Jewelry layering plays a big part in the way I style my outfits, especially in the summertime. These days when winter is not here yet, I can still show my neckline before I start wearing my oversized knits and turtlenecks. Even though my approach to clothes is “less is more,” I believe that “more is more” when it comes to jewelry. It doesn’t mean you have to own many jewelry pieces, but rather that you know how to mix them for a chic, effortless look. It also allows you to create new pieces from the ones you already have and save the need to shop for more jewelry items.
Links to the jewelry pieces I wear:
For similar alternatives:
My Jewelry Layering Guidelines
My first and most important rule for jewelry layering is to have fun with it and not be afraid to play around with your pieces. You can never know what you might come up with using a bit of trial and error. Experience with different combinations, with the main goal of creating a cohesive yet effortless look. Before you start mixing, pay attention to several characteristics jewelry pieces usually have:
Metal type and color- Gold and silver jewelry have a neutral color, and you can wear them with almost every outfit. You can also mix the two. I usually wear gold pieces and mix them with pearls, which also have a neutral color.
Texture- Each piece has a unique texture and shape. Mixing textures makes the layering more sophisticated and versatile. Alternatively, you can choose pieces with a similar texture for a more refined, classy look.
Jewelry length – Playing with the length of your jewelry pieces, especially your necklaces, can also help you create versatile looks. Therefore, I recommend checking the length of the piece you want to buy and making sure it has an extender.
Layering Your Necklaces
When it comes to necklaces layering, it is worthwhile to pay attention to the type of neckline and fabric you’re wearing. In winter, when collars are thicker, it is best to wear chunky or statement necklaces. If your top has an open neck or a thinner fabric, you can choose to wear both dainty pieces and statement pieces. Ensure that the necklace length does not meet your neckline and ends above or below it. As I’ve already mentioned, I like playing with the length of my necklaces according to the layering I choose for that day.
Another recommendation is not to buy necklaces that come already paired together, as they can limit your layering options. If you have attached necklaces, you can separate them and connect each one to a bracket of its own. You can do this by yourself at home or ask for assistance in an arts and crafts store.
Link to the thick gold necklace
In order to create a stylish layered look with your necklaces:
a. Choose necklaces in different thicknesses and texture.
b. Try mixing statement and dainty pieces for a more balanced look. Bear in mind that the more dominant the necklace you choose, the fewer pieces you can layer with it and vice versa.
c. You can either stack your necklaces with spaces between them or let them sit on top of one another for a more effortless piled-on look.
d. Start with the most dominant chain and add more pieces accordingly.
Links to my necklaces or similar alternatives:
Layering Bracelets
Similarly to necklace layering, start with the most dominant bracelet and add bracelets in different textures and shapes. It is worth paying attention to the bracelet length so that it is in the right size for you and you can adjust it according to the desired position on your hand. I like when my bracelets are relatively close together and don’t overlap. This way, I can create a more stacked chic look.
Bracelet links:
Charm bracelet (similar)
Chain bracelet (similar)
Stacking Rings
When you stack your rings, you can go for a more minimalistic look and mix thin and dainty rings or choose chunky rings that are more dominant on the hand for a more piled-on look. You can also stack some dainty rings on the same finger. I also love mixing silver and gold (sometimes on the same finger), creating a vintage-style look.
Links to my rings or similar alternatives:
Ring on index finger – an old design by Shlomit Ofir
Thick ring on the fourth finger
Earrings Layering
Layering earrings on the same ear depends on the number of piercings you have, but there is another option. You can use an ear cuff that doesn’t require piercing, as seen in the photo above. I love mixing hoops and studs, as I usually wear the more dominant earring in my first hole. You can also play with it in other creative ways, using the same principles of the other jewelry types I’ve mentioned above.
Links to my earrings or similar alternatives:
Lastly, balancing your jewelry layering requires harmonizing it on all parts of your body. For example, if you wear a statement necklace, you can style it with more dainty earrings. I do not recommend wearing matching jewelry sets to avoid an overmatched look. Instead, mix different styles to get an effortless and sophisticated look.
I hope this post will inspire you to create different layering styles with your jewelry. If you want to learn how to shop for quality fashion jewelry, read about it here. The best thing to remember in jewelry layering is to enjoy playing with it and be creative with what you have :).
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