Layering is fundamental in jewelry styling and getting great use out of your collection. Strength in numbers proves to work really well, drawing more attention to delicate pieces and creating a major statement with several of them at once. Playing with lengths, textures and mixing colorful stones and contrasting metals into the equation, Laura Freedman, founder of Broken English and jewelry industry veteran, agrees that however you want to show off your jewelry story, making it feel authentic to you and your personal tastes is always super stylish. Check out her favorite layering tips below.
Where to start with necklace lengths?
Making sure you have variety in short, medium and long is essential when it comes to necklace layering. Having too many pieces that hit at the same point of the neck and décolletage makes for a jumbled look that may work for some but can often lead to a tangled and unfocused cluster. Short is usually defined by 14-16” and the categories of chokers or collars also fall in here. Medium is around 18-20” in length and long is around 22-24”. One of each is a great place to start building your layers.
What are some ways to build dimension in a layered look?
Varying textures like different sized links or braided chains is a simple and effective way in breaking up sameness in a layered look. If your style is a little more playful, you can always add completely different materials like a diamond line necklace, a beaded strand or silk cord for variety. Anchoring the look with a pendant or charm at the end of your longest layer rounds out the group.
How many pieces should be worn at once?
This is entirely up to you and your level of comfort, but I believe in odd numbers being more harmonious in a visual sense, so aim for three to start and try out five when you’re in a more confident layering groove. Don’t let it become too overpowering with statement pieces and if it feels like too much, you’re probably right - take one off!
What does one wear with layered necklaces?
I’d say layering can go with pretty much anything! But pay attention to necklines for sure. It can be as easy as a crew neck tee for a medium cluster, a square neck or v-neck blouse for shorter necklaces (as not to compete with cleavage!) and a turtleneck sweater can make for a great base for a longer layered look. It should feel very effortless to keep on the layered necklaces for day to night.
Do the layers have to be with one metal or is this an opportunity to mix?
I absolutely love to encourage mixing metals and I think following a “two against one” formula is a smart approach, by keeping two the same and adding an accent opposing metal. Reinforce the idea with bracelets, earrings, and rings in mixed metals as well. If you’d prefer to streamline your look to one metal, try adding in pieces with varying finishes or textures like satin matte or hammered to break up monotony and give it depth.
Are there any simple mistakes to avoid in styling out necklace layers?
Definitely, so here are a few rules. Avoid super thin chains of the same length or this could lead to a tangled disaster. It also doesn’t look harmonious if the chains are all hitting at the same point. Too many pendants can also be an issue and can create a distracting jumble. And sometimes there really is too much of a good thing and this goes for layers as well, don’t overdo it! Keep adding variety but know when to stop, I still prefer 3 or 5 in total and do your best to break it up with length and texture.
Any other points of wisdom?
Don’t overthink it! Layering is a great way to showcase your collection and dust off pieces in your jewelry box that might become more interesting when placed in a group. It’s also a cool way to experiment with your personal style and tell a little story about yourself and what interests you, especially when pendants, charms and colors are involved. You can incorporate heirloom jewelry, birthstones or symbols to share more about yourself through the language of jewelry. We have so many incredible personal pieces at Broken English, this kind of jewelry is the cornerstone of our offering and we are always here to help with styling in store or even virtually if that’s needed. We absolutely love when our clients wear jewelry in new ways and come in to keep building on these layers over time. None of this is set in stone! Keep trying out what seems to work for you and tweak over and over again. The point is to just have fun.
