How To Stack Necklaces

Have you ever thought about layering your necklaces when you’ve looked inside your jewelry box and got ready for a night out? Laying chains has become a popular trend over the past few years – after all, it’s fun to experiment with different styles and pieces rather than just one. So, if you’re here to find out how to make the perfect necklace stack, you’re in the right place! Read on to learn how to perfect the layered look.

What is necklace layering?

Firstly, before we delve into the good stuff, it is worth establishing what necklace layering actually is. Necklace layering refers to the way necklines can be decorated with various neckpieces. Individuals can wear these chains in numerous rows of varied or different lengths – plus, there aren’t any boundaries on what sizes, shapes, textures, colors, and materials you can choose. Layering necklaces can instantly give any outfit a put-together look.

Our top tips for a layered necklace look

Look below for our top tips on how to best layer your necklaces!

Think about the placement of different necklace types

If you’re going to choose three necklaces to layer, the attention should go to the top and bottom jewelry pieces rather than the middle one. So, if you have a fancier type of necklace, such as a pendant, you may want to position this as the bottom layer. Furthermore, if you possess a favorite piece you’d like to display the most, it’s worth working all the other necklaces around this centerpiece treasure. Surrounding your favorite chain with other jewelry pieces can really help to complement its aesthetics.

Additionally, you shouldn’t shy away from combining thick and thin necklace chains. Combining different textures will make your fashionable work of art appear more intriguing – and this will also help prevent the chains from tangling. When stacking necklaces, make sure you vary the chain type for a dynamic look.

Consider the lengths of your necklaces

You should explore a few different necklace lengths to discover your preferred type. Once you’ve found your desired necklace length, think about how you can start building your look based on this knowledge. It’s commonly recommended to keep your necklaces 2 inches apart for a subtle and sophisticated look. However, if you want to create a dramatic and memorable appearance, you may dare to wear a very long second necklace, like a lariat necklace, to mix things up. If you realize that your necklaces are all the same or similar lengths, don’t forget that you can lengthen the chains with a necklace extender. 

Less is usually more

As with many design examples, less is usually more. You may feel tempted to adorn yourself with countless eye-catching necklaces to draw some attention, but it is recommended to wear three necklaces at the most. You risk overdoing your stylish look if you go for more than three. Only one of the three necklaces should be a statement necklace. Pairing a bold necklace with dainty necklaces will make you look effortlessly chic. After three necklaces, if you’re still craving more, start adding in charms to a chain to form a modern charm necklace.

The budget when buying multiple necklaces

Buying multiple necklaces can be expensive. For pieces that are timeless staples, you should always invest in fine jewelry that will last. However, for pieces that are more of a trend, opt for gold-plated pieces with the expectation that they won’t last long. Large gold chains can often be a good idea to purchase in gold plated because they are extremely expensive at the current price of gold. 

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a good jewelry collection. Take the time to slowly add pieces you love rather than racing for the necklace stack. And, of course, always think of repurposing. If you have a half pair of hoops, a family engagement ring, or a necklace you don’t wear anymore, use the gold and gemstones to make it into something you love

Shapes matter

Different necklaces have different shapes when it comes to pendant necklaces. So, consider how well different pendant shapes work when pairing them. One suggestion is to pair your pendant with a chain necklace if you have one. You can create a bold look by keeping the charm near the top, while having it hanging down can compliment outfits that expose your cleavage.

Don’t underestimate color

While necklaces often stick to metallic colors, the overall aesthetic should not be underestimated. For example, wearing a colorful pendant could potentially complete an otherwise neutral look. While it’s important not to overdo colors, subtle tones can highlight your features when they are close enough to the face – especially when these colors are on your top necklace. Have fun using jewelry to add a pop of color to your look. Also, with a multiple necklace stack, don’t be afraid of mixing metals - yellow gold, rose gold, and white gold all look amazing together!

How to avoid tangles

Everyone knows that necklaces get tangled in jewelry boxes and while around your neck – so how can you avoid this pesky irritation? You can adopt a few tips to take care of this problem. Take a look at some of the approaches you could use below.

Layer according to tightness

If you layer according to how tight the necklaces are, you should be able to avoid common tangles. So, it would be best if you tried putting the tightest chain at the top of the arrangement and the loosest chain at the bottom. If the chains you want to layer are similar in terms of their tightness and length, you could use a chain extension for your second and third necklaces. Extensions come in handy to keep similar-styled chains apart and can distinguish each one as a separate and unique piece. Bring the chains to a jeweler to shorten or make longer for a more permanent solution.

Layer according to thinness

Chain thinness versus thickness is also very significant when it comes to arranging your necklaces. The thinnest chain should be worn first, stopping it from getting tangled up with the thicker necklaces in the arrangement. After all, the bigger space you create between your necklaces, the likelier it will be that you can avoid chain mix-ups. It might be worth using chains or varied lengths to stop them from touching each other.

Layering different chains

Not only does layering different chains create a more textured look, but it also can help with tangling. Cable chain necklaces are the most popular chain, but they also tangle the easiest. Don’t add more than two cable chains to any stack. Also, make sure they are different lengths and stored separately when not on.

Utilize a necklace detangler

Purchasing a necklace detangler can keep those pesky knots and tangles at bay. By linking your necklaces’ chains to the detangler’s clasps, you can set them firmly in place and keep each necklace separate from the other. The fantastic thing about detanglers is that they come in different styles in multiple locations, both online and in stores, enabling you to express your preferred fashion style easily.

The benefits of layering necklaces

Now that you know what necklace layering is and how to layer your jewelry pieces most effectively, it might be worth going over a few advantages of this process. People layer their necklaces for a reason – so why has this become such a popular trend, and why should you get involved with it? Read below to find out!

Layering necklaces can complete your outfit

The process of necklace layering has the potential to complete your overall outfit. This is one of the most apparent benefits of necklace layering since jewelry often works to make you and your outfit shine. Whatever metals, lengths, styles, and colors of necklaces you choose, you can bring out the best in your outfit. This is especially the case when your chest is relatively bare. For example, if you are wearing a strapless or v-neck top, layers of necklaces can fill the space and help complement the outfit. By completing your outfit this way, you can create a few conversation starters, gain a couple of compliments, and demonstrate that you’ve put thought into your fashion sense. All in all, sometimes, clothing works better when paired with cleverly presented jewelry.

Layering necklaces can express your personal sense of style

As well as completing your outfit, layering necklaces can help you express your individuality for real. You should wear your clothes and jewelry simply because you love how you look and feel. So, by embracing necklace layering styles that you have a particular taste for, you can embrace the positivity and happiness you need to feel confident in your skin. Necklace layering adds something more to your style than singular jewelry pieces, meaning this style could be just what you have been searching for to stand out. However, you don’t have to be the center of everyone’s attention if you don’t want to be. Subtle chains of varying lengths can satisfy your style while still being sophisticated.

Layering necklaces can help you look like your favorite celebrities

It’s no secret that necklace layering has emerged as a contemporary trend. Therefore, you might have seen your favorite celebrities adopting this particular style. For starters, supermodel Gigi Hadid is particularly renowned for layering her necklaces on each other. You’ll be able to see the necklace pairings on her Instagram account, which she often couples with mismatched earrings too. Furthermore, Coachella 2019 saw Hadid pair a thin choker, seashell necklace, and bright-colored beads together to complete her bold look. Rihanna also took on this modern trend in Instagram posting. She has been known to layer together a cross necklace and simple choker and, in a second example, some gold necklaces adorned with emerald pendants. Our final celebrity sporting this trend is Priyanka Chopra. Chopra layered three Tiffany & Co necklaces to complement a low-neck dress. Each of the diamond necklaces sported different styles, creating a unique and eye-catching look.

So, what have we learned?

All in all, necklace layering isn’t something that you should shy away from. If you’ve considered layering up your jewelry pieces before, our only recommendation is to go for it!

By following the above tips, you can arrange different necklaces of different styles and lengths to complete your overall look effectively. Remember that the most crucial thing is to feel good in what you wear. Necklace layering can offer a unique sense of confidence that you may not have come across before. And you never know – by thinking more carefully about your jewelry choices, you may receive a few compliments along the way!