The Art of Layering Necklaces The Right Way

There's something utterly magnetic about a woman who's mastered the delicate art of layering necklaces. 

Just ask Hailey Bieber, who's been spotted repeatedly wearing her signature stack of gold chains. This season, we're seeing fashion's most influential tastemakers embrace the beauty of stacked jewellery with renewed passion. 

And there’s no shame in denying that we want in. Here’s how you can finally master the art of layering necklaces. 

The Foundation of Flawless Layering

Every great necklace layer begins with understanding the fundamentals. Think of layering necklaces as creating harmony around your décolletage. Each piece should complement the others whilst maintaining its own distinct voice.

The secret lies in varying lengths, textures, and weights. 

Start with your statement piece. Perhaps a delicate 16 inch chain that sits perfectly at your collarbone? This necklace becomes your anchor, the foundation upon which you'll build your masterpiece.

Here’s a quick look at the lengths you can master:

When you’re stacking, make sure to consider the neckline of your outfit carefully. A plunging V-neck calls for longer chains that follow the garment's lines, whilst a crisp white shirt pairs beautifully with shorter, more structured pieces that peek above the collar.

Start with Different Lengths

If you take anything from this guide, let it be this: start with different lengths. 

While there are no hard rules when it comes to fashion, if you're seeking guidelines on how to stack necklaces, start by layering two or three complementary pieces of varying lengths.

The magic happens when you mix lengths strategically. Begin with the shortest necklace first,  perhaps a 14 inch choker, then work your way to longer chains. This prevents tangling and ensures each piece sits properly.

Pro tip: If you want to add length to a shorter necklace, consider a necklace extender. These clever little tools can transform a 16 inch piece into an 18 or 20 inch layer instantly.

Gold Layers are Super Trendy Right Now 

We can’t quite put our finger on it, but the warm tones of gold possess an almost alchemical ability to enhance every skin tone, making it the ultimate choice for versatile luxury. 

When creating your gold layered necklace look, think about mixing different gold tones, because who says you have to stick to just one? 

Rose gold brings warmth and romance (very Bridgerton energy), and yellow gold offers classic elegance. White gold adds a contemporary edge. 

Start with a delicate gold chain as your base layer; a 16 inch chain works for most necklines. Add a slightly thicker 18 inch chain in a complementary tone, then introduce texture with a 20 inch rope chain or beaded design. 

Pearl Girl Summer (and Fall, and Winter…)

Nothing quite captures old-world glamour like a thoughtfully curated layered pearl necklace arrangement. Ask any fashion editor, and they'll tell you that pearls possess an inherent sophistication that makes them perfect for both traditional and contemporary layering techniques. 

Angelina Jolie did it a decade ago, before it was considered trendy. Guess fashion comes in circles, after all? 

A single strand of pearls serves as an elegant foundation, but the real magic happens when you introduce varying pearl sizes and chain types. Consider pairing a classic 18 inch pearl strand with a delicate 16 inch chain featuring scattered pearl accents. It's unexpected, it's modern, and it's absolutely genius.

For evening occasions, a layered pearl necklace combined with metallic chains creates a stunning contrast. The organic beauty of pearls against the geometric precision of gold or silver chains epitomises modern luxury. It's poetry in jewellery form, really.

Silver Lining With a Silver Layered Necklace

Silver layered necklace offers a different kind of luxury altogether. Silver's versatility makes it perfect for those who prefer understated elegance to flashy displays of wealth. 

Very Scandi-cool, very intentional.

Contemporary silver layered necklace designs often incorporate mixed metals, creating pieces that work really well with gold. 

Oxidised silver adds drama. The darkened finish creates a striking contrast against brighter metals and complements both casual and formal attire. It's particularly effective when layered with smooth, polished chains for that perfect high-low balance. 

Sterling silver's accessibility compared to gold makes it perfect for experimenting with bold layering combinations. You can build an extensive collection without splurging on precious metals.

Channel Your Inner Fashion Editor

Don't be afraid to lean into your creativity by mixing and matching different chain types, necklace styles, and metals, because the best dressed women break rules; they don't follow them religiously. 

Sometimes figuring out what goes together is pure trial and error, so embrace the experimentation until you nail the look you're hoping for.

Chain Types That'll Change Your Life Like They Have Ours 

• Thin, dainty links for delicate foundation layers (your jewellery equivalent of a white tee)

• Herringbone chains for sophisticated texture (very '90s supermodel)

• Cable chains for classic appeal (timeless for a reason)

• Braided designs for bohemian flair (perfect for your inner free spirit)

• Beaded styles for organic texture (adds that artisanal touch)

• Curb chains for contemporary edge (hello, street style star)

• Mesh designs for liquid-like drape (pure luxury in motion)

Mastering the Mix

Fashion insiders understand that mixing metals creates the most compelling layered looks, and honestly, anyone still following the "no mixing metals" rule needs to get with the times. 

Try sandwiching a white gold piece between two yellow gold chains, or wear a silver choker with longer gold pieces for unexpected harmony. It's like colour blocking, but for metals.

Some people stick rigidly to only gold or only silver, but you might be surprised when you mix things up. The key is balance, let one metal dominate whilst using others as beautiful accents. Think of it as the 70-20-10 rule, but for jewellery.

WARNING! Don't Overpower the Outfit

Consider your jewellery the icing on the cake. 

It's designed to make your ensemble sparkle and shine, sometimes literally, but it shouldn't necessarily take centre stage unless that's precisely what you're aiming for.

Think about how your garments work with the layered necklaces. Pair more delicate fabrics or casual outfits with subtler pieces, and use statement jewellery to truly dazzle when wearing formal or dressy attire.

Hair styling also impacts how layered necklaces appear. Updos showcase the full effect of your layering. Long, loose hair, on the other hand, might require longer chains to maintain visibility. Consider how your hairstyle interacts with your jewellery choices.

Popular Necklace Types Every Collector Needs

If you're unsure where to begin when adding pieces to your jewellery collection, consider these ever so chic options:

Paperclip Chains

These chains serve as trendy accent pieces or fantastic foundational necklaces. Their geometric links catch light beautifully and work with virtually any layering combination.

Choker Necklaces 

Choker necklaces sit snugly around your neck and pair effortlessly with longer pieces. They come in various chain types and even fabric versions for textural interest.

Bar Necklaces

Bar necklaces offer understated elegance with their clean, geometric design. Whether horizontal or vertical, they provide sophisticated minimalism.

Festoon Necklaces

Festoon necklaces feature built in layered effects, making them perfect for pairing with one shorter chain for additional depth without complexity.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Your Signature Style

Think of building your layered necklace collection like dating. Are you going to marry the first guy you grab a drink with? No. 

You're curating a jewellery wardrobe that'll be your ride-or-die for years to come. Here's how to find your perfect match(es):

Step 1: Start Your Jewellery Journey

Begin with two complementary pieces. Maybe a delicate gold chain paired with a slightly chunkier silver piece? The goal is to get comfortable with the whole "multiple necklaces at once" thing without looking like you raided a costume jewellery store. Trust the process, gorgeous.

Step 2: Build Your Jewellery Dating Profile

Time for some mirror work, and we mean that in the best way! 

Longer necks can handle dramatic, statement layering, while shorter necks look absolutely stunning with carefully chosen, proportionate pieces. You're not trying to overwhelm your natural beauty; you're enhancing it. 

Step 3: Invest in Your Jewellery Soulmates 

These are your high quality chains in versatile lengths, basically, the little black dress of your jewellery collection. 

Choose pieces that'll work with multiple layering combinations and still look chic five years from now. Yes, they cost more upfront, but these are the pieces you'll wear on repeat. 

Step 4: Play the Field with Trend Pieces 

Once you've got your foundation sorted, this is where the fun begins! Try that viral paperclip chain everyone's obsessing over, or experiment with colourful beads. These trend driven pieces can be more budget friendly experiments.

Step 5: Develop Your Jewellery Intuition 

As you experiment, you'll naturally develop an eye for what works. This is your style sense awakening, and it's beautiful to witness.

Step 6: Make It Personal  

Figuring out how to layer necklaces is really about determining what you love and what works with your wardrobe. Style remains deeply personal, so always default to what speaks to your fashion sense.

Step 7: Embrace the Fun 

Remember, if you're not having fun with the process, you're doing it wrong! The best-dressed people aren't afraid to experiment, fail, and try again tomorrow with a completely different vibe.

Your Layered Life Awaits

Mastering the art of layering necklaces isn't really about following rules; it's about falling in love with the process of getting dressed every morning. 

The best part? This is just the beginning. 

Your layering journey will evolve as you do. 

Now you know what would look really good with that gold layer necklace? A Hermes Birkin. And we know just the place to get one, without the waitlists and endless drama. 

Head on over to Love Luxury, your one stop solution for all things luxury. Whether you need luxury bags or watches, we’ve got something for everyone. 

Happy shopping, loves!