Knowing how to layer necklaces is an art form and the sign of a true fashion pro. Accessories have the potential to elevate even the most basic outfit, and layering necklaces is an easy, quick trick to take something from simple to sophisticated.
The key to wearing multiple necklaces at once? Find balance among them, whether that’s by mixing metals, chain weights, or different textures to achieve the perfect combination. Depending on the look, you might opt to mix a pendant style with shorter chains, or your favorite nameplate with a couple of beaded strands. The possibilities are endless, and with a few simple pointers, they’re a great way to add more visual interest to an outfit. Plus, layering different pieces is a great way to make use of the full extent of your jewelry collection (speaking from experience).
If you’re looking to elevate your necklace stack, look no further—no matter if you prefer a tennis necklace, a curb chain, or a lariat style, there’s a combination out there for any outfit and occasion. Read on for the ultimate guide for how to stack necklaces, complete with eight tips and tricks to achieve the layered look for yourself.
Our Favorite Necklaces For Styling
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Dramatic Drop
If you want to know how to layer necklaces like a fashion pro, this look is a masterclass in stacking ultra-chunky gold chains. The key here is picking two pieces that have dramatic differences in necklace length so they don’t overpower each other. Individually, each of these necklaces is enough to accessorize with; together, their different styles offer a more interesting approach to layering jewelry. Go for pieces in the same metal family (all white gold or all sterling silver, for example) to visually tie them together despite the spatial separation.
Experiment With Texture
Next time you throw on a button-down shirt, try unbuttoning the top few buttons to create more of a V-neck silhouette and style it with your favorite long, chunky pendant necklace. Here, the vibrant blue gemstone brings out the other colors of the outfit and paired with some shorter necklaces, they fill the space together without feeling too crowded. Go for a dainty nameplate-style necklace and a strand of beads to create some visual contrast and texture with your accessories.
Matching Metals
Here’s an easy trick for how to stack necklaces: When in doubt, same-color metals are easy to pair together. The trick that makes these two work well together is that they share a similar chain thickness and yellow-gold tone, so they almost look like they’re part of the same design. To avoid tangling, fasten one so that it’s slightly shorter than the other to let them hang at different lengths, which in turn allows each necklace to have its own space to stand out.
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Mix Chunky & Dainty
While a chunky choker doesn’t necessarily need to be layered to make a statement, heed the call of more metal by styling it with some longer, dainty necklaces. When your thickest necklace is the shortest one (and the most visually complex), it’s crucial not to overpower it with too many other textures. In this case, some minimalist, delicate chains with small centerpieces help fill the space created by the neckline without detracting from the main event.
Short to Long
With a high-neck top, some layered pendant necklaces are the perfect way to add a metallic touch. The reason this necklace layering works so well is that it creates a cascading effect, with so much space between the longest, midlength, and shortest chains. When trying out this tip for yourself, keep the focus on the shape of the pieces together, so you can combine different metals, but opt for jewelry that has similar chain thicknesses at varying lengths.
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Mix and Match
This outfit is an excellent example of how necklaces can really elevate the vibe of an ensemble. While a tweed suit and ruffle blouse can feel a little stuffy and traditional, these eye-catching, glittering gold necklaces add a welcome touch of shine to give this look a fresh feel. Here, mixing different chain thicknesses lends itself well to creating some messy texture to make the outfit feel more relaxed and organic.
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Play With Pearls
It can be tricky to figure out how to layer beads, metals, and pearl necklaces together, but this combo captures it all—the long, pearl statement necklace acts as the focal point of the look, while layers of short, beaded necklaces anchor the accessories at the collarbone. The amber hue of the beaded chokers acts as a neutral color against the lapis-blue top, emulating a similar warmth to the yellow-gold pendant to tie the accessories together.
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Pendants on Pendants
Who says you can’t wear two pendant necklaces together? These two rope-chain necklaces evoke an earthy feel compared to classic metal chains, and the matching cords create visual harmony between the two designs. Allow a few inches of space between the two statement pieces to ensure they each have enough space to shine.
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