The Ultimate Guide To Layering Jewelry
Do you ever have trouble deciding which necklace or bracelet to wear? Picking out the perfect jewelry pieces for your outfit can be tough. However, you don’t need to limit yourself to a single item of jewelry.
In addition to pairing bracelets with necklaces and other jewelry items, you also have the option to layer your jewelry. However, layering jewelry is a bit more complicated than it sounds. If you don’t layer correctly, your outfit will look mismatched and chaotic.
Read this guide to learn how to layer necklaces, bracelets, and more.
Related: What is High Jewelry?
Tips for Layering Necklaces
Layering necklaces will help give your outfit a chic, effortless look. However, don’t just throw on whatever necklaces lying on your jewelry stand. Instead, follow these tips for layering necklaces:
Vary the Lengths of Necklaces
Choosing necklaces of varying lengths is perhaps the most important guideline to follow. Varying lengths will help achieve a cascade of layers, so it doesn’t look like you just stacked your necklaces on at random. Choosing varying lengths will also help highlight the unique features of each necklace.
Plus, necklaces of varying lengths will make your neck look longer. And varying lengths help prevent the necklaces from tangling.
The Rule of Three
If you’re new to layering necklaces, we recommend sticking with the rule of three. That is, you should layer three necklaces at a time to create symmetry, variety, and cohesiveness. When layering in sets of three, we recommend sandwiching your statement piece in the middle, so it has the chance to shine.
Choose a Statement Necklace
Speaking of statement necklaces, we always recommend incorporating one into your layered look. One statement necklace will ensure that all of the other pieces of jewelry aren’t fighting for attention.
If you have a low neckline, we recommend opting for a statement necklace with a pendant. If you have a high necklace, a choker with a statement piece will do the trick.
Mixing Metals and Textures
Variety is key to layering necklaces. Mixing metals and textures is a great way to add a unique edge to your look. We recommend opting for simple, dainty necklaces when mixing metals to ensure things don’t look too chaotic.
Use The Neckline of Your Top as a Frame
Your layered necklaces and the neckline of your top should complement, not compete against, each other. Also, consider how the color and pattern of your top work with the style of jewelry you’re stacking.
Rules, What Rules?
Think of the rules more like guidelines. The necklaces you choose and how you layer them are entirely up to you. There’s no wrong way to do it, so feel free to try something that excites and appeals to you.
Mix Things Up with a Bar Necklace
Bar necklaces are stylish classics and a great way to put a natural, fabulous dividing point between your shortest and longest necklaces. The versatility of the bar necklace can make it the centerpiece of or the bridge between your layered necklaces.
Lariats Go Last
Because of how it drapes, a lariat necklace should always be your most extended layer. It’s a stylish way to add a stunning element to your necklace layers that looks natural and not forced.
Minimalism Also Works
You don’t have to go crazy when layering your necklaces. Slender chains of the same or different metals and subtle pendants can give your necklace layers a look of simple elegance.
5 Ways to Keep Your Necklaces from Getting Tangled
One of the biggest problems with layering necklaces is that they tend to get tangled. Here’s how to avoid this issue:
1. Use a Necklace Spacer
Necklaces spacers create a clasp behind your neck where you can attach your necklaces. Typically, these have two or three clasps, so you can layer two or three necklaces at once.
2. Vary the Lengths of Your Necklaces
As we mentioned earlier, choosing necklaces of varying lengths can help prevent entanglement.
3. Link the Necklaces Together
You can link the clasp of one necklace onto the clasp of another necklace. However, for this to work, you’ll need to flip one of your necklaces around, so we only recommend doing this with chains.
4. Wear Necklaces of Different Weights
We recommend pairing daintier necklaces with heavier necklaces to prevent them from tangling.
5. Wear Necklaces of Different Materials
Choosing different materials can also help prevent them from getting tangled. Metal chains are most likely to tangle, so try mixing in some necklaces made of fabric.
Tips for Layering Rings
Layering rings is perfect for when you can’t decide on just one: Here’s how to layer rings:
Different Fingers
Make sure you’re not stacking the rings all on one finger, as this will cause your outfit to look asymmetrical.
Choose a Statement Finger
It’s important to make one finger the focal point. This will give balance to your look.
Mix it Up!
Stacking rings that are the same or similar won’t do anything for your look. Choose rings of different colors, sizes, and materials.
Add Symbols
You can elevate your outfit with a ring that contains a symbol, such as a horoscope symbol.
Go Big
Don’t be afraid to pair some large rings with some really small ones!
Personalise Your Stack
Make sure the way you stack your rings is unique to you and that it fits with your overall look.
Does Stacking Rings Damage Them?
As long as you’re careful, stacking rings shouldn’t cause any damage. Of course, you should still wash and care for your rings as normal.
How to Size Stackable Rings
You’ll want to choose the same ring size that you’d choose for a ring that you’re wearing by itself.
Stack Thin Bands
For a stylish, textured look, stack slim bands together on one finger. Then, to really make things pop, use a band with a stone in the middle layer of your stack.
Don’t Go Overboard
It’s fun to find different combinations of rings to layer on other fingers, but it’s easy for things to go from chic and fun to cluttered. So leave one finger unadorned to make your stacks and layers look more cohesive and balanced.
Consider Midi Rings
Midi rings can be a fun part of creating the perfect ring stack. They look natural on the middle finger and are a great way to showcase your style while balancing out the rest of the layers across your hand.
Don’t Forget the Thumb
It’s easy to forget that you can wear a thumb ring to help balance how you layer and stack your rings. In addition, you can go minimalist or chunky to add some flair to your look.
Click here to learn how to tell if your jewelry is real!
Tips for Layering Bracelets
Layering bracelets is a great way to make a plain-looking outfit stand out. Here’s how to layer bracelets:
Choose a Color Palette
Layering bracelets can get chaotic quickly if you don’t choose a color palette. The bracelets don’t all need to be the same color, but they should be complementary. You can consult the color wheel to find the right color combinations.
Mix Metals
Just as we recommend mixing metals when layering rings and necklaces, so too do we recommend mixing metals when layering bracelets.
Combine Casual and Dressy
Layering casual bracelets with dressy ones will help balance out your look in a fresh way.
Experiment with Shapes
A variety of shapes and sizes will help showcase and separate each bracelet.
How Many are Too Many?
We recommend sticking to three to five bracelets per wrist. Any more, and it’ll start to look disorganized.
Be Charming
Charm bracelets come in a wide array of sizes, shapes, and colors and are a great way to express yourself. Pick dangling charms with themes like birthstones, mantras, or birthstones that highlight what makes you unique.
Make a Statement
Pick one bracelet to be the focal point when layering them. Having one bracelet stand out provides a focal point that can help accent and balance the rest of your bracelet stack.
Layer Bracelets With a Watch
Don’t feel you have to layer bracelets with other bracelets, not a watch. After all, a watch is a kind of bracelet. However, using complementary materials and colors, you can create a layered look that pops.
Consider Comfort
Suppose you’re someone who has a job where your bracelets will constantly clang against things like a keyboard and will be annoying. So, instead, try to layer softer bracelets, like thin metal, leather, or fabric.
Related: How to Size a Bracelet
Final Thoughts on Layering Jewelry
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create a flawless look with your layered jewelry. Now, you just need to find the right jewelry pieces.
Are you looking to buy jewelry that’s already been layered? If so, shop our stacks today!
