How to Achieve the Perfect Layered Necklace Look

Layered necklaces are not a new fashion trend. Egyptian pharaohs and Roman emperors once stacked necklaces to indicate their status and showcase their civilization’s great wealth. During the Renaissance, the style continued with the aristocracy using the same technique with their silver and gold chains. In the glittering disco era, layering different necklace lengths, textures, metal types, and designs became popular again — and this fashion has stuck around since.

So, the next time you find yourself accessorizing, give it a try! You might enjoy experimenting with stacked necklaces, mixing and matching different elements to achieve your own personal style.

Why Should You Layer Your Necklaces?

Layered necklaces, or stacked necklaces, offer a few fashion and lifestyle advantages. You’ll find that practicing this technique allows for: 

More personalized looks: Layered necklaces reflect your style better than just wearing a single chain. When you use different lengths, materials, and styles for stacked necklaces, you can show off your creativity and personality.  

Lots of versatility: Stacked necklaces work whether the occasion is casual or formal. For example, combining several delicate chains can make a plain tee and a pair of jeans more sophisticated. At the same time, a bolder collection of statement necklaces makes a formal ensemble even more glam.  

Added visual Interest: Layered necklaces will provide depth and dimension to your attire. That’s because the interplay of the different elements — the varying lengths, textures, and materials — becomes more visually attractive and eye-catching.  

Increased use: We all are guilty of purchasing jewelry and then letting it sit, unworn, in the jewelry box. Stacked necklaces force you to look at your collection and select pieces to wear together. When you blend looks, you’ll get to wear and care for more of your favorite handcrafted necklaces!

5 Tips for Layering Necklaces 

The fun part of layered necklaces is that you can experiment to your heart’s content — there are few rules. Find what you like, express yourself, and then repeat the exercise, whether you rock the same stack as your signature look or change it up each time. Here are some considerations:

Tip #1. Consider Your Neckline

For example, longer necklaces generally fit better with a scoop or V-neck, while a high neckline accommodates shorter styles like a choker. Here are the standard lengths and where they will sit on your body when arranging stacked necklaces: 

Typical Necklace Sizes to Consider 

Choker: 14 to 16 inches – this size typically hits the neck’s base. Our Gold Box Chain comes in at 16 inches, a shade longer than many chokers.

Princess: 16 to 18 inches – this size goes down to the collarbone.

Matinee: 18 to 20 inches – this length stops at the bust line. An example is our Sterling Silver Bead Chain, available in 18 and 20 inches.

Opera: 20 to 24 inches – this can reach slightly below the bust line.

Rope: 24 to 42 inches – you can wear this long or double it up.

Lariat: 30 to 40 inches – a long necklace that you can also wrap around your neck for a layered look using only one necklace, like our 30-inch Dusky Sunset Beaded Necklace. 

Tip #2. Vary Your Necklace Lengths

Doing so often creates a more balanced look when creating stacked necklace designs. Try different combinations of short, medium, and long necklaces to discover your preferences. Often, chains of the same weight tangle with each other. To avoid this, pair dainty chains with chunky chains or get a layering clasp.

Hint: If one necklace needs to stretch a little further, add the needed length with a necklace extender. 

Tip #3. Don’t be Afraid to Mix Your Metals

Lose the idea that different metals should never mix. If you’re thinking, “How can I wear mixed metals?” just remember that silver and gold tones actually work well together, and a touch of surprise creates visual interest in layered necklace looks. You can try inserting a white gold chain between two yellow gold styles or pair a silver choker with longer yellow gold necklaces. You can still use a series of gold-layered necklaces if you want — play with all your options – it’s all about finding what works for you!

Tip #4. Play with Different Colors and Textures  

Go ahead and combine smooth chains with beaded styles or pendants when creating stacked necklace looks. It lends interest and depth to the appearance. 

Don’t forget that a pop of colored gemstone can provide a much-needed focal point. For example, our 18-inch handcrafted Dreamer Necklace with its bursts of blue topaz, peridot, and Labradorite pairs beautifully with our Layering Chain 15-17 inch. Want a different texture? Try the sturdy Sterling Silver Box Chain, available in 16 and 18 inches.

Tip #5. Stacked Necklaces Need Balance and Proportion

You can have too much variety sometimes — so try to avoid an overload of sensations. Your stacked necklaces should complement one another in some way. If you use different metals, for instance, ensure the chains feature some similarity to connect them, such as the same size or chain style.

Our Favorite Types of Stacked Necklace Looks for You to Try 

Not sure how to begin your journey into the world of layered necklaces? We’ll show you a few styles you can test out. Give these a try when you’re putting together your layered look:

Be classic: Layer several necklaces of different lengths so the shorter chains stack on top of the longer ones beneath it. This technique also sometimes matches metal, like using all gold-layered necklaces.

Make a statement: Just because you are layering several necklaces doesn’t mean that one of the pieces can’t act as the star. Find a strong necklace for the focal point, and then focus on statement jewelry etiquette and pair it with simpler ones that complement but don’t overshine all that drama. Our handcrafted Oval XOX Pendant looks good on any chain — whether you wear it on a choker, rope, or lariat — which allows for lots of versatility when you layer it with other pieces from your collection.

Create a charming combination: If you want to go for a playful vibe, try layering multiple charm necklaces together. This can create something personalized, especially if you use charms representing different aspects of your life, showing off your hobbies, memories, or travels.

The mish-mash: The point of stacked necklaces is to blend many styles. So go for it and try chunky chokers with delicate chains. Maybe add in a few colorful pendants or pieces made from alternative materials for good measure. An eclectic look is appealing and eye-catching. 

Layered necklaces make accessorizing fun. You’ll find opportunities for self-expression, creativity, and customization. The thing about stacking necklaces is that it lets you elevate your outfit with a one-of-a-kind look. So, experiment with all these different techniques to create a layered necklace combination that is uniquely your own.