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From Chokers to Lariats: Tips for Layering Necklaces with Style

From Chokers to Lariats: Tips for Layering Necklaces with Style

Looking for tips on layering necklaces? You're in luck! In this post, I'll give you some general guidelines to help you get started on your layering journey.

Last week I intro’d the Adjustable Chains, which are one of the best neckalces for layers, so what better time than now to talk about layering? Yay!

I get asked about layering A LOT so I know this can be a bit of struggle.

You have a vision and it’s not coming together. WTF right?! Zjuzing up should be FUN and if you’re not having fun, what’s the point? Well before you get overwhelmed and give up…I GOT YOU

Now, I LOVE a good neckmess, but before we get ahead of ourselves I’m going to give you a few basic tips and show some simple examples to help get your started on your layering journey 

I’m going to start this off by saying I’m not a big fan of “The Rules” so take these as a few general guidelines and always remember that coloring outside the lines is totally acceptable and encouraged


First things first, let's talk about necklace lengths.
Necklaces come in a multitude of styles and lengths but I’m just going to start with the basics and talk about length shortest to longest:

Image of different lengths of chain

Choker 14”- fit’s tight around mid neck


Collar 16” - Sit’s at the base of the neck (around the…you guessed it…collar bone)


Princess 18” - Sits around the upper chest area. This is the length that pendant’s start to show up.


Matinee 20-24” - Sit’s around mid-chest and is usually a more casual vibe. Think drop pendants or tassles. The Astraea Pendant is a perfect example and it's also on an adjustable chain.

 Woman wearing Necklace in pick outiftOpera 30” - Sit’s below the chest and traditionally worm with more formal attire. This customized Nebula necklace is shown here at 30".

  

 
Rope/Lariat 33” - Sits around the waist (depending on your height). These are necklaces you’re going to double up and loop around your neck, twist into a knot, or pull through to create a lariat type look. The Aura Station Necklace shown here is a good example

Ok, so we know all about the different length’s we’re working with. And you might be going “Cat….I don’t have a 33” necklace…” And that’s fine, you dont NEED every single length to create a gorg laying situation.(Like helloo the adjustable chain to the rescue am I right?). While you don't need every single length to create a gorgeous layering situation, having variety will give you more options. 

 But let’s stay focused!

A lot of people like to start with the lightest, most delicate piece first and follow with heavier pieces as they go.  So I’ll give you a run down of that, but personally I like to start with my heaviest/anchor piece first and then work backward, so just do what feels good.

 

  • Start with your lightest/most delicate piece closest to your neck. Think choker or a 16”. And follow with more substantial pieces as you go. The Nebula Necklace is my go to to turn into a choker, it’s easy to short and clasp between the stations so you can get a lot of looks out of it.

  • We all need a lil space and so do your necklaces. Make sure each piece has a bit of room to shine, you don’t want them to lie on top of one another, but they also don’t need to follow exact measurements. Mixing spacing is also a nice thing to include in your layering masterpiece. Spacing from ½ in to 2in is a good range to live in. Note how in the image to the right the choker is about 2inches from the Via Lactea Pendant and 4 inches from the Astraea Pendant. Pieces with adjustable chains will make spacing so easy.

  • Variety is the spice of life. Mixing metals, incorperating textures, chain styles, small stones and beaded necklaces are a great way to add dimension and transform a look mostly make of chain into a dynamic look. I used the Nebula Necklace to do that here. It makes your eyes want to travel from piece to piece instead of not knowing where to focus.

  • Anchor your look with your longest piece. This is your longest piece and it is usually a more substantial chain or your heaviest pendant. 

  • There you go! 4 general ‘rules’ to follow to get you started in layering! And don't worry if your chains get jumbled up - it adds to the neckmess vibe! Plus, I’ve tried all the trick out there and I have yet to find one that work. (Leave a comment if you know of one!!)

    So,What do you think of layering? Is a neckmess (I’m talking LAYERRRRS) your jam or are do you lean toward a more delicate lighter look? 

    Let me to know in the comments or shoot me an email if you have any questions. I’m always happy to help! Continue reading
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