Necklace Lengths: How to Choose the Right Length

Choosing a necklace length can sometimes feel like having bangs. You aren't sure if you're rocking it or it's owning you. We've got a few guidelines to help you own your look and pick the right necklace length for your next outfit. By learning these simple tips, you'll be able to style your next look with confidence.

How to Choose The Right Length Necklace

Here are a few simple guidelines on choosing the right necklace length for your outfit of the day:

1. You Need to Know Your Necklace Lengths

When it comes to necklace lengths, there are standard sizes that most designers adhere to:

Collar: 14-inch necklace worn tight around the neck.
Choker: 16-inch necklace worn tight against the base of the throat.
Princess: 18-inch necklace worn on the collarbone.
Matinee: 20-24 inch necklace worn between the bust and collarbone.
Opera: 28-36 inch necklace worn on or just below the bust.
Ropes and Lariats: 36-42 inch necklace worn on or slightly below the center of the bust.

Chokers and Princess length necklaces go with almost anything. You'll want to invest in a statement necklace in either or both of these lengths. But not everyone looks great in a choker, which brings us to our next guideline.

2. Take an Honest Look at Your Neck and Face Shape

Necklaces are defining accents that can really make an outfit work, but on the wrong neck or face, it can also work against you. Here are a few tips about what necklace lengths you should avoid if you fit one of these categories:

Face Shape

Here are some suggestions based on your face shape:

Oval: Well, aren't you a golden child. You can wear any necklace shape without worry.
Round: Longer necklaces with pendants will work better for you if you have a rounder face because it helps create a V silhouette.
Square: If your face is more square, you'll want to wear chokers and princess lengths to round out your silhouette.
Heart-shaped: Embrace your heart-shaped face but also know that long necklaces are going to accentuate your angles. Chokers and shorter necklaces are going to help soften angles.

Are you looking for a choker or princess-length statement necklace that is hot on trend this year? Check out LaCkore's Young Love Necklace with a heart lock pendant.

Neck

When wearing a necklace well, your neck length and width is definitely a factor. People blessed with the coveted long thin "swan" neck look fantastic in collar and choker lengths because it brings attention to your graceful feature. If your neck isn't long and narrow, you're better off choosing a princess length or longer to help elongate your neck.

Another thing to assess is your neck's elasticity. If you're older, your neck may have more wrinkles and creases that you don't want to highlight with a shorter necklace. If this is the case, you may want to choose longer necklaces.

Want a statement opera-length necklace that creates a beautiful V silhouette? Shop LaCkore's The Influencer Necklace.

3. Listen to Your Wardrobe and Personal Style

You'll also want to pick different lengths base on your outfit. If your shirt or top is plainer, you may want to choose a longer necklace with a pendant to add sophistication. If your top has more embellishment or pattern, then you'll want a shorter necklace.

Also, personal style will play a big part in what necklace you choose to wear. You want to find necklaces and lengths that reflect your personality and style. And even though we are giving you all these guidelines, if a necklace screams your style, you should definitely get it.

Choker and Princess length is great for work

4. Dress for the Occasion

Fashion is Psychology points out that we wear jewelry and necklaces to boost our confidence, show our personality, and establish our social status. So what we need to establish next is where will you be wearing your necklace:

Hey Girl, We're Going Out

If you're headed out on the town for cocktails or a party, you'll want to show personality and make a sophisticated statement. Whether you're married or single, you want to draw eyes to yourself by wearing a statement necklace that is princess, opera, or rope length to exude confidence.

Working It

For a daily work necklace or casual necklace, you may want to consider a matinee, princess, or choker length. You'll want to select a necklace that enhances your appearance but isn't distracting from daily tasks or meetings.

Get Active

Some people like to wear necklaces when they work out or play sports. In this situation, you'll want a light necklace that doesn't have a heavy pendant. The ideal lengths would be princess or choker because they won't get in the way of your activity or cut off the circulation to your neck.

Looking for a delicate light necklace that goes with everything? Shop LaCkore's Pretty Little Thing Necklace.

Measure Your Neck Length

Whether you are shopping for a present or want to upgrade your current jewelry collection, you need to know your (or friend’s) neck length. Knowing these lengths is imperative when it comes time to pick the right necklaces. You can also understand what those numbers mean for the various types of necklaces. Here are easy ways to measure the length of your neck:

Make a “Mock” Necklace

If you see a fantastic necklace from an online retailer, you will not be able to hold it in your hand or see how it looks against your body. However, there are ways to get a feel about how it will look. Just cut a piece of string of the same length. Lay the string flat against a hard surface and mark the size. You will cut the string to a specific size. After that, place the string around your neck to observe how the placement falls against your neck and body.

Experiment With Another Chain

If you have a similar length chain in your jewelry box, use that one to see how the new piece will look on you. Also, you can take a longer chain and play with different lengths to get the most flattering appearance. Once again, choose the best size, note it, and shop for your next great necklace.

Compare With Other Pieces

Once again, take a look at your current jewelry box. If you have any similar length pieces, you can see what you like or dislike in those pieces. Maybe you have a matinee necklace but want something longer. Take that matinee necklace to compare with other pieces. You can get a better feel about what you want in a new chain.

Picking the Right Length When Shopping for a Gift

Necklaces make fantastic gifts for friends and family. When it comes time to shop, you want to choose something the recipient will love. Whether you want a birthday present, a Christmas gift, or a bridesmaid proposal surprise, choosing the right necklace length is essential. Take a look at these tips to pick the best necklace length when shopping for someone else.

Measure an Existing Necklace

While many gifts are a surprise, you might want to measure an existing necklace. This step may require help from their spouse, significant other, or family member. You will have to access their jewelry box to see their style and taste. If you can, measure their favorite necklace from their collection. You can shop for a similar necklace length for the gift with that information.

Stick With the Classics

If you want a flattering, versatile, and fail-proof option: think about the princess necklace. This is one of the most popular choices for many women. The princess necklaces usually measure around 17” to 18” and fall on the collarbone for most women.

Shop According To Their Frame

You want to choose a piece that will flatter your recipient’s frame. For petite people, stick to the princess length or a choker necklace. The 16” is one of the best options. A woman with an average build can opt for a chain with an 18” length. Finally, taller and curvier ladies will look good with those 19” to 20” necklaces.

What is the Most Flattering Necklace Length?

Princess necklaces are the most flattering for all face shapes and generally go with any outfit or occasion. It's a great length for statement necklaces, and you can find delicate princess necklaces that are great for casual everyday wear.

What Necklace Length is Trending?

The princess length of 18-inches is the most versatile, making it a popular timeless length. But thick choker and collar lengths are definitely having a moment, and opera and rope length necklaces with pendants are in for this fall.

Whether you choose to follow the trends or stick to a timeless length, picking the right necklace length can polish your look. Your necklace length should always flatter your face and neck, so be mindful to follow those tips.

Once you find lengths that compliment your shape, you should find pieces that will reflect your personality or the occasion. But above all, remember jewelry should enhance your beauty, not overwhelm it.

LaCkore Couture offers artisan, unique, and trending jewelry that speaks to your personality and style. You can find sophisticated statement pieces and timeless signature necklaces that will compliment your outfit of the day.

Are you looking for a new statement necklace? Shop LaCkore's best-selling jewelry.

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