The Ultimate Guide to Layering Necklaces and Charms

The Ultimate Guide to Layering Necklaces

Mastering the art of the necklace stack is a trick that will elevate any outfit you wear. It may look effortless, but there's a bit of method behind the magic. Here's the rundown on how to get that tangle-free, intentionally layered look every time. There's no right or wrong way to wear your jewelry, so experiment with what feels right for you, but here are some tips and tricks to get you started with your stack.

Anchor Your Stack With Something Meaningful

If you're not sure where to start, begin with a piece that means something to you, or a signature piece you already reach for. A pendant or charm gives your stack a focal point. Pick that piece first, then build the rest of the stack around it.

Layering more than one charm on the same chain is a fun twist on the classic pendant look. You can keep the charms roughly similar in size so they read as a pair. Or make one the focus by varying the size on purpose, so your eye knows where to land first. Multiple charms on one chain creates a curated look that grows with you, one milestone at a time.

Two of our favorite charms right now: the Birthstone Rondelles for a bit of personalization and our Lucky Horseshoe Charm for a little extra meaning.

The Rule of Three

Once you've got your anchor, three is the easiest number to build around. This allows you to play with short, mid, and long lengths and give your eye somewhere new to land at each stop.

1. Choker + smaller pendant + larger pendant

This brings the interest down the chest with the pendants getting larger as you move down.

2. Choker + chain + pendant

This lets the longest piece act as a statement, drawing the attention to the pendant at the bottom.

3. Choker + pendant + chain

A plain chain at the end, with your pendant taking the middle spot instead of the bottom, is an easy way to add visual interest.

4. Choker with charm + chain + pendant

Sandwich your chain between two meaningful pieces by adding a charm to your choker (also a unique way to bring interest up the neck)

If three feels like too much, two necklaces at a time is a clean and simple stack for everyday wear. Let one piece take the spotlight and keep the second as quiet support.

Building Around Your Outfit

Your outfit's neckline does a lot of the decision-making here too. V-necks go well with longer necklaces that follow the line of the fabric, while high necklines look best with something shorter and closer to the collarbone. Turtlenecks are their own opportunity: layer your necklaces right over the fabric, and the more pieces you add, the more intriguing the look becomes.

As a general rule, the simpler your outfit, the bolder you can go with your stack. A plain tee or a solid color gives your necklaces room to be the whole story. This is also where mixing chunky and delicate pieces can be fun, since a simple outfit gives your necklaces room to be the focus. Keep the chunkier piece higher, closer to your neck, and let the daintier chains fall below it. Mix different chain types and thicknesses, and don't be afraid to experiment.

How to Avoid Tangling

Vary Your Lengths and Weights

Vary your lengths by at least two inches. Anything closer together and your chains will constantly more easily twist into one another, especially with movement throughout the day.

Weight matters here too. Lighter, more delicate chains shift more freely, so pairing one with something heavier gives your stack an anchor to settle around. Adding a pendant to a lighter chain can help weigh it down and keep it where you want it.

Put It On In Order

The order you clasp your necklaces in can also prevent them from tangling. Start with your shortest, lightest piece first, then layer down from there, ending with your longest or heaviest necklace. Clasping from the top down like this keeps your chains from crossing before you even get out the door.

There's No Wrong Way to Stack

At the end of the day, layering is personal. These are guidelines, not hard rules, and the best stacks are usually the ones that have evolved over time as you've added pieces that mean something to you.

Don't be afraid to try something a little funky. Wear the pieces you love together even if they don't obviously "match," mix metals and materials if the mood strikes, and let contrast do some of the work for you.

Ready to start (or add to) your neck stack? Shop our necklaces and find everyday and statement pieces, chains, and charms that you can add to make the look uniquely yours.

Want a second opinion on your stack? Our stylists offer one-on-one appointments, in-store or virtually, to help you build a look that's uniquely yours. Book an appointment.