How to layer necklaces: A style guide
At Toolally we believe jewellery should be a considered choice you make every day.
Layering necklaces can truly elevate your outfit and express your personal style. Whether you're aiming for a subtle touch or a bold statement, experimenting with layers, textures and styles offers endless possibilities. Here are our top tips to help you master the art of jewellery layering.
Vary necklace lengths
The secret to visually appealing necklace layering is mixing lengths to let each piece stand out. Wearing necklaces that fall at different points creates dimension, keeps them from tangling, and highlights each individual style.
- Choker: Sits above the collarbone and adds a bold touch to any layered look.
- Mid-Length: Falls between the collarbone and bust, bridging the gap between short and long pieces.
- Longline: Extends below the bust, adding a sleek and elongating effect.
By mixing these lengths, you’ll have a layered necklace look that’s harmonious and versatile with any neckline.
Choose the right number of necklaces
The number of necklaces you layer depends on your style preference and how bold you want to go. If you're new to layering, start with three necklaces of different lengths. This creates a well-balanced look and allows room to experiment without overwhelming your outfit.
For a minimalist style, stick to two pieces for a streamlined effect. Feeling daring? Layer up to five necklaces for a chic, statement look.
Mix up your textures and materials
Combining different textures - like a chunky chain with a delicate pendant or a pearl necklace with a sleek, metallic piece - adds contrast and depth to your layers.
Don’t shy away from mixing metals either; blending gold and silver has become a modern classic and adds an effortless, eclectic touch to your style. To learn more about this, take a look at our blog Can You Wear Gold & Silver Jewellery Together? A How-To
Choose an accent
Your necklace stack doesn’t want to fight for attention. Choose one piece that will be the focal point that you can build your layers around. A statement necklace can be the star of the show with the other layers complementing it. Your accent piece will depend a little on the occasion you’re dressing for, or your own style, but is the piece that holds the entire look together while other more understated pieces complement and enhance it.
Consider your outfit and occasion
Let your outfit and mood guide your layering decisions. For a formal event, keep it elegant and minimal. If you’re wearing a simple top or dress, feel free to layer on a few more pieces to create a stylish contrast.
As Coco Chanel famously advised, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” This can help you achieve a balanced, put-together look.
The Toolally team pick
We love this Beat and Bolt layering over a simple tee:
You can create your own layered look with some Toolally inspiration here.
Layering jewellery is an art that allows for creativity and personal expression. Use these tips as a starting point, but remember: there’s no "right" or "wrong" way to layer. Trust your instincts, experiment with your collection, and enjoy the process!