The Art of Necklace Layering

It’s all over Instagram and in real life. It's impossible to escape the on-trend art of layered necklaces. Want to nail it? We're here to help.

Here's our guide on how to perfect the layered look, plus lots of inspiring pictures to get you going. Have fun with it, there's no wrong or right approach (and a little chain detangling never hurt anyone).

 

Necklace Lengths

First things first; neckline. It's always handy to know where a necklace is going to sit when you’re purchasing one online (which almost all of us do these days). Is it an almost-choker, or plunging necklace piece? We created an illustrated guide here to show you where the necklace falls. No more guessing when it comes to chain lengths. If in doubt, get your ruler out.

One thing to note is that necklaces usually come with extension links so that the chain lengths can be extended. All of ours do - which gives you lots of flexibility!

 

 

1. From top down

A fool-proof way of totally nailing this is to layer by length. It's probably the most important part. Start with your simple, minimal chains at the top and work your way down to the chunkier, statement pieces at the bottom.

We usually like starting the shortest layer with a plain chain or one with minimalist drop gemstones, especially if we are layering on more than two necklaces.

For the next layer, move on to a slightly bigger silhouette as it creates a more visually appealing graduation. We like using charm or initial necklaces for the second and third layers. Then top it off with the biggest piece at the bottom. Wearing a turtleneck or chunky jumper? Display your necklaces and wear them over the top - go big or go home, that's our motto.

   

 

1st image: Rope Gold Chain, A Initial Necklace, Journey Charm Necklace
2nd image: Box Gold Chain, Blue Topaz Necklace, Gold Coin Necklace

 

2. Mix it up

Three's the magic number. There are lots of really fun chains, and mixing them up does give that décolletage of yours extra street cred. Ball chains, snake chains, rope chains, links chains. Variety is the very spice of life here. Layer it up.

Combining different aesthetics, textures and weights also keeps it interesting. Put the dainty with the chunky, the minimalist with the vintage. A current trend we LOVE is medallion necklaces. They usually come with striking detail and are versatile enough to go with a white tee or a Little Black Dress. And they are all over the fashion streets now - it looks like they are here to stay for a while!

 

  

1st image: Rope Chain, S Initial Necklace, O Initial Charm, Lumina Charm Necklace
2nd image: Gold Link Chain, D Initial necklace, A Initial Charm, Infinity Charm Necklace

 

3. Lariat = Length

Want to add a twist to that layering story? Add a lariat necklace for instant length and pair it with just one shorter necklace. This combo works great with plunging necklines and button down tops. When creating a layered look, you want to create that graduated V shape, and a lariat does that effortlessly. Plus we love how this extra length is super flattering!

With a two-necklace layer, we like adding a touch of colour to the set. Here on the right the lariat necklace is set with a moonstone accent, which gives just the right amount of wow factor, yet is good for everyday wear.

 

 

1st image: Z Initial Necklace, Luna Lariat Necklace
2nd image: Rope Gold Chain, Infinity Charm Necklace

 

4. Personalise It

Putting together your super stylish necklace layer is also about making it uniquely you. And here is where you add your personalised initial necklaces for maximum impact (hint: our bestselling Love Letters initials).

A letter necklace is really versatile, and works as a first, middle or finishing layer. We are also fans of including engravable pendants with messages that really mean something to you. Wear a pendant close to your heart, with a special date, name or motto hidden on the back, just for you to see.

 

  

 1st image: Rope Gold Chain, Garnet Necklace, S Initial Necklace, White Topaz Charm
2nd image: Edie Gold Bar Necklace, R Initial Necklace

 

5. Have fun with it

At the end of the day, this is all about being YOU. Curating your necklace layer is about telling your story, and expressing your individual style. Don't overthink it. Mix metals, mix lengths, mix chunkiness.

There are no hard and fast rules. And what goes really well with necklace layers? We love pairing them with bold hoop earrings, another on-trend jewellery piece seen on the fashion pack. Tie-front blouses, V neck tops, button down shirts complement your neck party well too. 

And yes, of course you can mix metals. There's actually something quite intriguing that mixing metals gives to an outfit. Silver and gold is usually the easier option; whether it's the chains themselves of a gold chain with a silver pendant - the choice is yours.

  

 

1st image: Rope Gold Chain, S Initial Necklace, Kismet Necklace
2nd image: Box Gold Chain, Garnet Necklace, L Initial Charm, Infinity Charm Necklace

 Happy layering!

Now that we've shared our top tips and favourite picks, go pile the layers on with confidence, the more the merrier (okay, well, 3 actually tends to be the magic number). 

We'd love to see what you have put together, so tag us on Instagram: #edgeofember and #EOEGirls.  

 

1st image: O Initial Necklace, Lumina Charm Necklace
2nd image: K Silver Initial Necklace, A Initial Silver Charm, Moon Disc Silver Necklace

 

 

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