to prevent other necklaces from twisting around them. And keep the number of necklaces to around three or four maximum. This will cut down the chances of ending up with a horrible tangle around your neck and a ruined look on that special night out.
Our top tip: Invest in a ‘layering clasp’. These are clever little links that allow you to attach multiple necklaces to a single clasp, with individual links set along two bars. This way, you only have one clasp to undo when you want to take your necklaces off, and it holds them in position, so they stay wonderfully untangled. It also means that you’re not sat there taking each necklace off individually at the end of the day – undo a single clasp and your entire ensemble comes off. If you love the layered look, layer clasps are a godsend.
Is the Mr. T look fashionable?
If you grew up in the 1980s, you’ll be familiar with Mr. T. He was a TV icon who wore the entire contents of at least two jewellery shops around his neck, and to be honest, it looked a little odd even then! Today, it’s still not really a good look, and while you might occasionally see a catwalk model wearing almost ludicrous numbers of necklaces for a fashion show, in reality, wearing more than five necklaces as part of a layered look (and then only if they’re quite fine-linked chains) is not that fashionable.
Of course, as Mr. T proved, jewellery is subjective, and it is entirely up to you how you wear your adornments. But for a chic look, keep it to three or four at most.
Matching necklace designs
Layering necklaces is all about finding a look where each layer complements the others. This can be achieved by juxtaposing short and long, chunky and delicate, or by mixing metals. For example, a choker and a long necklace with a dramatic pendant could add a dynamic interest to a trendy Gothic look. Or add delicate blue gemstones with shimmering pearls and white gold chains to create an Ocean theme.
The golden rules of necklace layering – and some FAQs
Learning how to wear multiple necklaces like a fashion pro isn’t hard. In fact, if we’re totally honest, there are no real rules on the dos and don’ts, as with all jewellery, the final decision is yours. Flamboyant or sleek chic, boho with a touch of ‘60s influence or classic Art Deco, different styles will dictate how you layer your necklaces. However, there are a couple of things to think about:
1. Comfort
Think about the weight of your layers. Are they too heavy or, conversely, too light? If you’re going for a daytime look, a lighter set-up may be more comfortable for wearing from morning to evening. If you’re doing a red-carpet gala, heavier chains may be more dramatic and suit a bold ball gown and glittering clutch purse look. Make sure that links are flush and jump rings are correctly closed (and preferably soldered or welded so that there’s no risk of breakage), and that the necklaces feel comfortable against your skin with no rubbing or chafing.
2. How big is that focal piece?
If you’re necklace layering incorporates fine chains, an overly large pendant could throw the whole look off. Keep it balanced and in proportion with the rest of the look, and check that it complements the other necklaces rather than trying to overwhelm the whole look.
3. Does the final look work?
Before you put on your layered necklace (and we presume that by now, you’ve cleverly invested in a layer clasp to make things easier!), why not take a step back and look at it from the outside? The easiest way to do this is to invest in a head-and-shoulders mannequin. Pop your layered necklace on the mannequin and then see how each necklace sits, if there is enough space between each one, and if they drape well against the skin.
4. What top should I wear?
You can create a stunning layered necklace look, but then spoil it by choosing the wrong top. Consider the way you’ll be wearing your layers (during the day at work, a casual weekend look, or a sophisticated evening ensemble). If you’re using the mannequin trick to see how the finished layers look, try adding a scarf in the colour of the top you’ll be wearing too. This will show you straight away if a combination works or not. For example, if your layered necklace design incorporates rose gold and your top is yellow, the colour may overwhelm the beauty of the jewellery. Perhaps a soft teal would be a better match?
Can you mix gold and silver?
Absolutely, in fact, you can do whatever you want to make your look your own. Necklaces in the same metal work exceptionally well together, but mixing things up adds dynamism and interest to a look.
The finishing touches – What about the rest of my jewellery?
Once you’ve mastered how to layer necklaces without tangling and achieved that gorgeous look, don’t forget your other jewellery, especially earrings, as these are the closest in physical proximity to your necklaces. Ensure your other jewellery harmonises with your layered look, rather than trying to compete with it. Stacker rings, bangles, or bracelets can also continue the theme.
Insure your necklaces with TH March
Every piece of jewellery, regardless of its age or monetary value, holds precious memories. While those can never be replaced if a piece is lost, damaged or stolen, its financial worth can be protected with jewellery insurance from TH March. Specialising in providing expert cover since 1887, we understand that your jewellery is incredibly special and valuable to you.
We can’t replace a family heirloom, but we can ensure that the financial cost is covered with low-price premiums and bespoke cover for individual items. Find out more by visiting our jewellery insurance page, or get a free, no-obligation and instant quote by using our ‘Get A Quote’ button today.